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Insurance Prior Authorization Jobs in Boston, MA

Candidates with only home care insurance experience. Job Summary: The Prior Authorization Clinician is responsible for reviewing all proposed hospitalization, home care, and inpatient/outpatient ...

Candidates with only home care insurance experience. Job Summary: The Prior Authorization Clinician is responsible for reviewing all proposed hospitalization, home care, and inpatient/outpatient ...

Pharmacy Prior Authorization Specialist

Waltham, MA ยท On-site

$22 - $28.50/hr

Company Paid Life Insurance; and Short/Long-Term Disability What You'll Do The Pharmacy Prior Authorization Specialist will ensure patients receive the medication that requires pre-authorizations ...

Pharmacy Prior Authorization Specialist

Waltham, MA ยท On-site +1

$22.25 - $29/hr

Company Paid Life Insurance; and Short/Long-Term Disability What You'll Do The Pharmacy Prior Authorization Specialist will ensure patients receive the medication that requires pre-authorizations ...

Pharmacy Prior Authorization Specialist

Waltham, MA ยท On-site

$22 - $28.50/hr

Company Paid Life Insurance; and Short/Long-Term Disability What You'll Do The Pharmacy Prior Authorization Specialist will ensure patients receive the medication that requires pre-authorizations ...

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Showing results 1-20

Insurance Prior Authorization information

See Boston, MA salary details

$27.7K

$71.3K

$90.7K

How much do insurance prior authorization jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for insurance prior authorization in Boston, MA is $71,324.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,300.00 and $83,700.00 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in insurance prior authorization?

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.

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.

Are insurance prior authorization jobs in high demand?

Insurance prior authorization jobs are in steady demand due to the ongoing need for healthcare cost management and insurance processing. These roles often require strong organizational skills and familiarity with insurance policies and medical billing systems, making them a stable career option in the healthcare administration field.

How to become an insurance prior authorization specialist?

To become an insurance prior authorization specialist, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience in healthcare or insurance billing. Relevant skills include knowledge of insurance policies, medical terminology, and proficiency with electronic health record (EHR) systems; certifications such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) can enhance job prospects.

Is insurance prior authorization a stressful job?

Insurance prior authorization is often considered a stressful job due to the need for accuracy, attention to detail, and managing multiple cases under tight deadlines. Employees frequently handle complex documentation and communicate with healthcare providers and insurance companies, which can contribute to work-related stress. Strong organizational skills and familiarity with insurance policies can help mitigate some of these challenges.
Infographic showing various Insurance Prior Authorization job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,324 per year, or $34.3 per hour.

Prior Authorization Clinician

Axelon

Charlestown, MA โ€ข On-site

$50/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Prior Authorization Clinician

Pay Rate: $50/hr Remote

Outpatient Home Care experience directly with patients AND Prior Auth experience on the insurance side; provider side is completely irrelevant. The only thing they review is home care. Prior Authorization payor-side taking criteria and applying to clinical documentation to make sure the requirements are met in an outpatient environment; the expense can be approved. Seeking candidates that have been held to some kind of productivity standards while maintaining quality of review. Irrelevant: Provider side um exp: requesting prior authorizations not important. Inpatient patient care: being a homecare provider, visiting nurse is helpful. Candidates with only home care insurance experience.

Job Summary: The Prior Authorization Clinician is responsible for reviewing all proposed hospitalization, home care, and inpatient/outpatient services for medical necessity and efficiency to ensure members receive the appropriate and timely care to support members in achieving optimal health outcomes.

Key Functions/Responsibilities:

  • Determines medical appropriateness of inpatient and outpatient services following evaluation of medical guidelines applying evidenced-based InterQualยฎ criteria, Medical Policy and benefit determination.
  • Performs utilization review activities, including pre-certification, concurrent and retrospective reviews according to guidelines.
  • Determines medical necessity of each request by applying appropriate medical criteria to first level reviews and utilizing approved evidenced based guidelines / criteria
  • Utilizes decision-making and critical-thinking skills in the review and determination of coverage for medically necessary health care services.
  • Reviews, documents, and communicates all utilization review activities and outcomes including, but not limited to, all inquiries made and received regarding case communication.
  • Refers cases to Physician Reviewer when the treatment request does not meet medical necessity per guidelines, or when guidelines are not available.
  • Referrals must be made in a timely manner, allowing the Physician Reviewer time to make appropriate contact with the requesting provider in accordance with departmental policy and within each Medicaid, ACA, CMS or NCQA mandated turnaround times (TAT).
  • Demonstrates strong interpersonal and communication skills when conducting reviews, interacting with physicians and staff, and ensures compliance with training on related policies and procedures.
  • Sends appropriate system-generated letters to provider and member
  • Provides guidance and coaching to other utilization review nurses and participate in the orientation of newly hired utilization nurses
  • Follows all departmental policies and workflows in end-to-end management of cases.
  • Participates in team meetings, education, discussions, and related activities
  • Maintains compliance with Federal, State and accreditation organizations.
  • Identifies opportunities for improved communication or processes
  • May participate in audit activities and meetings
  • Documents rate negotiation accurately for proper claims adjudication
  • Identify and refer potential cases to Care Management
  • Performs all other related duties as assigned

Qualifications:

Education:

  • Nursing degree or diploma required, bachelor's degree in nursing Preferred/Desirable
  • RN license in state of MA, NH or compact license

Experience:

  • 2+ years prior authorization experience and evidence-based guidelines (InterQual Guidelines)
  • Managed care experience

Licensure, Certification or Conditions of Employment:

  • Active, unrestricted RN license in state of residence
  • Pre-employment ****
  • Ability to take after hours call, including evening/nights/weekends

Competencies, Skills, and Attributes:

  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Strong clinical judgement and critical thinking skills to assess complex cases and determine appropriate levels of care.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Ability to work independently in a remote environment while maintaining adherence to timeliness and regulatory requirements.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and data management systems.
  • Demonstrated organizational and time management skills
  • Strong analytical and clinical problem-solving abilities with focus on quality improvement initiatives

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

  • Fully remote position with possible travel to the Charlestown, MA office for team meetings and training sessions.
  • Fast paced and dynamic work environment requiring adaptability and focus.
  • Minimal physical effort required; primarily desk-based tasks such as documentation and virtual meetings.
  • Regular and reliable attendance is essential.

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About Axelon

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Axelon is a leading staffing and recruiting firm headquartered in New York, NY, US. Rooted within the staffing solutions industry, it was established with a mission to connect and leverage talent worldwide. Its official website is axelon.com. Axelon provides a range of services from staffing solutions to consulting services. With decades of service delivery experience under their belt, they possess an unrivaled ability to deliver global talent across all industries and professions, including information technology, administrative, engineering, professional, and scientific sectors. Axelon places strong emphasis on collaborative values, tirelessly working to build strong relationships with clients, candidates, employees, and vendors alike.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

1977

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