Job Description

Business Objective:

The Prior Authorization RN is responsible for reviewing and processing medical prior authorization requests to ensure services are medically necessary, meet evidence-based guidelines, and align with the health plan’s policies. This RN plays a critical role in supporting cost-effective care while ensuring quality and compliance in alignment with regulatory and accreditation standards.

Core Functions:

1. Manages health Plan consumer/beneficiaries’ across the health care continuum to achieve optimal clinical, financial, operational, and satisfaction outcomes.

2. Provides pre-service determinations, concurrent review, and case management functions within Medical Management. Ensures quality of service and consistent documentation.

3. Works collaboratively with both internal and external customers in assisting health Plan consumer/beneficiaries’ and providers with issues related to prior authorization, utilization management, and/or case management. Meets internal and external customer service expectations regarding duties and professionalism.

4. Performs transfer of accurate, pertinent patient information to support the pre-service determination(s), the transition of patient care needs through the continuum of care, and performs follow-up calls for advanced care coordination. Documents accurately and timely, all interventions and necessary patient related activities in the correct medical record.

5. Evaluates the medical necessity and appropriateness of care, optimizing health Plan consumer/beneficiaries’ outcomes. Identifies issues that may delay patient services and refers to case management, when indicated to facilitate resolution of these issues, pre-service, concurrently and post-service.

6. Provides ongoing education to internal and external stakeholders that play a critical role in the continuum of care model. Training topics consist of population health management, evidence based practices, and all other topics that impact medical management functions.

7. Identifies and refers requests for services to the appropriate Medical Director and/or other physician clinical peer when guidelines are not clearly met. Conducts call rotation for the health plan, as well as departmental call rotation for holiday.

8. Maintains a thorough understanding of each plan, including the Evidence of Coverage, Summary Plan Description authorization requirements, and all applicable federal, state and commercial criteria, such as CMS, MCG, and Hayes.

Required Qualifications:

• Active, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in [Arizona or Compact State].
• Minimum of 3 years of RN experience in any clinical setting.
• 3–5 years of experience in case management, prior authorization, or utilization management (UM).
• Experience working in primarily outpatient settings, with working knowledge of inpatient care coordination.
• Utilization Management experience is required.
• Familiarity with reviewing and applying evidence-based clinical guidelines (this is a pre-service focused role).
• Proficient in the use of MCG (CareWebQI) and InterQual for clinical reviews.
• Strong clinical judgment and communication skills.
• High level of attention to detail and documentation accuracy

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