Utilization Management Coordinator

Welcome! We’re excited you’re considering an opportunity with us! To apply to this position and be considered, click the Apply button located above this message and complete the application in full.  Below, you’ll find other important information about this position. 

The Utilization Management Coordinator (UMC) specializes in assessing and mitigating concurrent denials to support authorization obtainment, avoid costly and lengthy appeals, and optimize reimbursement. The UMC has acute knowledge and skills in areas of utilization management (UM), medical necessity, patient status determination, payor behavior, and methods to overturn concurrent denials. The UMC partners closely with the Utilization Review Nurses, Physician Advisor team, and Clinical Appeals to develop and implement process improvement, prevent, and manage denials, and identify areas of education opportunity for physicians.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND/OR LICENSURE:

1. Current Registered Nurse license issued by the state in which services will be provided or current multi-state Registered Nurse license through the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC).

EXPERIENCE:

1. Four (4) years clinical experience in a hospital setting.

2. Three (3) years Utilization Review and/or Clinical Appeals and/or case management experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND/OR LICENSURE:

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing OR Associate of Science in Nursing Degree (ASN) or Diploma.

CORE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The statements described here are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this position.  They are not intended to be constructed as an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities and duties.  Other duties may be assigned.

1. Assess all referred concurrent denials to determine appropriate next steps including, but not limited to, requesting peer to peer, determining need to change billing status, requesting additional clinical information from the Utilization Review RNs, and referring cases to the Clinical Appeals team.

2. Reviews medical record documentation and provides recommendations for denial management based on clinical expertise and payor behaviors. 

3. Partners with leadership and contracting to develop most beneficial language for payor agreements and contracts.

4. Collaborates with internal and external physician advisor functions by coordinating and facilitating peer to peer assignments.

5. Collaborates with UR coordinators, clinical appeals, and physician advisors to prevent and manage concurrent denials.

6. Advocates for the patient and hospital with insurance companies to optimize reimbursement and hospital stay coverage.

7. Manages all assigned processes in compliance with the Medicare Conditions of Participation including, but not limited to the W2/121 billing/self-denial process, patient communication regarding UR committee determinations, and communication with external entities as required in the federal and state regulations.

8. Analyzes key metrics for projects as assigned.

9. Maintains working knowledge of payor requirements.

10. Partner with Clinical Appeals team to ensure aligned process for front and back end denial management.

11. Provide highly effective reconsideration clinicals to payors in order to prevent denials

12. Facilitates professional communication to ensure the authorization process is completed in a patient centered manner with adherence to quality and timeline standards. 

13. Maintains effective and efficient processes for determining appropriate admission status based on the regulatory and reimbursement requirements of various commercial and government payers.

14. Maintains knowledge and understanding of applicable federal regulations and Conditions of Participation.

15. Actively participates in process improvement initiatives, working with a variety of departments and multidisciplinary staff.

16. Effectively and efficiently manages a diverse workload in a fast-paced, rapidly changing regulatory environment. 

17. Collaborates with other members of the interdisciplinary team as outlined in the system UM Plan

18. Coordinates communication with physicians and collaborates to ensure appropriate patient status.

19. This individual identifies, develops, and provides orientation, training, and competency development for appropriate staff and colleagues on an ongoing basis.

20. Consistently demonstrate ability to serve as a role model and change agent by promoting the concept of teamwork and the revenue cycle process continuum of high performing teams.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Office work which includes sitting for extended periods of time.

2. Must have reading and comprehension ability.

3. Visual acuity must be within normal range.

4. Must be able to communicate effectively.

5. Must have manual dexterity to operate keyboards, fax machines, telephones and other business equipment.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Office work which includes sitting for extended periods of time.

2. Maintains confidential home office space

3. Required weekends and holidays as assigned

SKILLS & ABILILTIES:

1. Effective verbal and written communication skills.

2. Strong interpersonal skills.

3. Strong attention to detail.

4. Knowledge of medical terminology required.

5. Knowledge of third party payers required.

6. Ability to use tact and diplomacy in dealing with others.

7. Working knowledge of computers.

8. Excellent customer service and telephone etiquette.

Additional Job Description:

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Shift:

Exempt/Non-Exempt:

United States of America (Exempt)

Company:

SYSTEM West Virginia University Health System

Cost Center:

553 SYSTEM Utilization Review