Utilization Management Specialist I

SUN Behavioral Delaware; Georgetown (DE); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

SUN Behavioral Delaware is seeking a case management coordinator to oversee admissions coordination, denials handling, and appeals for insurance coverage. You will document patient status, communicate with physicians and payors, and support discharge planning and utilization review.

Knowledge of Medicare/Medicaid processes and HIPAA compliance is essential. Qualifications include a high school diploma or GED, CPR and de-escalation training, with preferred Associates or Bachelor’s degree.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required with CPR and de-escalation training.
• One year of experience in a behavioral healthcare setting preferred.
• Associates or Bachelor's degree preferred; experience can substitute education.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate case management through admission to discharge.
• Assist with admissions authorization and appeals with payors.
• Process retroactive reviews and write appeal letters as needed.
• Maintain denial logs and communicate with CFO/Business Office.
• Engage in performance improvement activities and safety initiatives.
• Attend staff meetings and communicate with care teams.

Skills

Documentation

Communication

Teamwork

HIPAA compliance

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or GED

CPR certification

De-escalation training

Associates or Bachelor’s degree (preferred)

Job description

Position Summary:Responsible for the coordination of case management strategies pursuant to the Case Management process. Assists and coordinates care of the patient from pre-hospitalization through discharges. Responsible for assisting with authorization of admissions to hospital. Processes retroactive reviews and appeals, copies needed documentation and writes retro/appeal letters for insurance companies to ensure coverage for patient admissions. Conducts follow up calls with insurance companies to ensure coverage for patient admissions. Participates in performance improvement activities. Attends 80% of staff meetings. Coordinates care for patient through communication with Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Services, Nursing, Assessment and Referrals Department.Position Responsibilities:Clinical / Technical Skills (40% of performance review)Provides thorough documentation and timely updates regarding patient status on log sheets that are prepared for daily meetings concerning admissions, reviews and discharges; including case s with limited benefits, cases in peer review/denial and /or unplanned dischargesCoordinates with managed care companies or other third-party payors regarding peer reviews, retrospective reviews and appeals. Document s and updates the denial log to reflect same.Consults Business Office and/or admission staff as needed to clarify data and ensure authorization processes are complete.Documents in HCS the results of admission and concurrent reviews.Stays informed about changes in Medicare and Medicaid.Ability to stage local laws, ordinances and practices governing involuntary hospitalization and ensure compliance with same.Reviews the quality of documentation for each level of care to ensure clinical effectiveness and appropriateness of treatment.Maintains an active involvement and awareness of all patient admissions, discharges and transfers to alternate levels of care. Oversees continuity of care for each level of care transition.Develops and maintains processes to minimize denials and communication of same to CFO and Business Office Director.Reports results of daily treatment team meetings all discharges and status of high-risk case such as limited benefits, peer reviews, denials or unplanned discharges.Timely retroactive reviews and appeals within current monthStrong knowledge of external review organizations (i.e.: Medicare/Managed Care/Medicaid) with knowledge of payor resources and planning.Types and mails all correspondence in a timely manner.Answers the telephone in a polite manner, Communicates information to the appropriate staff.Interacts with patients/families in a professional manner. Provides explanations regarding statements, insurance coverage.Support discharge planning and utilization review when necessaryPerform other duties as requiredSafety (15% of performance review)Strives to create a safe, healing environment for patients and family membersFollows all safety rules while on the job.Reports near misses, as well as errors and accidents promptly.Corrects minor safety hazards.Communicates with peers and management regarding any hazards identified in the workplace.Attends all required safety programs and understands responsibilities related to general, department, and job specific safety.Participates in quality projects, as assigned, and supports quality initiatives.Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.Teamwork (15% of performance review)Works well with others in a spirit of teamwork and cooperation.Responds willingly to colleagues and serves as an active part of the hospital team.Builds collaborative relationships with patients, families, staff, and physicians.The ability to retrieve, communicate, and present data and information both verbally and in writing as requiredDemonstrates listening skills and the ability to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken and written word.Demonstrates adequate skills in all forms of communication.Adheres to the Standards of BehaviorIntegrity (15% of performance review)Strives to always do the right thing for the patient, coworkers, and the hospitalAdheres to established standards, policies, procedures, protocols, and laws.Applies the Mission and Values of SUN Behavioral Health to personal practice and commits to service excellence.Supports and demonstrates fiscal responsibility through supply usage, ordering of supplies, and conservation of facility resources.Completes required trainings within defined time periods, as established by job description, policies, or hospital leadershipExemplifies professionalism through good attendance and positive attitude, at all times.Maintains confidentiality of patient and staff information, following HIPAA and other privacy laws.Ensures proper documentation in all position activities, following federal and state guidelines.Compassion (15% of performance review)Demonstrates accountability for ensuring the highest quality patient care for patients.Willingness to be accepting of those in need, and to extend a helping handDesire to go above and beyond for othersUnderstanding and accepting of cultural diversity and differencesEducationRequired: High school diploma or GED. CPR and hospital-selected de-escalation technique certification.Preferred: Associates or Bachelors degree.Maintains education and development appropriate for position.May substitute experience for educationExperienceRequired: One year of experience in a behavioral healthcare setting.Preferred: Previous experience in a Utilization Management department or as a Mental Health TechMay substitute education for experience