Radiology Authorization Specialist

Radiology Authorization Specialist

Reporting to the Radiology Authorization Supervisor, the Radiology Authorization Specialist is responsible for independently managing all work related to medical necessity-based authorizations for all diagnostic imaging services ordered by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) providers. Working in a fast-paced, high-volume, dynamic environment, the Radiology Authorization Specialist will demonstrate strong understanding of payer coverage policies, applying appropriate payer guidelines to all aspects of radiology prior authorization work. The Specialist will leverage their strong understanding of medical terminology and physiology to retrieve the appropriate clinical documents (e.g., progress notes, lab values, scan results) from within the electronic medical record (EMR). The Radiology Authorization Specialist will create thorough, concise prior authorization requests to all payers.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Primary Duties And Responsibilities

With direct supervision, the Radiology Authorization Specialist:

• Reviews and monitors all radiology authorization work queues and independently identifies and prioritizes imaging procedures with the greatest financial reimbursement risk.
• Reprioritizes work to respond to clinically urgent diagnostic imaging procedures and produces high quality work under pressure.
• Verifies insurance eligibility and benefits, utilizing automated eligibility systems, payer portals, or telephone communication.
• Prepares and completes payer-specific prior authorization requests, interprets medical policy criteria, and applies appropriate guidelines to prior authorization requests.
• Reviews and comprehends patient progress notes, lab reports, infusion summaries, imaging reports, and plan of care. Identifies appropriate medical documentation to satisfy payer medical policy criteria.
• Responds to health plan-reviewed prior authorization requests that do not meet initial policy criteria. Works with the health plan to resolve issues and/or coordinates appropriate provider-to-health plan interventions (e.g., peer-to-peer discussions, letters of medical necessity, provider-initiated appeals, etc.).
• Follows-up with patients in the case of denied coverage of a radiology exam. Provides superior customer service to all patients, works through patient-raised issues, and recommends appropriate solutions.
• Completes appropriate post-claim denial follow-up to overturn radiology-related prior authorization claim denials.
• Performs other duties and projects as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Required

• Good understanding of medical terminology and physiology.
• Knowledge of third-party payer rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of the prior authorization process.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Understanding and ability to work in various computing/information systems and Microsoft Office product suite.
• Ability to function independently and prioritize work within established policies.
• Ability to work with sensitive patient information and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work closely and effectively with colleagues across the organization including clinical staff.
• Ability to use good judgment, tact, and sensitivity.
• Ability to function in a fast paced, highly demanding environment.

Minimum Job Qualifications

Minimum Education :

High school diploma or GED required; associate or bachelor's degree preferred.

Minimum Experience :

0 years required; 1 year of relevant work experience in a hospital or ambulatory setting, hospital/physician office work, prior authorization, financial counseling, or billing experience preferred.

Certification/Licensure/Registration :

None

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Patient Contact: Yes