Utilization Specialist
Acadia Healthcare · Conway, AR · 1 mo ago
OTHRFull-time
Purpose Statement
Essential Functions
- Act as liaison between managed care organizations and the facility professional clinical staff.
- Conduct reviews, in accordance with certification requirements, of insurance plans or other managed care organizations (MCOs) and coordinate the flow of communication concerning reimbursement requirements.
- Monitor patient length of stay and extensions and inform clinical and medical staff on issues that may impact length of stay.
- Gather and develop statistical and narrative information to report on utilization, non-certified days (including identified causes and appeal information), discharges and quality of services, as required by the facility leadership or corporate office.
- Conduct quality reviews for medical necessity and services provided.
- Facilitate peer review calls between facility and external organizations.
- Initiate and complete the formal appeal process for denied admissions or continued stay.
- Absorb and document pre-certifications of care for the admissions department.
- Provide ongoing support and training for staff on documentation or charting requirements, continued stay criteria and medical necessity updates.
Other Functions
Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.
Education/Experience/Skill Requirements
- Required Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
- PREFERRED Education: Associate's, Bachelor's, or Master’s degree in Social Work, Behavioral or Mental Health, Nursing, or a related health field.
- Experience: Clinical experience is required, or two or more years' experience working with the facility's population. Previous experience in utilization management is preferred.
- Licenses/Designations/Certifications: Preferred Licensure: LPN, RN, LMSW, LCSW, LPC, LPC-I within the state where the facility provides services; or current clinical professional license or certification, as required, within the state where the facility provides services.
- CPR and de-escalation and restraint certification required (training available upon hire and offered by facility. First aid may be required based on state or facility requirements).