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Medical Prior Authorization Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

VSI

Insurance Authorization Specialist

Reston, VA · On-site

$19 - $25.25/hr

This role is responsible for obtaining prior authorization for various medical procedures, services, and medications. This is a full-time position working out of our Reston office. The position ...

Riverside Health System Non-Providers

$23.90 - $31.10/hr

Collaborate with other departments to assist in obtaining prior authorizations, patient assistance medications or financial assistance. Assist with medical necessity documentation to expedite ...

Riverside

$23.90 - $31.10/hr

Collaborate with other departments to assist in obtaining prior authorizations, patient assistance medications or financial assistance. Assist with medical necessity documentation to expedite ...

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All JobsMedical Prior Authorization JobsMedical Prior Authorization Jobs in Virginia

Medical Prior Authorization information

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$12

$22

$54

How much do medical prior authorization jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for medical prior authorization in Virginia is $22.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.40 and $24.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is medical prior authorization?

Medical prior authorization is a process used by health insurance companies to determine if they will cover a prescribed procedure, service, or medication before it is provided. Providers must submit a request for approval, including supporting documentation, to the insurance company. This process helps ensure that the service is medically necessary and meets the insurer's coverage criteria. Obtaining prior authorization does not guarantee payment, but it is often required to avoid claim denials and delays in patient care.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a medical prior authorization specialist?

To thrive as a Medical Prior Authorization Specialist, you need in-depth knowledge of insurance policies, medical terminology, and healthcare regulations, typically supported by experience in medical billing or healthcare administration. Proficiency in prior authorization software, electronic health record (EHR) systems, and understanding of payer portals is essential. Strong attention to detail, excellent communication, and organizational skills help you navigate complex approval processes and interact effectively with providers and insurers. These skills ensure timely and accurate authorization of medical services, reducing delays in patient care and minimizing claim denials.

What are some common challenges faced in a medical prior authorization role, and how are they typically addressed?

A common challenge in Medical Prior Authorization is managing high volumes of requests while ensuring timely and accurate approvals. Specialists often deal with complex insurance policies and must coordinate closely with healthcare providers and insurance companies to obtain necessary documentation. To address these challenges, most teams utilize specialized software and standardized workflows, and regular training is provided to stay updated on changing regulations. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential for navigating these complexities and ensuring patients receive prompt care.

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

AspectMedical Prior AuthorizationMedical Claims Specialist
Required credentialsOften requires healthcare or insurance-related certificationsTypically requires insurance or billing certifications
Work environmentHealthcare offices, insurance companies, or hospitalsInsurance companies, healthcare providers, or billing departments
Employer and industry usageUsed in healthcare and insurance to approve proceduresUsed in insurance to process and adjudicate claims
Common search and comparison intentUnderstanding approval process for treatmentsUnderstanding claims processing and reimbursement

Medical Prior Authorization involves obtaining approval from insurance before certain treatments or procedures, ensuring coverage. Medical Claims Specialists handle the processing and reimbursement of insurance claims after services are provided. While both roles work within healthcare insurance, prior authorization focuses on pre-approval, whereas claims specialists manage post-service billing and claims processing.

How do I become a medical prior authorization specialist?

To become a medical prior authorization specialist, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with knowledge of medical billing, insurance processes, and healthcare regulations. Relevant skills include attention to detail, communication, and familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems; certifications such as the Certified Medical Administrative Specialist (CMAS) can enhance job prospects.

What career paths follow medical prior authorization?

Medical prior authorization professionals often advance to roles such as healthcare compliance specialists, insurance claims analysts, or healthcare managers. They may also pursue certifications in healthcare administration or coding to expand their career opportunities within the healthcare and insurance industries.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Medical Prior Authorization jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Medical Prior Authorization job openings:

Medical Prior Authorization jobs near you
Infographic showing various Medical Prior Authorization job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,323 per year, or $22.8 per hour.

Prior Authorization Pharmacist

Mclean, VA • On-site

Accede Solutions Inc.
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Accede Solutions Inc.external

$59.75 - $71.75/hr

Other

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Prior Authorization (PA) Pharmacist

The Prior Authorization (PA) Pharmacist would facilitate efforts in the review of clinical documentation and the Preferred Drug list (PDL) to determine proper medication therapy. The PA pharmacist will work with internal and external stakeholders in evaluating and continually developing a strategy for Utilization Management.

Responsibilities:

  • Clinical evaluation of medication therapy using established clinical or PDL criteria, drug compendia, and appropriate methods that support the principles of high-quality evidence-based medicine
  • Peer to Peer discussions with medical providers to discuss Prior Authorization reviews.
  • Consultations/Interventions: work with staff in contacting prescribers needing consultation to provide clinical information on prescribing practices that have been identified as outliers. Reviews prior authorizations data and determine opportunities for interventions.
  • Intervention Refinements: Collaborates on the refinement of consultation scripting; solicits and utilizes input from those contacted toward scripting improvements.
  • Operations: Contributes to the success of the Clinical Call Centers and Prior Authorization department by assisting with the implementation and management of both written and verbal communications to members and physicians. Is available for consultation on pharmacy-related questions and issues for others within the organization.
  • Quality Improvement: Contributes to program improvements by using continuous quality improvement processes, by being proactive in identifying improvement opportunities and by contributing on-going consultation and collaboration with product leaders.
  • Medical/Clinical: Upholds clinical integrity of pharmaceutical solutions by staying up to date on medication information, contributing to the identification of pharmacy program best practices, collaborating with Medical Directors, Clinical Pharmacist, and Clinical Specialty Pharmacist to provide pharmacy expertise.
  • Drug Review: Provides clinical input during the weekly drug file updates, making recommendations on applying utilization controls
  • Other duties as assigned. Contributes creative solutions to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness of pharmacy team

Qualifications:

  • Experience in the coordination of and collaboration of work teams preferred.
  • Ability to perform clinical reviews using relevant compendia and clinical trial data.
  • Managed care pharmaceutical service experience a plus.
  • Strong research and implementation skills in practical settings.
  • Analytical skills which can translate into practical and pragmatic recommendations.
  • Strong team orientation with respect for all members.
  • People skills are essential that allow for the successful consultation and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders who do not directly report to this job.

Requirements:

  • PharmD or B.S. in Pharmacy with relevant Specialty background
  • Registered Pharmacist with respective State Licensure
  • 4 years' experience in clinical pharmacy
  • Strong verbal and written communications skills.
  • Highly skilled with Microsoft office products and ability to quickly learn proprietary systems.

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