Registered Nurse - Utilization Management I

CareOregon•Portland, OR

1d•Remote

About The Position

The Registered Nurse – Utilization Management I supports specific utilization management (UM) program functions within the Clinical Operations department. These functions include Benefit Management, Benefit Review, and Appeals and Grievances. The role involves supporting the healthcare needs of members, determining medically appropriate services, applying clinical-based criteria for decision-making, and managing medical expenses.

Requirements

Current unrestricted Oregon RN license
Minimum 2 years RN experience OR 1 year RN experience AND 3 years’ experience in healthcare setting role(s) such as billing, coding, medical assistant, etc.
Knowledge of Medicaid health plan and Medicare benefits
Knowledge of applicable DMAP rules and regulations
Knowledge of ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS codes
Familiarity with the principles of utilization management
Familiarity with healthcare documentation systems
General computer skills including use of Microsoft Office applications and internet search functions
Ability to use review criteria in accordance with departmental policies
Ability to adhere to HIPAA regulations e.g., maintaining confidentiality of protected health information
Ability to interpret and apply complex policies and procedures
Ability to review work for accuracy
Ability to independently prioritize work
Ability to use critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Strong spoken and written communication skills
Strong interpersonal and customer service skills
Ability to work effectively with diverse individuals and groups
Ability to learn, focus, understand, and evaluate information and determine appropriate actions
Ability to accept direction and feedback, as well as tolerate and manage stress
Ability to see, read, and perform repetitive finger and wrist movement for at least 6 hours/day
Ability to hear and speak clearly for at least 3-6 hours/day

Nice To Haves

More than 1 year RN experience
Healthcare utilization management experience in the functional focus area (Appeals and Grievance, Benefits Review or Benefit Management)
Experience with Medicaid and/or Medicare utilization management

Responsibilities

Communicate with members and/or providers in a professional manner and in accordance with State and Federal requirements as needed to complete requests.
Maintain confidentiality of all discussions, records, and other data in connection with quality management activities according to professional standards.
Refer members to care coordination per policies and procedures.
Maintain accurate and complete documentation.
Collaborate with Medical Directors to determine medical necessity and appropriateness of care for benefits requested and/or rendered.
Work with clinical support staff to ensure service requests, authorizations and/or grievances are managed in accordance with state and federal guidelines.
Identify and refer potential quality of care issues for peer review.
Ensure that authorization decisions are based on organizational policy and state and federal coverage rules.
Gather and submit documents for third party case review; this includes all documentation and follow-up activities.
Issue denial notices based on established unit protocols and state and/or federal requirements.
Assist with periodic audits, general quality management and improvement activities, and other regulatory activities as needed.
Foster collaboration with teams across the Clinical Operations department to ensure work and goals are met.
Meet or exceed department production, timelines, and quality standards established for level I.
May participate in departmental workgroups or projects as assigned.
Support testing for system updates and implementations as assigned.
May help train new staff and teammates as assigned.
Cross train in additional functional focus areas as assigned.
Review provider pre-service requests and determine benefit coverage within Medicare, Medicaid or durable medical equipment.
Determine appropriate level of care and length of stay for inpatient members to include hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, long term acute care hospitals, inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, and respite care programs.
Review inpatient admission for re-insurance clinical reporting.
Assemble evidence and build clinical cases for administrative hearings or Independent Review Entity (IRE) reviews.
Function as a CareOregon representative in administrative hearings.
Assist with the analysis and summary of data for written reports and public presentations as needed.
Communicate with members, providers, health plan administrators to manage grievances and appeals and provide case status updates as needed.
Investigate and use clinical judgement to identify quality of care or safety issues and present findings to an oversight committee.
Perform work in alignment with the organization’s mission, vision and values.
Support the organization’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion by fostering a culture of open mindedness, cultural awareness, compassion and respect for all individuals.
Strive to meet annual business goals in support of the organization’s strategic goals.
Adhere to the organization’s policies, procedures and other relevant compliance needs.
Perform other duties as needed.

Benefits

Competitive pay
Bonus opportunity
Comprehensive benefits package
Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Life insurance
AD&D insurance
Disability insurance
Health savings account
Flexible spending account(s)
Lifestyle spending account
Employee assistance program
Wellness program
Discounts
Multiple supplemental benefits (e.g., voluntary life, critical illness, accident, hospital indemnity, identity theft protection, pre-tax parking, pet insurance, 529 College Savings, etc.)
Strong retirement plan with employer contributions
PTO (accrue based on hours worked/scheduled hours and the primary work state)
Paid State Sick Time (accrue based on hours worked/scheduled hours and the primary work state)
Paid holidays
Volunteer time
Jury duty
Bereavement leave
401(k) contributions (for non-benefits eligible employees)
Wellness and employee assistance program benefits (for non-benefits eligible employees)