Authorization Coordinator I

Overview

Authorization Coordinator I is responsible for securing prior authorizations for patient services while ensuring compliance with payer rules and policies. This role involves collaborating with hospital departments, medical practice staff, providers, and patients to facilitate the authorization, retro‑authorization, and peer‑to‑peer process utilizing payer portals and automation tools effectively. The Coordinator maintains up‑to‑date knowledge of insurance plans and regulations and is adept at identifying patient insurance and benefits to streamline the authorization workflow.

Sentara Independence provides quality outpatient services to the surrounding community, including an ambulance‑accessible emergency room supported by board‑certified physicians, state‑of‑the‑art medical equipment, and highly‑skilled staff. It is an extension of Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital, offering advanced imaging and physical therapy.

Responsibilities

• Secure prior authorizations, retro‑authorizations, and peer‑to‑peer approvals for patient services.
• Collaborate with hospital departments, medical practice staff, providers, and patients to facilitate the authorization process.
• Utilize payer portals and automation tools efficiently.
• Maintain current knowledge of insurance plans, payer rules, and regulations.
• Identify patient insurance coverage and benefits to streamline workflow.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent (required).
• One year of related experience with pre‑authorizations, payer portals, and insurance (required).
• No specific certification or licensure required.

Schedule

• Hybrid work schedule.
• First shift (Days).
• Weekend rotation: Saturday and Sunday shift every 6 weeks.
• Holiday rotation: 1 holiday per year.

Pay

Base pay range for full‑time employment is $21.88 – $31.68 hourly. Additional compensation may include shift differentials, standby/on‑call pay, overtime, shift premiums, extra‑shift incentives, or bonus opportunities. Pay varies based on qualifications, experience, location, market conditions, and business needs.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Adoption, fertility, and surrogacy reimbursement up to $10,000.
• Paid time off, sick leave, and paid parental & family caregiver leave.
• Emergency backup care.
• Long‑term, short‑term disability, and critical illness plans.
• Life insurance.
• 401k/403b with employer match.
• Tuition assistance – $5,250 per year and discounted educational opportunities through Guild Education.
• Student debt pay‑down – $10,000.
• Pet insurance.
• Legal resources plan.
• Eligibility for an annual discretionary bonus based on established system and employee criteria.