1

Insurance Prior Authorization Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Receives pre-authorization from patients and/or insurance companies and documents * Contact patient and referring offices using HIPAA guidelines prior to scheduled exam when additional insurance ...

Referral Clerk

Roseburg, OR · On-site

$16.50 - $21/hr

Receives and coordinates all referrals and prior authorization requests, submitting appropriate information in a timely manner. * Maintain current knowledge of all insurances including verifying ...

Receives pre-authorization from patients and/or insurance companies and documents * Contact patient and referring offices using HIPAA guidelines prior to scheduled exam when additional insurance ...

Showing results 21-40

Insurance Prior Authorization information

See Oregon salary details

$27K

$69.4K

$88.3K

How much do insurance prior authorization jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for insurance prior authorization in Oregon is $69,412.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,500.00 and $81,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is insurance prior authorization?

Insurance prior authorization is a process where healthcare providers must obtain approval from a patient's insurance company before performing certain medical procedures, prescribing medications, or providing specific services. This ensures that the recommended treatment is covered under the patient's insurance plan and is deemed medically necessary. The process may involve submitting clinical information and waiting for a decision from the insurance provider. Prior authorization is intended to control costs and ensure appropriate care, but it can sometimes delay access to treatment.

Is prior authorization a stressful job?

Insurance prior authorization is often considered a stressful role due to the need for accuracy, meeting strict deadlines, and handling complex cases. The job requires strong attention to detail, communication skills, and familiarity with insurance policies and medical documentation, which can contribute to work-related stress.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Insurance Prior Authorization, and why are they important?

To thrive in Insurance Prior Authorization, you need a solid understanding of medical terminology, insurance policies, and healthcare regulations, often supported by experience in a healthcare or insurance setting. Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems, insurance portals, and authorization management software is typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication are critical soft skills for managing complex cases and coordinating with providers and payers. These competencies ensure timely approvals, reduce claim denials, and improve patient access to necessary medical treatments.

How much do precertification specialists make?

Precertification specialists typically earn between $35,000 and $55,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. They often require knowledge of insurance policies and may use claims processing software as part of their role.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Insurance prior authorization specialists typically do not earn $4,000 weekly without relevant experience or certifications. High-paying roles that can reach this level often include sales positions, real estate brokers, or skilled trades like certain construction or electrical work, which may require licenses but not necessarily a college degree. These jobs often demand strong skills, experience, or licensing rather than formal education.

How to become a prior authorization specialist?

To become a prior authorization specialist, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with knowledge of insurance policies and medical terminology. Relevant skills include attention to detail, communication, and familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems. Certification in medical billing or coding can enhance job prospects.

What are some common challenges faced in an Insurance Prior Authorization role, and how can they be effectively managed?

One of the main challenges in Insurance Prior Authorization is navigating the varying requirements and documentation standards of different insurance providers. This often requires staying updated on policy changes and maintaining close attention to detail to prevent delays or denials. Effective communication with healthcare providers and insurance representatives is also essential, as misunderstandings or incomplete information can slow down the process. Building strong organizational skills and using robust tracking systems can help manage workloads and ensure timely approvals, ultimately supporting patient care.

What is the difference between Insurance Prior Authorization vs Insurance Claims Specialist?

AspectInsurance Prior AuthorizationInsurance Claims Specialist
Required CredentialsKnowledge of insurance policies, healthcare regulationsUnderstanding of claims processing, coding, documentation
Work EnvironmentHealthcare providers, insurance companies, hospitalsInsurance companies, healthcare organizations, billing departments
Employer & Industry UsageUsed to approve coverage before services are renderedHandles post-service claims, reimbursement processing
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding pre-authorization processClaims processing and reimbursement procedures

Insurance Prior Authorization involves obtaining approval from insurance companies before healthcare services are provided, ensuring coverage. In contrast, Insurance Claims Specialists process claims after services are rendered to secure payment. Both roles require knowledge of insurance policies but focus on different stages of the insurance process.

Infographic showing various Insurance Prior Authorization job openings in Oregon as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,412 per year, or $33.4 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Oregon Health & Science University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

153rd of 614 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department Overview

The Managed Care Coordinator (MCC) at Richmond Family Medicine Clinic is responsible for handling all aspects of the authorization process. The MCC processes incoming and outgoing department referrals along with prior authorizations for diagnostic services. This will include gathering appropriate and correct patient demographics, financial information, chart notes and other supporting documentation, and confirming correct health coverage.

Function/Duties of Position
  • Manages referral work queues and processes - communication, scheduling, and prior authorization - for LARC, OB, and specialty clinic appointments.  Is responsible for verifying patient eligibility and securing referral/authorization prior to the outpatient appointment.  The authorization process includes, but is not limited to, putting the referrals information on-line, following up on referrals for return appointments, and other miscellaneous tasks.  This task includes management of the referral process from start to finish meeting or exceeding the appropriate service standards. Gathers and/or verifies patient information including demographics, insurance coverage, and financial status. Confirms patient eligibility for health care coverage. Obtains prior authorizations for clinical care, procedures and diagnostic studies as appropriate.  Enters all information accurately into Epic.  Follows up on pending authorizations until they are obtained. Updates referral work queue.
  • Maintains current information on all managed care insurance plans and is up-to-date with all managed care insurance plan changes, utilizing information to efficiently and effectively obtain authorizations.
  • Serves as a liaison and information source for other department support staff, department physicians and referring providers/offices, OHSU Health Plan Office, patients, and insurance companies for authorization requirements per diagnosis and service type. Provides back-up support for referral coordinators.
  • Fills in as needed for any business position within the service areas, including but not limited to template building and maintenance. Maintains a service based working knowledge of diagnostic and procedural coding.  
  • Communicates with patients/families, other health care team members, in a time and cost efficient, courteous manner. Demonstrates active listening skills and supportive, professional behavior at all times, to patients, families and staff. Documents all care given, observations, and patient response to care, accurately and legibly in English, in the medical record.
  • Back up for answering phones and scheduling appointments as necessary; additional coverage for front desk duties as needed.
Required Qualifications
  • One year of experience in a medical office setting, including high-volume direct patient contact, scheduling of appointments and may require experience obtaining managed care authorizations (dependent on position description). OR one and a half years of work experience in a high volume direct public contact position and 6 months experience in a medical office setting.  The candidate must have a thorough knowledge of PAS policies and procedures. Candidates will have demonstrated advanced PAS user skills as well as extensive knowledge of integrated care at OHSU.

Knowledge and Skills Required:

  • Basic computer skills including word processing. Windows applications, on-line scheduling, and a preference for data-base skills. Excellent verbal and written communications skills.  Strong customer service orientation.  Demonstrated effectiveness in confrontational customer interactions.
Preferred Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Previous Epic experience.
Additional Details
  • Exposure to ill patients - flu, colds, virus. Must be able to sit for long periods, move about the clinic as necessary, and use telephone and computer for extended periods of time.
Why apply to OHSU?We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.eduEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

What Oregon Health & Science University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Oregon Health & Science University logo

About Oregon Health & Science University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a distinguished institution under the industry of higher education and healthcare, specifically in the field of medical science. Based in Portland, Oregon, US, it maintains a reputation for promoting research, teaching, patient care, and outreach. Established in 1887, OHSU has continually sought to redefine the parameters of healthcare delivery and biomedical discovery through its expansive catalog of programs and initiatives. A galvanizing mission drives OHSU: to improve the health and quality of life for all Oregonians through excellence, innovation, and leadership in health care, education, and research.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1887