Clinical Appeals Nurse (Remote)

Resp & Qualifications

We are looking for an experienced professional to work remotely from within the greater Baltimore metropolitan area. The incumbent will be expected to come into a CareFirst location periodically for meetings, training and/or other business-related activities.

Purpose

The Clinical Appeals Nurse completes research, basic analysis, and evaluation of members and provider disputes regarding adverse and adverse coverage decisions. The Clinical Appeals Nurse utilizes clinical skills and knowledge of all applicable State and Federal rules and regulations that govern the appeal process for Commercial lines of business in order to formulate a professional response to the appeal request.

Essential Functions

• Investigates, interprets, and analyzes written appeals and reconsideration requests from multiple sources including applicants, subscribers, attorneys, group administrators, internal stakeholders and any other initiators.
• Responds to such requests with original letters, complex and technical in nature, upholding corporate policies and decisions while meeting all State and Federal regulations and mandates.
• Organizes the appeal case for physician review by compiling clinical, contractual, medical policy and claims information along with corporate and appellant correspondence.
• Formulates recommendations for disposition. Prepares the written case for review and, following the physician review, communicates the final decision to the member and providers including an explanation of the final decision and all External appeal rights.
• Investigates, interprets, analyzes and prioritizes appeal requests using nursing expert knowledge and all available clinical information for both medical and behavioral health conditions, as well as medical policies, to determine if the adverse coverage and adverse decisions are appropriate.
• Interpret and apply, as appropriate, Regulatory and accreditation requirements.
• Collaborate with Independent Review Organizations and contracted Panel Physicians in obtaining clinical opinions from physician specialists, to determine if adverse decisions are appropriate.
• Interacts and responds to complaints from Regulatory Agencies.

Qualifications

• Education Level: Bachelors Degree in Nursing OR in lieu of a Bachelor's degree, an additional 4 years of relevant work experience is required in addition to the required work experience.
• Licenses/Certifications: RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure And/or Compact State Licensure Upon Hire Required. CCM - Certified Case Manager Upon Hire Preferred. LNCC - Legal Nurse Consultant Certified Upon Hire Preferred.

Experience

• 3 years of clinically related experience working in Medical Review, Utilization Management, or other RN direct patient care or health insurance payor experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience with Appeals and Grievances in a healthcare payor organization.
• BSN/MSN Degree.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge and understanding of medical terminology.
• Demonstrated knowledge of regulatory and accreditation requirements, understanding of appeals process and utilization management, and systems software used in processing appeals.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong listening skills, critical thinking and analytical skills, problem solving skills, ability to set priorities and multi-task.
• Ability to effectively communicate and provide positive customer service to every internal and external customer.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to assess the medical necessity and appropriateness of patient care and treatment on a case-by-case basis, including issues pertaining to members with mental health treatment needs or those with substance disorders and addictions.

Sponsorship in US

Must be eligible to work in the U.S. without Sponsorship.

Physical Demands

• The associate is primarily seated while performing the duties of the position.
• Occasional walking or standing is required.
• The hands are regularly used to write, type, key and handle or feel small controls and objects.
• The associate must frequently talk and hear.
• Weights up to 25 pounds are occasionally lifted.

Equal Employment Opportunity

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield is an Equal Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of the Company to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Federal Disc/Physical Demand Note

The incumbent is required to immediately disclose any debarment, exclusion, or other event that makes him/her ineligible to perform work directly or indirectly on Federal health care programs.

Salary Range

$67,320 - $133,705

Benefits

CareFirst offers a comprehensive benefits package, various incentive programs/plans, and 401k contribution programs/plans (all benefits/incentives are subject to eligibility requirements).