Clinical Review Nurse - Prior Authorization

Akido•California, CA

2h•$62,400 - $93,600

About The Position

The Clinical Review Nurse – Prior Authorization is responsible for reviewing and processing prior authorization requests to ensure medical necessity, appropriate level of care, and compliance with health plan and regulatory requirements. This role focuses exclusively on prior authorization activities within the Utilization Management (UM) department and supports delegated UM operations in a California managed care environment. The Clinical Review Nurse works closely with providers, Medical Directors, and operational teams to ensure timely and accurate authorization determinations in accordance with established clinical guidelines and delegation standards.

Requirements

Active California LVN or RN license
3-5+ years of current clinical UM review
Experience with prior authorization in managed care or delegated environment
Knowledge of MCG criteria, medical necessity review, and prior authorization workflows
Knowledge of California managed care regulations (DMHC/CMS)
Strong clinical assessment skills and attention to detail
Effective written and verbal communication
Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-pace environment

Nice To Haves

Experience with EZCap
Experience in a delegated MSO or health plan environment

Responsibilities

Review and process prior authorizations for outpatient services, procedures, diagnostic testing, specialty referrals, and DME and ancillary services
Evaluate requests using MCG guidelines and health plan criteria and policies
Review medical records and supporting clinical documentation to ensure completeness, accuracy, and medical necessity in accordance with established clinical guidelines and health plan requirements.
Identify missing or insufficient documentation and coordinate with providers for additional information
Ensure all clinical determinations are properly documented in the system
Maintain compliance with DMHC prior authorization requirements, CMS guidelines, health plan delegation standards, turnaround times, notification requirements, and documentation standards
Communicate with physicians, medical groups, facilities, and ancillary providers to obtain additional clinical information and provide authorization status updates as needed
Identify cases requiring clinical review and prepare clinical summaries for Medical Director determination
Ensure cases requiring denial are routed appropriately to the Medical Director
Document all authorization activities accurately within EZCap, maintaining detailed notes, status updates, and decision rationale
Collaborate with UM Coordinators, Claims, Eligibility, and Operations