Utilization Management Nurse

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia•Philadelphia, PA

2d•$92,100 - $117,400•Onsite

About The Position

Utilization Management Nurse provides comprehensive assessment, coordination, implementation and reporting of complex clinical data. The Utilization Management Nurse assesses the patient's plan of care and progress of the patient throughout an acute care admission. The intensity of assessment is situational and appropriate based on payer requirements. This position is accountable for the communication of the clinical services delivered to identified payers and agencies.

Requirements

Technical Diploma Nursing - Required
At least five (5) years experience as clinical nurse in an acute care setting - Required
Excellent communication skills and demonstrated organizational skills. (Required proficiency)
Ability to work effectively with all departments and all levels of CHOP professionals. (Required proficiency)
Ability to work independently or within a team structure. (Required proficiency)
Must be very organized and able to work independently. (Required proficiency)
Ability to establish priorities among multiple needs, meet deadlines and maintain standards of productivity. (Required proficiency)
Knowledge of payer(s) admission processes (i.e. verification of benefits, admissions notification). (Required proficiency)
Knowledge of payer portal navigation. (Required proficiency)
Ability to effectively negotiate with internal and external providers of patient care services. (Required proficiency)
Sound problem solving skills. (Required proficiency)
Excellent customer service orientation and strong interpersonal skills. (Required proficiency)
Computer skills and a working knowledge of Microsoft Office Products (Required proficiency)
Registered Nurse (Pennsylvania) - Pennsylvania State Licensing Board - upon hire - Required

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's Degree Nursing - Preferred
Prior experience as a Case Manager or Utilization Reviewer - Preferred

Responsibilities

Determines medical necessity, appropriateness of admission, continuing stay and level of care using a combination of clinical information, clinical criteria, and third-party information. Intervenes when determinations are not aligned with clinical information, clinical criteria or third party information to resolve the situation.
Monitors and updates accommodation codes, patient class (observation/inpatient), and admission type to ensure capture of status and level of care.
Validates admission and continuing stay criteria with third party payers as well as the Attending Physicians.
Updates discharge list for last covered day. Calls discharge date to payer or submit discharge review.
All new admission reviews are to be completed within 1 business day.
Confirmation of pre-certification or authorization for admission.
InterQual Criteria is to be utilized with each new admission as well as with every denial.
Inform the case manager of any issues or plans noted in the documentation.
Self-Pay cases should be referred to Family Health Coverage Program (FHCP) and/or Social Work to determine if coverage is pending or if application for coverage has been made.
All concurrent reviews are completed on the first uncovered day unless specified otherwise by the payer.
Reviews are to include current medical status with supporting labs, study results and treatments which are relevant to the level and acuity of care, procedures, surgeries, plan of care and patient progress towards goal, provide any contributing social, educational or discharge planning issues.
Reviews requested after the patient has been discharged should be provided within 24 hours of discharge.
Determinations should be received and documented within 24 hours or on the next business day following the review or the provision of additional information.
All requests from the payer are to be responded to on the day received or within one business day.
If notified of a denial or an impending denial notify the physician advisor with a phone number to call for a Peer to Peer call. Updates the clinical team.
The clinical provider(s) is contacted to clarify the level of service and/or the severity of illness, if this information is not clearly reflected in the patient progress notes. When continued inpatient stay cannot be justified and a plan for appropriate level of care is not implemented notify the CM physician advisor for a 2nd level review.
It is the responsibility of the UM Nurse to contact and educate the clinical providers when documentation does not support the medical necessity for acute level of care or the admission was not pre-certified as required by the health plan.
Collaborates with third party payers to prevent denial of payment and proactively addresses issues contributing to a potential denial. Intervenes to prevent the denial when possible.
Supports the effective prevention and management of denials, including providing requested information as part of the appeal process.
Establishes and maintains rapport with Revenue Cycle teams and collaborates to facilitate timely and appropriate reimbursement for services provided.
Adheres to established departmental policies, procedures, and objectives.
Communicates with families regarding denials and insurance status.
Enhances professional growth and development by accessing educational programs, job related literature, in-service meetings, and workshops/seminars.
Maintains established department/hospital/system policies and procedures, directives, safety, environmental and infection control standards appropriate to this position.
Demonstrates a courteous and professional manner through interactions with internal and external customers.
Integrates clinical nursing acumen with the support of evidence-based literature in decision making.
Exemplifies a professional image in appearance, manner and presentation.
Engages in self-performance appraisal, identifying areas of strength as well as areas for professional development.
Researches, selects and promotes adaptation of best practice findings to ensure quality patient care and optimal outcomes.
Adapts behavior as needed to the specific patient population, including but not limited to: respect for privacy, method of introduction to the patient, adapting explanation of services or procedures to be performed, requesting permissions and communication style.
Performs other related duties as assigned.