Health Services - Spec, Utilization Management

Talteam Inc.•Baltimore, MD

About The Position

Utilizing key principles of utilization management, the Behavioral Health Utilization Management Specialist will perform prospective, concurrent and retrospective reviews for authorization, appropriateness of care determination and benefit coverage. Leveraging clinical expertise and critical thinking skills, the Behavioral Health Utilization Management Specialist, will analyze clinical information, contracts, mandates, medical policy, evidence based published research, national accreditation and regulatory requirements contribute to determination of appropriateness and authorization of clinical services both medical and behavioral health.

Requirements

Master's Degree in Psychology or Social Work
5 years Clinical experience required
2 years Care Management preferred
Effective written and interpersonal communication skills to engage with members, healthcare professionals, and internal colleagues
Strong assessment skills with the ability to make rapid connection with Member telephonically.
Must be able to work effectively with large amounts of confidential member data and PHI
Must be able to prioritize workload during heavy workload periods
Ability to multitask, prioritize and maintain a dynamic personal organization system that allows for flexibility
Proficient in the use of web-based technology and Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to judge appropriateness of member services and treatments on a case by case basis
LCPC – Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor – MD, DC, or VA license required
LCSW-C - Licensed Clinical Social Worker – MD, DC, or VA license required

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of managed care and behavioral health delivery systems.
Thorough knowledge of Client's clinical guidelines, medical policies and accreditation and regulatory standards
Working knowledge of Client's IT and Medical Management systems, familiarity with web-based software application environment and the ability to confidently use the internet as a resource.
Experience in direct treatment of both substance use and mental health focused treatment.
Excel database filtering/use
Knowledge of multiple modalities of mental health service delivery

Responsibilities

Determines medical necessity and appropriateness by referencing regulatory mandates, contracts, benefit information, Milliman Care Guidelines, Apollo Guidelines, ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine), Medicare Guidelines, Federal Employee Program and Policy Guidelines, Medical Policy, and other accepted medical/pharmaceutical references (i.e. FDA, National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Clinical trials.Gov, National Institute of Health, etc.)
Follows NCQA Standards, Client's Medical Policy, all guidelines and departmental SOPS to manage their member assignments.
Understands all Client's lines of business to include Commercial, FEP, and Medicare primary and secondary policies.
Conducts research and analysis of pertinent diseases, treatments and emerging technologies, including high cost/high dollar services to support decisions and recommendations made to the medical directors.
Collaborates with medical directors, sales and marketing, contracting, provider and member services to determine appropriate benefit application.
Applies sound clinical knowledge and judgment throughout the review process.
Coordinates non-par provider/facility case rate negotiations between Provider Contracting, providers and facilities.
Follows member contracts to assist with benefit determination.
Makes appropriate referrals and contacts as appropriate.
Offers assistance to members and providers for alternative settings for care.
Researches and presents educational topics related to cases, disease entities, treatment modalities to interdepartmental audiences.