Medication Prior Authorization Coordinator

Summary: The Referral Authorization Coordinator is responsible for providing a variety of support services that are essential to the efficient operation of the regional infusion centralized process for insurance verification and authorization. Demonstrates excellent communication, interpersonal communication, critical thinking, and problem solving skills. Uses CIS as a means of multidisciplinary communication. completes all appropriate forms, applications, and information for departmental statistics. Accurately manages the referral and authorization process in a timely manner. Able to meet time-sensitive timelines for care treatment. Is pro-active in troubleshooting instances which could result in great financial loss. Demonstrates excellent customer service skills and works in a positive manner for collaboration and clear communication between providers, staff, insurers, and families. The specialist works closely with the clinical department staff, prescribing office staff, internal and external pharmacy staff as well as the business services staff in the the performance of duties for information gathering and patient data. Participates in departmental meetings and meets all timelines for reports. Meets expectations for less than one week turnaround for majority of prior authorization approvals. Job Responsibilities: 1) Instructs and provides guidance to all staff in the regional infusion program and prescriber offices regarding procedures and instructions for obtaining third party insurance authorizations. Prepares and distributes summary documentation of payor specific authorization requirements to key stakeholders. 2) Ensures all referrals and authorizations are obtained and processed in a timely fashion on both a complex and as-needed basis. Completes prior authorizations and referrals for services and testing in both A and B spaces. Develops and maintains a centralized prior authorization process utilizing all available systems. 3) Enters referrals and authorizations in to the system per standardized practice protocols/departmental guidelines and provides feedback to ordering provider and patient/parent in a timely manner. Monitors linkage of authorizations and referrals to appointments in Centricity, ensures compliance to insure proper payment for services provided. 4) Consistently monitors and works denial and no referral reports to obtain prior authorizations and referrals. Coordinates and processes documentation necessary for insurance appeals related to referral and authorization as well as other appeals as necessary. Works with key stakeholders to track the denial and appeal process. 5) Maintains solid knowledge of utilization, billing, and reimbursement practices as well as special payor agreements. Prevents denials by identifying and documenting payor requirements for utilization management by employing a variety of methods including websites, contracts, policy manuals, bulletins, and other subject matter experts. 6) Coordinates and maintains necessary reporting for accuracy of information, urgency, and other designated criteria. 7) Documents and provides updates in the patient's medical record regarding the status of the referral and/or authorization. 8) Assists with billing and coding issues within the Regional Infusion Service line. Assists patient/families with billing, coding, and insurance issues. 9) Act as a resource to all internal and external customers, offering guidance and support for referral and authorization related questions and processing problems. Ensures patients/families receive timely and courteous communications. 10) Works with staff and management to insure proper and accurate gathering and recording of payor information. 11) Communicates with prescribing office to ensure prompt patient treatment. 12) Maintains statistical information and reports as directed. Participates in and drives process change to improve efficiency and decrease denials. Work Experience: 1) 2+ years insurance authorization experience 2) 3+ years Medical Registration, Billing, and/or Medical Assistant in a busy primary or specialty practice or billing office Preferred Work Experience: 1) Previous experience with medication insurance prior authorizations. 2) Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred 3) Experience with insurance denials and appeals processes Skills and Competencies: 1) Knowledge of medical and insurance terminology preferred, Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Word, and Excel 2) Solid verbal and written communication skills 3) Demonstrates a high degree of self motivation and self direction and proactive initiative and follow-up skills 4) Experience with CIS inbox, Centricity Business and EMR a plus Education: GED or HiSET (Required) Certifications: Compensation Note: The compensation range(s) in the table below represent the base salaries for all positions at a given grade across the health system. Typically, a new hire can expect a starting salary somewhere in the lower part of the range. Actual salaries may vary by position and will be determined based on the candidate's relevant experience. No employee will be paid below the minimum of the range. Pay ranges are listed as hourly for non-exempt employees and based on assumed full time commitment for exempt employees. Minimum - Midpoint - Maximum $60,944.00 - $70,054.00 - $82,846.00 Equal Employment Opportunity Employer Baystate Health is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. About Baystate Health Baystate Health (BH) is one of New England’s leading and largest integrated health care organizations, serving a population of nearly one million people throughout western New England. With roots dating back to the founding of Springfield City Hospital in 1873, Baystate Health has been providing high-quality and compassionate health care in western Massachusetts for more than 145 years. With more than 12,000 employees, a medical staff of nearly 3,100 physicians, and a net patient service revenue of more than $1.4 billion, the ever-growing health system includes five Massachusetts hospitals and the Baystate Mary Lane Outpatient Center in Ware: Baystate Medical Center in Springfield Baystate Children’s Hospital (located at Baystate Medical Center) Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield Baystate Wing Hospital in Palmer Baystate Noble Hospital in Westfield