Pre-Authorization Rep

Job Summary

As a Pre-Authorization Representative, you will ensure a smooth and efficient pre-admission and pre-authorization process for all patients, safeguarding necessary financial clearance before services are rendered. Your daily tasks include accurately gathering and verifying patient demographic and insurance information, obtaining necessary pre-certifications and authorizations from insurance companies, and communicating financial responsibilities to patients. You will serve as a key point of contact, coordinating with physicians' offices, insurance providers, and hospital departments to facilitate seamless patient access to care.

Your work directly contributes to preventing claim denials and ensuring financial integrity. Key responsibilities include:

• Meticulous attention to detail
• Strong knowledge of insurance practices and medical terminology
• Excellent communication skills
• A commitment to patient advocacy and financial accuracy
• Recognizing when additional assistance is needed to resolve insurance pre-authorization issues and escalating appropriately and timely through defined communication and escalation channels

Responsibilities

• Gather and verify patient demographic and insurance information
• Obtain necessary pre-certifications and authorizations from insurance companies
• Communicate financial responsibilities to patients
• Serve as a key point of contact, coordinating with physicians' offices, insurance providers, and hospital departments
• Facilitate seamless patient access to care
• Prevent claim denials and ensure financial integrity
• Receive physician referrals and monitor work queue
• Identify and notify patients of their pharmacy therapy plans
• Initiate process to validate insurance coverage and obtain pre-authorization for specific drugs/medications
• Review insurance company requirements to identify acceptable documentation for pre-authorization of specific drugs/medications
• Maintain current awareness of frequent market changes and updates by various insurance/drug companies regarding medical necessity and documentation requirements
• Review patient data in Epic to determine whether it is sufficient to meet the insurance company's documentation requirements for specific medications
• Receive calls from insurance companies requesting additional documentation if not available in the patient's medical record
• Contact physician's offices as necessary to request specific documentation needed for pre-authorization, re-authorization, and proof of medical necessity
• Review patient's chart notes, lab results, and medical history relating to previous diagnoses and/or drug regimens to gather/provide documentation that meets the differing needs of a specific insurance company and facilitate authorization
• Contact pharmacy once pre-authorization has been obtained to determine whether drug/medication is currently in stock
• Follow up to assure order has been placed and when it will be available
• Maintain ongoing communication with Conifer to advise when medication will be in stock for the patient
• Recognize when additional assistance is needed to resolve insurance pre-authorization issues and escalate appropriately and timely through defined communication and escalation channels

Requirements

• Two years of related work experience demonstrating attainment of the requisite job knowledge and abilities
• No prior experience required upon hire

Where You'll Work
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has a rich history of providing exceptional healthcare, dating back to 1891. Building upon a legacy of compassionate care and innovation, our organization has evolved through strategic partnerships and integrations to expand our reach and services across the Puget Sound area. Today, as Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we remain deeply committed to healing the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – in the communities we serve. This commitment is strengthened by the diverse expertise and shared values brought together through our growth. Our dedicated providers offer a full spectrum of health care services, from routine wellness to complex disease management, all grounded in rigorous research and education. Our comprehensive network of 10 hospitals and nearly 300 care sites strategically located across the greater Puget Sound region reflects our ongoing commitment to accessibility and comprehensive care. We are proud of our pioneering medical advances and numerous awards and accreditations that reflect our dedication to excellence. When you join Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, you become part of a team that delivers top-quality, professional healthcare in modern, well-equipped facilities, and contribute to a legacy of service built on collaboration and shared purpose.

Pay Range

$22.95 - $35.58 /hour