Job Description

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

The Utilization Review Coordinator reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

Responsibilities:

• The Utilization Review staff participates in the coordination of services across the continuum to facilitate the achievement of cost and quality patient care, appropriate utilization of resources and maximum financial reimbursement to the hospital and acts as a leader to achieve best practices of case management.
• They educate hospital personnel on clinical resource utilization management and act as liaison between the hospital and payers.
• To ensure the patients admitted to NM Palos meet the requirements for acute care and to assist in the transition of patients to the appropriate level of care.
• Performs reviews on assigned case load to determine the appropriateness of stay relative to established admission criteria using Milliman and communicates that information to payers, physicians, and other members of the health care team.
• Executive Health Resources (EHR) assists in determining criteria regarding Medicare patients and Humana Medicare Replacements.
• Provides accurate and timely documentation in Electronic Event Reporting System related to ongoing clinical status of the patient, plans for discharge and the utilization requirements as well as all certification/authorization numbers for patients.
• Run reviews through Milliman and, if criteria meets, discuss with Case Manager and if applicable sends commercial cases to Executive Health Resources (EHR).
• Promotes quality care environment while maintaining fiscal responsibility for resource conservation by promoting multi-disciplinary practices which positively impact length of stay.
• In partnership with Case Management, maintains awareness of current reimbursement issues as they relate to area of case load.
• Communicates all clinical information to managed care companies after admission to the hospital and throughout the patient's stay as necessary and updates anticipated discharge dates on a daily basis.
• Assumes responsibility for professional development by maintaining knowledge of current trends and regulatory requirements in order to promote best practices.
• Proactively utilizes excellent communication skills, verbal, written, and interpersonal to manage case loads effectively and to update other members of the healthcare team of relevant information particularly when cases are denied reimbursement or out of plan, to assure early intervention and continuity of care.
• Assists in the implementation of the appeal process on cases where payment has been denied or retrospective review on pending certification.
• Collaborates with members of the healthcare team, including the Attending Physician, regarding Milliman criteria for the most appropriate level of care to meet the healthcare needs of the patient, based on accepted standards, evidenced based practice and current research.
• Identifies patient's that may require Case Management and communicates with Case Manager.
• Ability to multi-task prioritizes cases, and use critical thinking when coordinating patients care and discharge plans.

Qualifications

Required:

• Body of knowledge relevant to healthcare utilization, typically acquired through coursework in nursing and/or coursework for health information technicians.
• One to two years of healthcare experience
• Basic knowledge of computers and typing skills

Preferred:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in nursing and/or Registered Health Information Technician certification.

Additional Information

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.