Job Description

As a patient-focused organization, University of Utah Health exists to enhance the health and well-being of people through patient care, research and education. Success in this mission requires a culture of collaboration, excellence, leadership, and respect. University of Utah Health seeks staff that are committed to the values of compassion, collaboration, innovation, responsibility, integrity, quality and trust that are integral to our mission. EO/AA

This position is responsible for implementing patient discharge plans, and supporting coordination of care activities under the direction of a registered nurse and/or social worker. The incumbent interacts with representatives from insurance companies, health maintenance organizations, home care agencies, skilled nursing facilities, durable medical equipment companies, and transportation agencies. This position has no responsibility for providing care to patients.

Corporate Overview: The University of Utah is a Level 1 Trauma Center and is nationally ranked and recognized for our academic research, quality standards and overall patient experience. Our five hospitals and eleven clinics provide excellence in our comprehensive services, medical advancement, and overall patient outcomes.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions

• Implements patient discharge plans prepared and delegated by social work or nurse case management by coordinating with home care agencies, post-acute care facilities, durable medical equipment companies, transportation agencies and others as indicated.
• Collaborates with social worker/nurse case manager and others to confirm authorization for services is in place.
• Assists in collecting data related to patient outcomes and auditing data for accuracy.
• Prepares documents and reports required for internal and/or external groups in the scope of care coordination activities and/or data collection.
• Documents activities and progress in medical charts, computer billing/utilization systems, or in other ways as directed.
• Collaborates with internal and/or external partners to address financial advocacy for patient/organization.
• Issues CMS Important Messages to patients/designees.
• Inputs clinical information into computer database.
• May be required to participate in quality improvement initiatives per the department.
• At the discretion of department operational and patient care needs, this position is required to work rotating schedules, which may include variable hours, weekends, nights, and holidays to meet the staffing and patient care demands of a 24/7 complex health system. Regular, reliable, and punctual attendance during assigned shifts is considered an essential function of the role.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Demonstrated availability to work variable and rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, in a 24/7 patient care environment.

• Demonstrated ability to perform the essential functions as outlined above.

• Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills.

• Demonstrated knowledge of medical procedures and terminology.

• Ability to handle highly sensitive or confidential issues.

• Ability to successfully manage multiple priorities.

• Ability to work independently and as a team player.

Qualifications

Required

• Completion of a hospital provided medical terminology course within six months of hire.

Qualifications (Preferred)

Preferred

• Two years of college level education in healthcare or a related field.
• One year of experience in a utilization review or case management environment.
• Basic Life Support Health Care Provider card through American Heart Association may be required within one month of hire.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Employee must be able to meet the following requirements with or without an accommodation.

• This position involves light work that may exert up to 20 pounds and may consistently require light work involving lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling or otherwise moving objects involving patient care or medical equipment. This position does not provide any direct patient care. Workers in this position may be exposed to infectious diseases and may be required to function around prisoners or behavioral health patients.

Physical Requirements

Carrying, Lifting, Listening, Manual Dexterity, Near Vision, Reaching, Sitting, Speaking, Standing, Tasting or Smelling, Walking