Utilization Review Clinician - Remote (RN, PT, or OT)

WellSky; Chicago (IL); Remote; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent medical benefits

Mental Health support through EAP

Generous PTO and 13 paid holidays

100% vested 401(K) retirement plans

Educational assistance

Job summary

WellSky is seeking a proactive Utilization Review Clinician to review medical records for medical necessity, coordinate post-acute care, and ensure timely follow-ups to prevent readmissions. You will apply clinical guidelines and collaborate with providers to determine appropriate care levels.

The role requires RN/OT/PT licensure and 4-6 years of clinical experience, plus comfort with Microsoft Office and decision-support tools; travel up to 30% may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.
• 4-6 years of clinical nursing or therapy experience.
• Active RN, OT, or PT license.

Responsibilities

• Conduct prior authorization reviews and continued stay reviews for post-acute care services using clinical guidelines.
• Approve services in compliance with health plan guidelines and medical necessity criteria.
• Collaborate with case managers, physicians, and medical directors to ensure appropriate levels of care.
• Participate in team meetings and reliability testing to maintain review consistency.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and accreditation standards and identify process improvements.
• Support payer programs and initiatives related to the post-acute space.
• Make benefit determinations about appropriate levels of care using guidelines.
• Coordinate benefits and transitions between areas of care.
• Utilize resources in the healthcare system to assist physicians and patients.
• Perform other job duties as assigned.

Skills

Clinical nursing

Therapy experience

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience

Tools

MCG Guidelines

InterQual

Job description

The Utilization Review Clinician is responsible for reviewing medical records to determine medical necessity. This includes conducting patient evaluations, managing admissions and informational visits, and ensuring timely post-discharge follow-ups with completed assessments to help prevent acute care readmissions.

In this role, you will also review requests for post-acute services promptly, using established clinical guidelines and coverage criteria to assess appropriateness. You'll collaborate with physicians, healthcare providers, and both internal and external stakeholders to support improved health outcomes. By applying clinical expertise, you'll coordinate care with facilities and providers, follow standard operating procedures and organizational policies, and consult with peer reviewers, Medical Directors, or delegated clinical reviewers to ensure care is medically appropriate, high-quality, and cost-effective throughout the medical management process.

The ideal candidate will have working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Word, Excel) and be comfortable using clinical decision support tools and operational software.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct prior authorization reviews and/or continued stay reviews for post-acute care services by applying clinical guidelines and escalating cases to medical directors as needed
• Approve services in compliance with health plan guidelines, contractual agreements, and medical necessity criteria
• Collaborate with case managers, physicians, and medical directors to ensure appropriate levels of care and seamless care transitions
• Participate in team meetings, educational activities, and interrater reliability testing to maintain review consistency and professional growth
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and accreditation standards, and identify opportunities to enhance communication or processes
• Support all payer programs and initiatives related to the post-acute space
• Make benefit determinations about appropriate levels of care using clinical guidelines
• Coordinate benefits and transitions between various areas of care
• Utilize knowledge of resources available in the healthcare system to assist physicians and patients effectively
• Perform other job duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience
• 4-6 years of clinical nursing or therapy experience
• Active RN, OT, or PT license

Preferred Qualifications:

• 1-2 years' experience in utilization review, case management and/or managed care regulations
• Experience with MCG Guidelines, InterQual or other clinical decision support tools, especially inutilization managementandprior authorizationprocesses

Job Expectations:

• Willing to travel up to 30% based on business needs
• Willing to work additional or irregular hours as needed
• Must work in accordance with applicable security policies and procedures to safeguard company and client information
• Must be able to sit and view a computer screen for extended periods of time

WellSky is where independent thinking and collaboration come together to create an authentic culture. We thrive on innovation, inclusiveness, and cohesive perspectives. At WellSky you can make a difference.

Here are some of the exciting benefits full-time teammates are eligible to receive at WellSky:

• Excellent medical with Rx, dental, and vision benefits
• Mental Health support through EAP
• Generous paid time off, plus 13 paid holidays
• 100% vested 401(K) retirement plans
• Educational assistance up to $2500 per year

WellSky provides equal employment opportunities to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, protected medical condition, genetic information, military service, veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law. WellSky is proud to be a drug-free workplace.

Applicants for U.S.-based positions with WellSky must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Certain client-facing positions may be required to comply with applicable requirements, such as immunizations and occupational health mandates.

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