Authorization Specialist/ UM Trainer

Responsibilities

• Prepares and maintains up-to-date training and educational materials for new and existing staff.
• Provides hands-on training during new hire orientation.
• Collaborates in the on-going trainings for staff education of latest department changes and updates, which includes but is not limited to NCQA standards, Whole Child Model and Essette.
• Develops and distributes supporting material.
• Works closely with UM leadership to produce staff enhancement trainings, including development of the agenda, preparing materials and handouts, presenting the training in conjunction with leadership presenters.
• Trains HS/UM staff, HS/CC staff, and internal Partnership’s departments that require support and knowledge of UM’s program and TAR process.
• Maintains and has full proprietorship of the UM Departments Help Desk, assessing inquiries and resolving or escalating to appropriate staff as needed.
• Supports the successful implementation of the UM Department’s software systems and online services, proceeding the participation of a testing environment.
• Processes Treatment Authorization Requests (TARs) pertaining to wheelchairs, diabetic shoes, nebulizers, dialysis, and Hospice services, etc.
• Determines appropriateness, quality, and medical necessity for all specialty related medical equipment for pediatrics open to Whole Child Model, and necessity of DME for children enrolled with a County MTU Clinic.
• Facilitates in-home assessments to determine the medical necessity of DME equipment.
• Assists network providers and other departments with issues concerning TARs.
• Acts as a resource regarding UM department computer programs and special projects upon request.
• Verifies member’s eligibility and designated program benefits.
• Elicits medical information from provider, consulting with HS/UM clinical staff as appropriate.
• Maintains consultant’s turnaround time and initiates follow-up as necessary.
• Prepares Medical Director work sheet for review by Chief Medical Officer (CMO) or physician designee as appropriate.
• If not approved by consultant, reassigns TAR to UM Clinical Coordinator for processing.
• Provides overflow support to both Data Coordinators and Nurse Coordinators.
• Participates in special projects and assignments as required.
• Participates in continuous process improvement endeavors.

Qualifications

• Education and Experience: Certified Medical Assistant or minimum one (1) year experience in the medical/clerical field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• General knowledge of managed care with emphasis in UM preferred.
• Special Skills, Licenses and Certifications: Ability to work within an interdisciplinary team structure and function in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines. Strong organizational skills required. Effective telephone and computer data entry skills required. Ability to access data and information using automated systems. Valid California driver’s license and proof of current automobile insurance compliant with Partnership policy are required to operate a vehicle and travel for company business.