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Authorization Processor Jobs in Santa Clara, CA (NOW HIRING)

Experience managing receivables for government‑funded or regulated clients with complex internal payment authorization processes. * Familiarity with multi‑entity billing structures requiring ...

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Authorization Processor information

See Santa Clara, CA salary details

$10

$19

$30

How much do authorization processor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for authorization processor in Santa Clara, CA is $19.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $22.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Authorization Processor vs Claims Processor?

AspectAuthorization ProcessorClaims Processor
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications like Certified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA) are commonHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications like Certified Claims Professional (CCP) are common
Work EnvironmentHealthcare facilities, insurance companies, or third-party administratorsInsurance companies, healthcare providers, or third-party claims processing centers
Job FocusReviewing and authorizing patient services or insurance coverageProcessing and adjudicating insurance claims for reimbursement
Common TasksVerifying coverage, obtaining authorizations, communicating with providersExamining claim details, coding, approving or denying claims

While both roles involve working within healthcare and insurance settings, Authorization Processors focus on approving patient services and verifying coverage, whereas Claims Processors handle the processing and adjudication of insurance claims for reimbursement. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What is an authorization processor?

Authorization Processors are professionals responsible for reviewing, verifying, and processing requests for access, permissions, or approvals, often in banking, insurance, or healthcare industries. Their main duties include checking documentation, ensuring compliance with company policies and regulations, and facilitating the approval or denial of authorization requests. They play a crucial role in preventing unauthorized transactions and maintaining the integrity of sensitive processes. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and a solid understanding of regulatory requirements are essential for this position.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an authorization processor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Authorization Processor, you need a keen attention to detail, knowledge of insurance policies, and experience with healthcare or financial authorization processes, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with claims management systems, electronic health records (EHR), and insurance verification software is typically required. Strong organizational skills, clear communication, and problem-solving abilities help you efficiently manage requests and collaborate with clients and internal teams. These competencies ensure accurate, timely processing of authorizations, which is critical for preventing delays in patient care or financial transactions.

What are the most common challenges faced by authorization processors, and how can applicants prepare for them?

Authorization Processors often face challenges such as managing a high volume of requests, staying current with shifting insurance policies, and ensuring accuracy under tight deadlines. To prepare, applicants should develop strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to quickly learn new software or procedures. It's also helpful to familiarize yourself with healthcare terminology and payer requirements, as this knowledge will make it easier to navigate complex authorization cases and communicate effectively with providers and insurance representatives.
What are popular job titles related to Authorization Processor jobs in Santa Clara, CA? For Authorization Processor jobs in Santa Clara, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Authorization Processor job openings in Santa Clara, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,897 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Authorization Nurse, RN - Hybrid (Remote Considered) - 26-88

Hill Physicians Medical Group

San Ramon, CA • On-site

$100K - $123K/yr

Other

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Join Our Team At Hill Physicians Medical Group

We're shaping the healthcare of the future: actively managed care that prevents disease, supports those with chronic conditions and anticipates the needs of our members.

When you join our team, you're making a great choice for your professional career and your personal satisfaction.

Your uniqueness is valued, celebrated, encouraged, supported, and embraced. We value and respect your race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, disabilities, experiences, perspectives, and other attributes.

Job Title: Authorization Nurse

The Authorization Nurse is responsible for the evaluation of medical appropriateness and necessity for a variety of services using contracts, medical policies, and evidence-based clinical guidelines while also ensuring benefit and eligibility requirements are met. They work with physician reviewers and providers to meet the health care needs of members so that they can receive efficient and timely medical care.

Job Responsibilities:
  • Review and process urgent and non-urgent authorization requests (received via phone, fax and electronic submission) for medical necessity (according to established criteria) and authorize, pend or modify as appropriate.
  • Process authorization requests (routine, urgent and retrospective) according to regulatory requirements.
  • Utilize a variety of medical necessity, contractual and benefit criteria to determine appropriate authorization decisions. Criteria may include MCG, Hill Guidelines, Health Plan Criteria, Health Plan and Hill Physician contracted provider data and member benefit information.
  • Obtain additional medical information as necessary from requesting provider.
  • Communicate with providers and members regarding status of authorization requests.
  • Assist interdepartmental staff members to resolve issues relating to the authorization process.
  • Refer information regarding members to other departments as appropriate for follow-up (i.e., Case Management, Health Education, TPL, COB).
  • Ensure quality authorization processing while meeting individual and team productivity standards.
  • Clearly and succinctly document necessary and/or required information in Epic Tapestry system.
  • Utilize critical thinking skills to identify process issues and problems and recommend and/or implement solutions.
  • Prepare and present cases to physician reviewers/UM Medical Director in a concise, objective and organized manner.
  • Collaborate with physician reviewers, Utilization Management Medical Director and other designated physician leaders on making clinical decisions.
  • Participate in on-call or alternate work hour programs as needed to meet regulatory compliance requirements.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor/manager.
Skills and Experience Required:
  • Active, unrestricted California Licensure: Registered (RN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN).
  • Bachelor's degree in nursing strongly preferred
  • Minimum 3 or more years pertinent experience in Managed Care Utilization Management
  • Experience with medical decision supports tools such as MCG.
  • Previous experience with Epic Tapestry platform preferred but not required.
  • Knowledge of ICD-10 and CPT coding.
  • Proficient in MS Office programs (i.e., Word, Excel, Outlook, Access and Power Point)
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively with a variety of customers including physicians, office staff, and members.
  • Demonstrated organization and time management skills with the ability to prioritize workload and meet expected and unexpected time frames.
  • Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
  • Ability to take action in solving problems exhibiting sound judgement.
  • Demonstrated comfort with ambiguity and change.
  • Ability to work independently with self-initiative and discipline.
  • Adaptable/flexible -- enjoys doing work that requires frequent shifts in direction
  • Detail-oriented -- would rather focus on the details of work than the bigger picture
  • High stress tolerance -- thrives in a high-pressure environment
  • Demonstrated critical thinking and inquisitiveness in reviewing UM cases for appropriate global review and decision-making.

Salary: $100,000 - $123,000 Annual

Location: Hybrid (Sacramento or San Ramon) - Remote Considered

Hill Physicians is an Equal Opportunity Employer