Utilization Review Nurse

Cobalt Benefits Group•South Burlington, VT

13h•$90,000 - $100,000

About The Position

Join our team at Cobalt Benefits Group and start an exciting new career in employee benefits solutions. As a Utilization Review Nurse (UR Nurse) , you’ll play an important role in helping us offer customized, self-funded insurance options to our clients and members. The UR Nurse is responsible for reviewing clinical information to determine the medical necessity, appropriateness, and efficiency of healthcare services, procedures, and levels of care in accordance with established criteria, payer guidelines, and organizational policies. This role involves evaluating healthcare services and facilities under the provisions of applicable health benefit plans to ensure quality and cost-effective patient care. The UR Nurse collaborates closely with intake staff, physicians, specialists, case managers, and other members of the care team to facilitate timely and effective care authorizations, transitions, and utilization determinations. Strong communication, clinical judgment, and attention to detail are essential to ensure services meet both clinical standards and benefit requirements.

Requirements

Current, unrestricted RN license (State license required).
Minimum 3 years of clinical nursing experience.
Minimum 1 year of Utilization Management (UM) or Utilization Review (UR) experience.
Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) and familiarity with utilization management systems.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to handle multiple priorities independently.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Milliman or Aetna criteria.
Background in healthcare administration, medical necessity determination, or benefits management.
Experience in data interpretation and medical trend analysis.

Responsibilities

Perform utilization and concurrent reviews of inpatient cases using Milliman, Aetna, and BCBS criteria.
Conduct medical necessity reviews for services requiring prior authorization, applying utilization-specific criteria.
Request and evaluate clinical information needed to review requested services.
Discuss cases and determinations with healthcare professionals and physician reviewers.
Identify cases requiring intervention and collaborate with Case Managers as needed.
Maintain appropriate and accurate documentation, ensuring compliance with audit standards.
Participate in team meetings, educational sessions, and related activities.
Review medical claims and pre-determinations for medical necessity and appropriateness.
Identify opportunities for process improvement and enhance communication among departments.
Consult with Physician Reviewers for complex or challenging cases.

Benefits

Fantastic medical, dental, and vision insurance
Twice annual employer HSA contributions, covering 50% of the HDHP plan’s annual deductible!
Company-provided Basic Life and AD&D
Company-paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
Flexible Spending Accounts
401(k) Retirement Plan with up to a 6% employer match (100% fully vested after 3 years)
10+ paid holidays
Generous paid vacation and sick time
Annual Volunteer Paid Day
Annual Tuition Reimbursement
Annual Health and Wellness Reimbursement
Lots of fun company events