What are the responsibilities and job description for the Utilization Review Specialist position at Acadia Behavioral Health (Pioneer Behavioral Health)?
PURPOSE STATEMENT:
Proactively monitor utilization of services for patients and optimize reimbursement for the facility. Review for quality of services provided and medical necessity.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Act as liaison between managed care organizations and the facility’s 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.
Inform clinical and medical staff of any specific concerns that would extend or restrict the length of stay of patients.
Keep accurate record of all contact with external organizations and persons who have legitimate interest and legal access to information on the care of patients.
Facilitate peer review calls between facility and external organizations.
Act in coordination with the leadership team of the facility or corporate office to improve the quality of services provided within the organization.
Assist the admissions department with pre-certifications of care.
Initiate and complete the formal appeal process for denied admissions or continued stay.
Provide ongoing support and training for staff on documentation or charting requirements, continued stay criteria and medical necessity updates.
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.
OTHER FUNCTIONS:
Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILL REQUIREMENTS:
Licensed LPN or RN, or Associate's Degree, Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, behavioral or mental health, nursing or other related health field; Master's degree in social work, counseling, nursing or related health field preferred. 2 years' experience with the population of the facility and previous experience in utilization management preferred
LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS:
Current licensure as an LPN or RN 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.
