Utilization Management Clinician - CCR

This licensed clinical position is part of the Utilization Management department and is responsible for processing acute and post-acute inpatient level of care requests through clinical review and the application of approved medical necessity criteria. Collaboration within and across departments and operating professionally and efficiently within the framework of established policies and procedures is essential.

Responsibilities and Qualifications

• Processes acute and post-acute inpatient level of care requests through review of the submitted request and applicable clinical records and applying approved medical necessity criteria to determine medical necessity and appropriateness of the service requested.
• Interprets and applies InterQual criteria, CMS-issued guidelines, Capital Blue Cross Medical Policies, the CHIP handbook, FEP Medical Policies, the FEP Benefit Brochure, and/or American Society of Addiction Medicine ASAM) guidelines to these requests as applicable to the member's product.
• Performs high acuity of care UM case reviews within the framework of applicable regulatory requirements and established policies and procedures of Capital's UM department. Complies with both internal policies and all regulatory requirements regarding member's confidentiality.
• Collaborates with UM department staff, including Clinical Support Specialists and Medical Directors to make a final determination, and with Care Management staff on discharge planning and transition of care activities.
• Participates in weekly clinical rounds to discuss complex members as needed and requested. Identifies and refers members with complex needs to the appropriate population health and/or care management program.
• Identifies and refers members with Potential Quality Issues (PQIs) through established processes to the applicable department for further review and investigation.
• Offers suggestions for improvement in departmental processes and identifies opportunities for learning and education.
• Attends and participates in company and departmental meetings and training sessions as required and requested.
• Practices within the scope of clinical license and/or certification.

Skills

• Communication, technical, analytical, organizational, and other unique skills required to succeed in the position.
• Demonstrated ability to critically think through processes to make clinically appropriate decisions and problem solve.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple clinical and administrative tasks and assignments.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to interact with other departments actively and proactively, as needed, to advise, educate, and/or direct members to other clinical programs and services.
• Demonstrates openness, flexibility, problem solving, patience, and tact when interacting with members, family, providers, and peers.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate in a concise and clear manner in both written and oral communications.

Knowledge

• Working knowledge and operation of a personal computer, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Knowledge of medical coding guidelines, including ICD-10-CD, CPT, and HCPCS codes.
• Working knowledge of National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), CMS, and other health plan UM regulations.
• Extensive knowledge of managed care principles and emerging health treatment modalities.

Experience

• A minimum 5 years' experience working in a higher level of care clinical role including acute care hospital, post-acute care facility, etc. required.
• 1 year UM experience in managed care required.

Education and Certifications

• Must have active current and unrestricted Registered Nurse licensure in Pennsylvania.
• Requires Certified Case Manager (CCM) or Accredited Case Manager (ACM) certification or the ability to obtain within 2 years from date of hire.