Sr. Virtual Utilization Review Specialist

Ensemble Health Partners•Washington, DC

6d•$39 - $53•Remote

About The Position

Ensemble is a leading provider of technology-enabled revenue cycle management solutions for health systems, including hospitals and affiliated physician groups. They offer end-to-end revenue cycle solutions as well as a comprehensive suite of point solutions to clients across the country. Ensemble keeps communities healthy by keeping hospitals healthy. We recognize that healthcare requires a human touch, and we believe that every touch should be meaningful. This is why our people are the most important part of who we are. By empowering them to challenge the status quo, we know they will be the difference! O.N.E Purpose: Customer Obsession: Consistently provide exceptional experiences for our clients, patients, and colleagues by understanding their needs and exceeding their expectations. Embracing New Ideas: Continuously innovate by embracing emerging technology and fostering a culture of creativity and experimentation. Striving for Excellence: Execute at a high level by demonstrating our “Best in KLAS” Ensemble Difference Principles and consistently delivering outstanding results. This position pays: RN pay scale $39.40 - $53/hr based on experience LPN pay scale $32.65 - $46.90/hr based on experience Must have current unrestricted LPN or RN compact licensure and willing to obtain single state licensure in Oregon and Alaska We are seeking Senior Virtual Utilization Review Specialists in Pacific Time and Mountain Time to join our team. The schedules we are offering include: Weekday work schedule: Three - 12 hour shifts per week with rotating weekends and holidays Training will be Monday - Friday, 8 hour shifts

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience; Specialty/Major: Nursing or related field
Must have current unrestricted LPN or RN compact licensure and willing to obtain single state licensure in Oregon and Alaska
This is a remote role which requires access to high speed internet
Excellent interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills in interactions with physicians, payors, and health care team colleagues
Commitment to exceptional customer service at all times
Communicate ideas and thoughts effectively verbally and in writing
Strong clinical assessment, organization and problem-solving skills
Ability to assess and identify appropriate resources, internal and community, on assigned caseload, and to work collaboratively with health care team, providers, and payors to achieve the desired patient, quality, and financial outcomes
Ability to prioritize, organize information, and complete multiple tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment
Resourceful and able to work independently
Must be inquisitive and demonstrate openness to innovation including AI to explore better processes and ways to alleviate friction and improve patient and client experiences
Candidates must be willing and able to travel to and work onsite at client, temporary, or corporate office locations as business needs require

Nice To Haves

Three years nursing experience in an acute care environment preferred
Utilization review/discharge planning experience preferred
Recent experience or working knowledge of medical necessity review criteria preferred
Current working knowledge of quality improvement processes

Responsibilities

Utilizes proactive triggers (diagnoses, cost criteria, and complications) to identify potential over/under utilization of services
Initiates appropriate referral to physician advisor in a timely manner
Understands proper utilization of health care resources and assists with identifying barriers to patient progress and collaborates with the interdisciplinary team
Collaborates with financial clearance center, patient access, financial counselors and/or business office regarding billing issues related to third party payers
Conducts medical necessity review of all admissions.
Utilizes approved clinical review criteria to determine medical necessity for admissions including appropriate patient status and continued stay reviews, possibly from an offsite location
Provides inpatient and observation (if indicated) clinical reviews for commercial carriers to the Financial Clearance Center (FCC) within one business day of admission
Communicates all medical necessity review outcomes to in-house care management staff and relevant parties as needed
Collaborates with the in-house staff and/or physician to clarify information, obtain needed documentation, present opportunities and educate regarding appropriate level of care
Collaborates with the financial clearance center, patient access, financial counselors, and/or business office regarding billing issues related to third party payers
Coordinates the P2P process with the physician or physician advisor, FCC, Revenue Cycle team when necessary and when assigned and maintains documentation relevant to the appeal process.
Maintains appropriate information on file to minimize denial rate
Assist in recording denial updates; overturned days and monitor and report denial trends that are noted
Monitor for readmissions
Demonstrates active collaboration with other members of the health care team to achieve the outcomes management goals including CMS indicators
Accurately records data for statistical entry and submits information within required time frame
Responsible for ConnectCare and ADT work queues assigned to VUR for revenue cycle workflow
Accurately records data for statistical entry and submits information within required time frame
Documentation will reflect all work and communication related to the FCC, payor, physician, physician advisor and in-house care management
Second-level physician reviews will be sent as required and responses/actions reflected in documentation
Prioritizes patient reviews based on situational analysis, functional assessment, medical record review, and application of clinical review criteria
Collaborates with the in-house care manager
Maintains rapport and communication with the in-house care manager
Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assignment
Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development of the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his or her age, specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in departmental policies and procedures
Directs physician and patient communication regarding non-coverage of benefits
Maintains positive, open communication with the physicians, nurses, multidisciplinary team members and administration
Educates hospital and medical staff regarding utilization review program.
Maintains a calm, rational, professional demeanor when dealing with others, even in situations involving conflict or crisis
Voicemail, Skype, and email will be utilized and answered in timely fashion. Hospital provided communication devices will be used during work hours. Staff is expected to respond and/or acknowledge communication from the FCC via approved communication guidelines and standardized service-line agreements
Staff must be available as designated for meetings or training, onsite or online, unless prior arrangements are made
Works collaboratively with peers to achieve departmental goals in daily work as evidenced by appropriate and timely communication which is respectful and clear.
Sensitive to workload of peers and shares responsibilities, fills in and offers to help
Actively participates in departmental process improvement team; planning, implementation, and evaluation of activities
Provides back-up support to other departmental staff as needed
Complies with FCC and department policies and procedure, including confidentiality and patient’s rights.
Maintains clinical competency and current knowledge of regulatory and payer requirements to perform job responsibilities (i.e., medical necessity criteria, MS-DRGs, POA).
Actively participates in departmental meetings and activities.
Participates in FCC and community committees as assigned.
Actively participates in conferences, committees, and task forces as directed by the FCC division.
Associates may be required to perform other job-related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.