Prior Authorization Specialist

Position Title: Prior Authorization Specialist
Work Location: San Diego, CA 92121
Assignment Duration: 3 months
Work Arrangement: Work From Home, with the exception of a couple of in-person team meetings or drive-ins if additional training is involved.

Position Summary: The Prior Authorization Specialist is responsible for the timely and accurate submission of prior authorizations for Category I molecular pathology testing. The role requires reviewing clinical documentation, applying payer-specific medical necessity criteria, and ensuring alignment between CPT and ICD-10 coding.

Background & Context: This position supports revenue cycle performance by minimizing authorization-related denials and delays for The Organization.

Key Responsibilities:
• Submit and manage high-volume prior authorizations (~75-100 per day)
• Review and interpret medical records, clinical documentation, and lab requisitions
• Responsible for reviewing and submitting authorization level appeals
• Data entry, correct insurance assignment to patient accounts, insurance eligibility verification
• Review/update demographics and patient information for accuracy
• Ensure appropriate linkage between CPT codes and ICD-10 diagnoses
• Apply payer policies across Commercial, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid payers
• Utilize payer portals, automated tools, and internal systems to process authorizations
• Monitor and track authorization statuses and complete required follow-up actions
• Collaborate with internal billing teams to resolve authorization discrepancies
• Maintain full compliance with HIPAA regulations and payer guidelines

Qualification & Experience:
• 2–4 years of relevant experience in: Prior authorization processing, Laboratory billing, Healthcare revenue cycle
• High school diploma required; some college preferred
• Working knowledge of: CPT coding (molecular preferred), ICD-10 coding and medical necessity guidelines
• Ability to interpret clinical documentation and testing requests
• Strong knowledge and experience with Microsoft Excel as well as Word and Outlook, general office equipment, and ten-key by touch
• Ability to easily adapt to increased business demands

Skills & Competencies
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to interpret and apply payer policies
• Effective internal communication skills
• Ability to work in a high-volume, production-driven environment
• Strong organizational and multi-tasking capabilities
• Self-starter, ability to work independently.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills; cooperative, work collaboratively and treat others in respectful, professional and supportive manner.
• Desire to learn and apply learned concepts to various situations.

Tools & Systems
• Salesforce • Glidian • XIFIN • Payer portals and automated authorization platforms • Microsoft Excel

 

 

At SPECTRAFORCE, we are committed to maintaining a workplace that ensures fair compensation and wage transparency in adherence with all applicable state and local laws. The pay rate for this position is $25.00/hr.