Authorization Representative

Job Description

Our client is seeking an Authorization Coordinator for a long term contract opportunity (with possibilities to go permanent). The Authorization Coordinator will be responsible for performing the appropriate processes to verify patient eligibility, coordinate benefits, ensure insurance coverage, and determine if prior authorization is needed for said order. If needed, obtains authorization and documents in the patient electronic medical record. Facilitates responses to patient inquiries regarding authorizations within turnaround standards. "These Principal Accountabilities, Requirements and Qualifications are not exhaustive, but are merely the most descriptive of the current job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, staff changes, workload, or technical development)

DUTIES:

• Verifies patient eligibility, facility approval, follows up as necessary to obtain authorization in a timely fashion and enters authorization numbers in medical record/computer as directed.
• Collects pertinent demographics and clinical data for each authorization required and places calls to insurance companies and/or reviews organizations to obtain authorization.
• Enters all authorization requests into the patient’s electronic health record utilizing appropriate codes, treatment types and providers.
• Communicates with physicians and department staff when there are issues with authorization.
• Interfaces with patients or third-party payers as necessary to gather additional information and convey approvals, denials or appeals.
• Provides excellent customer service by listening to provider, staff and patient concerns and assisting them in resolving issues in a courteous manner while documenting appropriately.
• Cross-trains others to assure consistent coverage; provide back up support as needed.

REQUIREMENTS:

• HS Diploma or equivalent education/experience
• 1+ years recent relevant experience.
• Medical terminology, Current Procedural Terminology (CPT)/Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS)/International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-9 coding knowledge.
• Knowledge of medical terminology/anatomy.
• Ability to exercise discretion and make independent judgments, seeking review when decisions represent significant departure from established guidelines.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs including Excel, Word or similar programs.
• Ability to maintain composure during challenging interpersonal interactions.
• Active listening skills; including interpersonal skills and telephone communication.
• Organizational skills with attention to detail and follow-up.