Utilization Review Nurse - Remote

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY CCCS uses a holistic approach to medical management. The Utilization Management Nurse and the Personal Health Nurse (PHN) works within a team to move the member through the continuum of medical management with the goals of facilitating quality health care through the most cost effective means. The UMN provides utilization review/pre-certification on various members under designated group contracts. The PHN performs the Personal Health Management process: assesses the member; work with the member, family and physician to identify problems; establish goals and develop plans of care; coordinate services; educate members; and empower members to independently self-manage and to make knowledgeable health care decisions. Both the UMN and PHN work closely with the provider(s) to ensure that services are provided in the most appropriate setting by the appropriate provider(s). Additionally, the UMN may interface with clients and CCCS client managers and are responsible for the medical management of designated client(s) in conjunction with PHN's, client specific and external case managers. All Medical Management Nurses practice within the scope of their licensures. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Include the following. Others may be assigned.

• Collecting, analyzing, and evaluating clinical documentation received to determine appropriateness of clinical decisions
• Adherence to regulatory and departmental timeframes for review of requests received 3.
• Responsible for the effective and sufficient support of all utilization management activities to include prospective/ pre-certification review of inpatient and outpatient medical services for medical necessity and appropriateness of setting according to established policies.
• Using an established set of criteria evaluates, applies and authorizes the medical necessity of inpatient and outpatient services. Referring to medical director when unable to approve a request.
• Manages the provision of cost containment services by determining the medical necessity and appropriateness of setting and treatment, and channeling to network providers.
• Uses clinical knowledge and evidence based criteria to determine the medical necessity of an inpatient admission, treatment plan and goals, identified gaps, risk for readmission or complications and any barriers to discharge
• Collaborates with case / disease management departments and vendors to support client contractual agreements, SLA's, SPD's to ensure member receives quality care
• Supports quality assurance initiatives, quality indicators and performance standards following standard documentation and ERISA / URAC guidelines

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES If direct report positions are listed below, the following responsibilities will be performed in accordance with guidelines, policies and procedures and applicable laws. Supervisory responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Understanding of CCCS holistic approach to medical management
• Understanding of the client's (customer's) perspective and needs
• Understanding of legislative acts, such as the ADA
• Competency in Word
• Competency using email, attachments
• Excellent verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate with members and communicate professionally with individuals who serve in a variety of functions, i.e. physicians, client managers, customer service staff, CCCS executive management, other CCCS Medical Management nurses, hospital utilization review nurses, etc.
• Excellent written communication skills with the ability to write in a professional, business manner
• Ability to analyze and resolve complex problems
• General understanding of cost containment and how it relates to medical management
• Excellent organizational, prioritization, and time management skills
• Ability and willingness to function both independently and as part of a team
• Understanding of criteria / guidelines to evaluate medical necessity

Conifer requires its candidates, as applicable and as permitted by law, to obtain and provide confirmation of all required vaccinations and screenings prior to the start of employment. This may include, but is not limited to, the COVID-19 vaccination, influenza vaccination, and/or any future required vaccines and screenings. EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE Include minimum education, technical training, and/or experience preferred to perform the job.

• Bachelor degree in a health related field
• Five (5) years of UM/CM experience preferred
• Three to five (3-5) years of diverse clinical experience required
• RN (Registered Nurse) license required in the state of residence

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSURE Include minimum certification required to perform the job. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to work in sitting position, use computer and answer telephone
• Ability to travel

WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Remote Work Environment

TRAVEL

• Approximately 0 - 5% travel may be required

ON-CALL

• Approximately 25% - 30% weekends and Holidays

Compensation and Benefit Information

Compensation

• Pay: $64,168.00 - $96,262.40 annually. Compensation depends on location, qualifications, and experience.
• Management level positions may be eligible for sign-on and relocation bonuses.

Benefits

Conifer offers the following benefits, subject to employment status:

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and business travel insurance
• Paid time off (vacation & sick leave) - min of 12 days per year, accrued accrue at a rate of approximately 1.84 hours per 40 hours worked.
• 401k with up to 6% employer match
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Health savings accounts, healthcare & dependent flexible spending accounts
• Employee Assistance program, Employee discount program
• Voluntary benefits include pet insurance, legal insurance, accident and critical illness insurance, long term care, elder & childcare, AD&D, auto & home insurance.
• For Colorado employees, Conifer offers paid leave in accordance with Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.

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