Prior Authorization Coordinator I

Job Description

Works as a member of the Prior Authorization Operations team. Processes prior authorization requests in accordance with standards for accuracy, timeliness, productivity, and client performance commitments. Uses various business applications to perform analysis, obtain information, and enter prior authorization data necessary for claims adjudication. Utilizes reasoning skills to identify missing information and make prior authorization processing determinations based upon clinical protocols and client guidelines (approve, pend, refer for clinical decision, etc.). Interacts with internal and external customers to provide and obtain information and ensures the delivery of outstanding service and quality. Works under general supervision, relying on instructions, work process guidelines, policies & procedures, and company knowledge/experience to perform the functions of the job. Extent of supervision ranges from close, to moderate, to minimal oversight based upon demonstrated skill and performance levels as defined for the position. This position is part of a three level career path with progression opportunities described in the Core Processing Career Path/Succession Planning Guidelines.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Process and finalize Prior Authorization (PA) requests within clients' turnaround time and Performance Guarantees utilizing guidelines. Enter PAs into the system and prioritize requests. Check formulary alternatives, review tried and failed medications. Utilize drug references and verify the drug being requested is indicated and approved for the condition. Document all related information regarding the PA approval or non-approval. Respond to requests by faxing status of the PA to the physician or pharmacy
• Conforms to defined roles & responsibilities and rules of engagement between prior authorization processing and clinical decision making. Partners with assigned clinical pharmacists to ensure strict adherence to the boundaries and timeframes of administrative processing.
• Accountable to achieve prior authorization processing productivity and accuracy standards.
• Analyzes, researches, and resolves prior authorization processing issues as appropriate for experience and career path level, including making written or telephone inquiries to obtain information from clients, members, physicians, or pharmacies; obtaining input from team subject matter experts (SME) or supervisor; and referring unique or high dollar requests to supervisor according to guidelines.
• Coordinates notifications to members, physicians, and pharmacies as required to obtain missing information, manage pended requests, and communicate prior authorization determinations. Documents prior authorization related information and status. Makes outbound calls to obtain information and answer questions about prior authorization status.
• Collaborates with MCO and Self-Insured client teams to understand PBM clients' prior authorization processing requirements and expectations. As appropriate for experience and career path level, partners with client teams to complete special prior authorization processing projects and provide accurate, timely, and reliable information to client claim inquiries. (PAC II/II)
• Collaborates with Contact Center Services in resolving prior authorization inquiries
• Handling Provider, Pharmacy and member calls to complete prior authorization and Peer to Peer requests based on client specific requirements
• Protects and maintains confidentiality and privacy of all prior authorization and member information, including following strict protocols for date stamping and storage/security of prior authorization forms and related information.

Supervisory Responsibilities

No supervisory responsibilities

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

GED/HS Diploma and 1+ year experience or equivalent combination of education and experience

Computer Skills

Intermediate knowledge of MS Office/Word, Excel, and Outlook and aptitude for new programs. Experience with Windows based database programs is also required.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Must successfully complete one of the national certification exams OR obtain state licensure (in any U.S. State). Maintains a current Pharmacy Technician License and/or CPhT certification without restriction.

Other Skills and Abilities

None required

Reasoning Ability

• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Mathematical Skills

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Language Skills

• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence.

Competencies To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Composure

Decision Quality

Organizational Agility

Problem Solving

Customer Focus

Drive for Results

Peer Relations

Time Management

Dealing with Ambiguity

Learning on the Fly

Political Savvy

Physical Demands

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.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

Work 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.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate (examples: business office with computers and printers, light traffic).

Work Location

This position works on-site at the San Diego Headquarters or other company location (or from a remote location with management approval based on business requirements). Must provide adequate support to internal clients; be available for regular interactions and coordination of work with other employees, colleagues, clients, or vendors; as well as be available to facilitate effective decisions through collaboration with stakeholders.

Working Hours

This is a full-time non-exempt position requiring one to be able to work overtime from time to time in order to get the job done. Therefore, one must have the ability to work nights, weekends or on holidays as required. This may be changed at any time to meet the needs of the business. The typical working hours for this position are Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm.

Travel

This position requires no travel however attendance may be required at various local conferences and meetings.

Equal Opportunity Employer, Male/Female/Disabilities/Veterans

OSHA/ADA:

To perform this job successfully, the successful candidate must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.