Description

UPMC Community Medicine Incorporated is hiring a full-time Authorization Specialist to support Three Rivers Orthopedics located at St. Margaret's campus. This position will work Monday through Friday 8am-4:30pm

To perform authorization activities of inpatient, outpatient and emergency department patients, denial management and all revenue functions. Need to demonstrate, through actions, a consistent performance standard of excellence to which all work is to conform. The expertise of the Authorization Specialist shall include working knowledge in the area of authorization related activities including pre-authorizations, notifications, edits, denials, etc. The Authorization Specialist shall demonstrate the philosophy and core values of UPMC in the performance of duties.

Responsibilities:

• Prior authorization responsibilities1. Reviews and interprets medical record documentation for patient history, diagnosis, and previous treatment plans to pre-authorize insurance plan determined procedures to avoid financial penalties to patient, provider and facility. 2. Utilizes payor-specific approved criteria or state laws and regulations to determine medical necessity or the clinical appropriateness for inpatient admissions, outpatient facility, office services, durable medical equipment, and drugs in terms of type, frequency, extent, site and duration, and considered effective for the patient's illness, injury, or disease. 3. Ensures accurate coding of the diagnosis, procedure, and services being rendered using ICD-9-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II. 4. Provides referral/pre-notification/authorization services timely to avoid unnecessary delays in treatment and reduce excessive nonclinical administrative time required of providers. 5. Submits pertinent demographic and supporting clinical data to payor to request approval for services being rendered.
• General responsibilities:1. Maintains compliance with departmental quality standards and productivity measures. 2. Works collaboratively with internal and external contacts specifically, Physician Services and Hospital Division, across UPMC as well as payors to enhance customer satisfaction and process compliance, ensuring the seamless coordination of work and to avoid a negative financial impact.3. Utilizes 18+ UPMC system and insurance payor or contracted provider web sites to perform prior authorization, edit, and denial services.4. Utilize authorization resources along with any other applicable reference material to obtain accurate prior authorization.
• Retrospective authorization responsibilities1. Resolves basic authorization edits to ensure timely claim filing and elimination of payor rejections and or denials.
• Obtain lab/x-ray reports, hospital notes, authorizations, information, etc. Complete forms/requisitions as needed. Schedule appointments. Verify insurance coverage and patient demographics. Prepare and managing charts to ensure information completed
• Send/receive patient medical records in accordance with Health Insurance. Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other state and federal regulations.
• Prepare patient rooms, set up instruments and equipment according to department protocol. Clean exam/procedure rooms, instruments and equipment between patient visits to maintain infection control.
• Check schedules and organizing patient flow. Accompany patients to exam/procedure room. Assist patients as needed with walking, transfers, dressing, collecting specimens, preparing for exam, etc. Collect patient information/history; taking vitals, per
• Comply with requirements of appropriate regulatory agencies (i.e. OSHA, CLIA, PA Department of Health). Maintain strict confidentiality related to medical records and other data. Comply with all UPMC Health System policies and procedures.
• Answering calls, taking patient messages, and follow up as appropriate. Provide pertinent information including patient education as directed.
• Perform clinic procedures according to policy and procedure. Assist physicians with procedures. Document patient information into the medical record. Clean according to scheduled maintenance program and keeping appropriate records. Manage inventory o

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent with 2 years working experience in a medical environment (such as a hospital, doctor's office, or ambulatory clinic)
  • OR an Associate's degree and 1 year of experience in a medical environment required.
  • (Bachelor's degree (B.A) preferred)
• Completion of a medical terminology course (or equivalent) required
• Skills Required: Knowledge and interpretation of medical terminology, ICD-9, and CPT codes
  • Must be proficient in Microsoft Office applications Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to analyze data and use independent judgment
• Skills Preferred: Understanding of authorization processes, insurance guidelines, third party payors, and reimbursement practicesExperience utilizing a web-based computerized system.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

• Act 34

Individuals hired into this role must comply with UPMC's COVID vaccination requirements upon beginning employment with UPMC. Refer to the COVID-19 Vaccination Information section at the top of this page to learn more.

UPMC has a Center for Engagement and Inclusion that is charged with executing leading-edge and next-generation diversity strategies to advance the organization's diversity management capability and its national presence as a diversity leader. This includes having Employee Resource Groups, such as PRIDE Health or UPMC ENABLED (Empowering Abilities and Leveraging Differences) Network, which support the implementation of our diversity strategy.

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran