Overview
We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Authorization Coordinator to join our healthcare team. In this vital role, you will be responsible for insurance verification, obtaining and tracking authorizations, following up on pending requests, and ensuring patients are appropriately authorized for services without delay in physical therapy services.
The ideal candidate will have experience with VOB (Verification of Benefits), prior authorizations, commercial insurance requirements, Washington State L&I, Comagine, and VA Community Care. Strong communication, organization, attention to detail, and follow-through are essential.
Key Responsibilities
Insurance Verification & Authorizations
- Verify patient eligibility, benefits, deductibles, copays, coinsurance, visit limits, and authorization requirements.
- Complete and document VOBs (Verification of Benefits) accurately.
- Obtain initial and ongoing authorizations for physical therapy.
- Submit authorization requests and required clinical documentation to insurance carriers and authorization entities.
- Track authorization numbers, approved visits, effective dates, and expiration dates.
- Monitor authorization usage and request additional visits before current authorizations expire or are exhausted.
- Follow up regularly on pending, incomplete, or denied authorization requests.
- Document all authorization activity, communications, and determinations accurately.
L&I, Comagine & VA
- Maintain working knowledge of Washington State L&I requirements for physical therapy.
- Manage L&I claims, authorization requests, approved visits, and follow-up as required.
- Understand and navigate Comagine authorization processes and requirements.
- Manage VA Community Care referrals and authorizations, including verifying approved services, visits, and dates.
- Communicate with insurance companies, L&I, Comagine, VA representatives, referring providers, and other parties as needed to resolve authorization issues.
Schedule & Account Review
- Review the next day of scheduled patients to proactively identify accounts requiring attention.
- Verify that scheduled patients have appropriate insurance coverage, referrals, and authorizations.
- Identify missing, expired, pending, or insufficient authorizations before the patient's appointment.
- Prioritize follow-up based on upcoming appointments and authorization expiration dates.
- Communicate potential authorization or scheduling issues promptly to the appropriate staff.
Front Desk Support
- Assist with front desk duties as needed to support daily clinic operations.
- Understand patient check in process to help when coverage is needed intermittently.
- Answer incoming phone calls and route messages appropriately.
- Schedule, reschedule, and confirm patient appointments.
- Assist with verifying and updating patient demographic and insurance information.
- Provide professional and courteous service to patients.
- Assist with general administrative duties and front desk coverage as needed.
- Maintain patient confidentiality and follow HIPAA and clinic policies.
Qualifications
- Proven experience in a medical office or healthcare setting, with familiarity in medical records management and office procedures
- Strong knowledge of health insurance policies, managed care processes, and insurance verification procedures
- Proficiency in electronic health records (EHR/EHR) management systems and Microsoft Office applications
- Experience with medical coding systems such as ICD-10, CPT coding, medical billing, and insurance prior authorization processes
- Excellent customer service skills with the ability to communicate clearly and professionally with diverse populations.
- Ability to multitask efficiently in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.
Join us as an Authorization Coordinator if you're passionate about supporting healthcare operations through meticulous coordination and excellent service. Your dedication will help ensure patients receive the care they need promptly while maintaining compliance with all regulatory standards.
Pay: $20.00 - $24.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
Work Location: In person
