The Role
Evaluate medical necessity for admissions and continued stays, document reviews in case management software/EHR, coordinate with providers and payers for authorizations, support denials/appeals, analyze utilization trends, and train staff to optimize resource use and compliance.
Summary Generated by Built In
Job Summary
The Clinical Utilization Review Specialist is responsible for evaluating the necessity, appropriateness, and efficiency of healthcare services for assigned patient populations to ensure compliance with utilization management policies. This role conducts admission and continued stay reviews, supports denials and appeals activities, and collaborates with healthcare providers to facilitate efficient patient care. The Clinical Utilization Review Specialist monitors adherence to hospital utilization review plans and works to optimize resource utilization, reduce readmissions, and maintain compliance with payer requirements.
Essential Functions
The Clinical Utilization Review Specialist is responsible for evaluating the necessity, appropriateness, and efficiency of healthcare services for assigned patient populations to ensure compliance with utilization management policies. This role conducts admission and continued stay reviews, supports denials and appeals activities, and collaborates with healthcare providers to facilitate efficient patient care. The Clinical Utilization Review Specialist monitors adherence to hospital utilization review plans and works to optimize resource utilization, reduce readmissions, and maintain compliance with payer requirements.
Essential Functions
- Performs admission and continued stay reviews using evidence-based criteria, clinical expertise, and regulatory guidelines to ensure appropriate utilization of services for assigned patient populations.
- Collaborates with physicians, behavioral health providers, and/or interdisciplinary clinical teams to obtain necessary documentation for medical necessity, discharge planning, and payer requirements.
- Documents all utilization review activities in the hospital’s case management software, including clinical reviews, escalations, avoidable days, payer communications, and authorization details.
- Works with insurance companies to secure coverage approvals and mitigate concurrent denials by submitting reconsiderations or coordinating peer-to-peer reviews.
- Communicates effectively with utilization review coordinators, case managers, and discharge planners to ensure a collaborative approach to patient care.
- Analyzes trends in utilization, authorization activity, denials, and extended stays to identify opportunities for process improvements that enhance utilization management.
- Serves as a key contact for facility staff and insurance representatives regarding utilization review concerns.
- Supports training initiatives within the department and escalates complex issues to management as needed.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
- Complies with all policies and standards.
- Associate Degree or higher in Nursing required or
- Master's Degree in Social Work required
- 2-4 years of clinical experience in utilization review, case management, care management, behavioral health, or acute care required
- 1-3 years work experience in care management preferred
- 1-2 years of experience in utilization management, payer relations, denials and appeals, or hospital revenue cycle preferred
- Strong knowledge of utilization management principles, medical necessity criteria, payer guidelines, and regulatory requirements applicable to assigned patient populations.
- Proficiency in case management software and electronic health records (EHR).
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with interdisciplinary teams and external payers.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to assess utilization trends and optimize hospital resource use.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail and accuracy.
- Knowledge of HIPAA regulations and patient confidentiality standards.
- RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure required or
- LCSW- License Clinical Social Worker required
- CCM - Certified Case Manager preferred or
- Accredited Case Manager (ACM) preferred
Skills Required
- Associate Degree or higher in Nursing
- Master's Degree in Social Work
- RN state licensure or LCSW licensure (state or compact)
- 2-4 years clinical experience in utilization review, case management, care management, behavioral health, or acute care
- Proficiency in case management software and electronic health records (EHR)
- Strong knowledge of utilization management principles, medical necessity criteria, payer guidelines, and regulatory requirements
- 1-3 years work experience in care management
- 1-2 years experience in utilization management, payer relations, denials and appeals, or hospital revenue cycle
- CCM (Certified Case Manager) or Accredited Case Manager (ACM)
- Knowledge of HIPAA regulations and patient confidentiality standards
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The Company
What We Do
Community Health Systems, Inc. is one of the nation’s leading operators of general acute care hospitals. The organization’s affiliates own, operate or lease more than 80 hospitals in 16 states with approximately 15,000 licensed beds. Affiliated hospitals are dedicated to providing quality healthcare for local residents and contribute to the economic development of their communities. Based on the unique needs of each community served, these hospitals offer a wide range of diagnostic, medical and surgical services in inpatient and outpatient settings.
