Clinical Quality & Utilization Review Specialist

Overview Under the supervision of the Director of Utilization Management, the Clinical Quality and Utilization Review Specialist performs a dual role encompassing utilization management and peer review. This position is responsible for assessing the medical appropriateness, efficiency, and quality of healthcare services across inpatient and outpatient settings, including authorization review and utilization oversight. In parallel, the RN coordinates peer review activities including screening, reviewing, and preparing cases and facilitating Root Cause Analyses (RCAs) to evaluate clinical performance and identify opportunities for improvement. The Clinical Quality and Utilization Review Specialist partners closely with physicians, advanced practice providers (APPs), and interdisciplinary teams to support evidence-based decision‑making, optimize patient outcomes, and drive continuous improvement. Serving as a key liaison among providers, compliance, nursing, quality, and leadership, this role ensures that findings from utilization reviews, peer review, and quality activities translate into meaningful and sustainable improvements in clinical practice and systems of care. This role works in close collaboration with medical staff leadership and the Medical Executive Board (MEB) designee to support peer review, utilization management, patient safety, and quality functions in accordance with medical staff bylaws, organizational policies, and accreditation standards. This role is located in Austin, Tx. Only those that reside in the greater Austin/Travis County area will be considered for this position Responsibilities

JOB FUNCTIONS :

Essential Functions: Peer Review & Clinical Quality: Coordinate and facilitate peer review activities in alignment with medical staff bylaws, organizational policies, and accreditation standards. Screen, review, and prepare cases for peer review committees, ensuring completeness, objectivity, and readiness for evaluation. Partner with physician and APP reviewers to support fair, consistent, and evidence-based evaluation of clinical care. Track, document, and communicate peer review outcomes, ensuring timely feedback, follow‑up, and provider education. Maintain strict confidentiality of peer review activities and records in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements. Support preparation and coordination of clinical quality and peer review committee meetings and associated materials. Quality Improvement & Patient Safety: Participate in Root Cause Analyses (RCAs) for sentinel events, near misses, and high‑risk occurrences. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to identify contributing factors, system vulnerabilities, and opportunities for improvement. Support development, implementation, and monitoring of corrective action plans. Lead or support quality improvement initiatives informed by utilization data, peer review findings, and organizational priorities. Apply evidence‑based methodologies (e.g., PDSA, Lean, Six Sigma) to drive measurable improvements in care quality and efficiency. Prepare and deliver reports, dashboards, and presentations on utilization, peer review, and quality outcomes. Provide education and coaching to staff and providers on quality improvement principles and findings. Utilization Management: Perform comprehensive utilization reviews and manage authorizations for inpatient and outpatient services, including skilled nursing, home health, durable medical equipment (DME), and other clinical programs. Assess medical necessity, appropriateness of care, and level of service using established clinical criteria and guidelines. Review providers’ contracts and approve healthcare services as specified in these contracts. Collaborate with physicians, case managers, social workers, and care teams to ensure coordinated, patient‑centered care and optimal outcomes. Conduct telephonic and email‑based outreach to the provider community, as appropriate, as part of the utilization review work. Obtain, review, and analyze clinical documentation to support authorization decisions and ensure regulatory compliance. Communicate determinations and recommendations clearly and professionally with internal and external stakeholders. Ensure accurate and timely documentation in the electronic health record, or utilization review database, maintaining compliance with organizational and regulatory standards. Participate in the appeals process as needed, providing clinical expertise and supporting documentation. Monitor utilization trends and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and care delivery. Participate in the utilization review/utilization management committee and effectively contribute to the functioning of the committee work. Collaboration & Organizational Support: Partner with the Medical Executive Board (MEB) designee and medical staff leadership to support peer review, quality, and patient safety activities in alignment with medical staff bylaws and organizational priorities. Exercise independent judgment in coordinating peer review processes, ensuring consistency, fairness, and adherence to established clinical standards. Support and coordinate committees and workgroups related to utilization management, peer review, and clinical quality, including preparation of materials and follow‑up on action items. Serve as a liaison between administrative leadership, medical staff, and interdisciplinary teams to advance utilization and quality initiatives. Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships across internal teams and external partners. Promote a culture of safety, accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement. Demonstrate commitment to organizational mission, values, and health equity goals. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Strong clinical judgment with the ability to assess medical necessity and appropriateness of care across care settings. Knowledge of utilization management processes, healthcare regulations, and accreditation standards. Understanding of peer review principles, confidentiality requirements, and quality improvement methodologies. Ability to analyze clinical data, identify trends, and translate findings into actionable insights. Skill in facilitating discussions with physicians and interdisciplinary teams, including sensitive or complex topics. Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report and presentation development. Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion when handling sensitive information. Proficiency in electronic health records and Microsoft Office Suite. Ability to build strong relationships and work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams. Commitment to health equity, diversity, and inclusion in care delivery and organizational practices. Demonstrated professionalism, accountability, and adaptability in a complex healthcare environment. Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Bachelor's Degree (higher degree accepted) in Nursing (BSN) Required Or Doctoral or Professional Degree Advanced Practice Provider - Required Work Experience: (3) Three years of hands‑on, clinical experience in the nursing or a related healthcare field - Required PLUS the following: Minimum of two (2) years of experience in utilization management, case management, care coordination, or clinical program development in the managed care setting or at a health system - Required Experience in peer review, quality improvement, or patient safety initiatives during the last five (5) years of professional experience - Required Licenses and Certifications: RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure - Unrestricted Registered Nurse License in the State of Texas Upon Hire - Required #J-18808-Ljbffr careers-centralhealth