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Medical Utilization Review Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Utilization Review Liaison

Fremont, CA · On-site

$32.35 - $43.63/hr

Provides office and referral management support services; assists the Utilization Review Team in obtaining medical records, documenting case information in the system, performing data entry into ...

Utilization Review Liaison

Fremont, CA · On-site

$32.35 - $43.63/hr

Provides office and referral management support services; assists the Utilization Review Team in obtaining medical records, documenting case information in the system, performing data entry into ...

Utilization Review Liaison

Fremont, CA · On-site

$32.35 - $43.63/hr

Provides office and referral management support services; assists the Utilization Review Team in obtaining medical records, documenting case information in the system, performing data entry into ...

Utilization Review Technician Under direction of the Utilization Review Technician Supervisor, the ... Ability to interpret and understand various medical insurance plans and make accurate ...

SUMMARY Under direction of the Utilization Review Technician Supervisor, the Utilization Review ... Ability to interpret and understand various medical insurance plans and make accurate ...

Utilization Review Nurse

Orange, CA · On-site

$38 - $53/hr

Job Summary Our client is seeking a Utilization Review Nurse responsible for managing the complete ... Communicate confidently and effectively with Medical Directors, physicians, and hospital ...

... Specialty Utilization Review Job ID 18027156 Job Title Utilization Review RN Weekly Pay $2800.0 ... ensuring medical necessity, appropriate level of care, and compliance with CMS, EMTALA, and ...

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Medical Utilization Review information

See California salary details

$21

$41

$68

How much do medical utilization review jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for medical utilization review in California is $41.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.98 and $47.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is medical utilization review?

Medical utilization review is a process used by healthcare organizations and insurance companies to evaluate the necessity, appropriateness, and efficiency of the use of medical services, procedures, and facilities. The goal is to ensure that patients receive necessary care while avoiding unnecessary or redundant treatments. Utilization review helps control healthcare costs and maintains quality standards by reviewing cases before, during, and after care is provided. The process typically involves nurses, physicians, and other healthcare professionals who assess clinical information to make recommendations or decisions about coverage.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in medical utilization review, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Medical Utilization Review often encounter challenges such as managing high caseloads, staying updated with changing healthcare regulations, and balancing the needs of patients with cost-containment measures. Effective time management and ongoing education in current medical guidelines can help address these issues. Additionally, strong communication skills are essential for collaborating with healthcare providers and insurance companies to ensure appropriate care decisions while maintaining compliance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a medical utilization review specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Medical Utilization Review Specialist, you need a background in healthcare (often as an RN or LPN), strong analytical abilities, and in-depth knowledge of medical terminology and insurance guidelines. Familiarity with utilization management software, electronic health records (EHRs), and certifications such as Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) are commonly required. Excellent communication, critical thinking, and attention to detail are vital soft skills for effectively reviewing cases and collaborating with providers. These competencies ensure accurate, efficient decision-making that supports both patient care standards and cost-effective healthcare delivery.

What is the difference between Medical Utilization Review vs Medical Claims Reviewer?

AspectMedical Utilization ReviewMedical Claims Reviewer
CredentialsCertifications like CCM, RHIA, or RHIT often preferredCertifications such as CPC or CCS beneficial
Work EnvironmentHealthcare facilities, insurance companies, or third-party review organizationsInsurance companies, healthcare payers, or claims processing centers
Primary FocusAssessing necessity and appropriateness of medical servicesReviewing and processing insurance claims for payment
Industry UsageCommonly used in healthcare and insurance sectorsPrimarily in insurance and healthcare billing sectors

Medical Utilization Review focuses on evaluating the necessity of medical services, while Medical Claims Review centers on processing insurance claims. Both roles require healthcare knowledge and certifications, but they serve different functions within the healthcare and insurance industries.

How do I get into a medical utilization review?

To become a medical utilization review specialist, candidates typically need a healthcare background such as nursing, medical assisting, or health administration, along with knowledge of insurance policies and medical coding. Certification programs like the Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA) or Certified Medical Reviewer (CMR) can enhance job prospects. Relevant skills include attention to detail, analytical thinking, and familiarity with medical records and billing systems.

Is medical utilization review a good job?

Medical utilization review is a healthcare role focused on evaluating the necessity and efficiency of medical services, often requiring knowledge of insurance policies and clinical guidelines. It offers opportunities for stable employment, typically involves administrative and analytical skills, and may require certification such as the Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA). The job can provide a predictable schedule and work-from-home options, making it a viable career choice for those interested in healthcare administration.

What cities in California are hiring for Medical Utilization Review jobs?

Cities in California with the most Medical Utilization Review job openings:

Infographic showing various Medical Utilization Review job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,795 per year, or $41.7 per hour.

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Mad River Community Hospital offers a friendly, family oriented and welcoming workplace with excellent benefits. Come join our family of dedicated professional staff, where you can take pride in being a part of an exceptional team!
The Utilization Review Coordinator reports to the Chief People and Compliance Officer.
The Utilization Review Coordinator is responsible for facilitating, coordinating, integrating and evaluating utilization review activities within the in-patient acute care setting. The UR Coordinator is part of a team that is accountable for facilitating and providing care coordination services and quality outcomes for patients through discharge planning and transitional care.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Collaborates and coordinates with health plans and providers/care teams to ensure appropriate utilization of resources and timely discharge.
• Provides clinical review for different healthcare services requiring authorization, including acute inpatient, skilled nursing facility, acute rehab, and home nursing.
• C ommunicates with insurance representatives and third party payers to ensure appropriate authorization for care.
• Collaborates and communicates with the care team to develop comprehensive discharge/transitional care plans based on assessment of the patient's clinical and social needs.
• Demonstrates awareness and ability to articulate legal issues pertaining to patient and families, especially related to non-covered stay. Issues denial letters as appropriate following approved procedures.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor or Master's degree in Nursing, Social Work, Sociology, or related field from an accredited school.
• Current clinical licensure, either Registered Nurse or Licensed Clinical Social Worker, preferred.
• Previous experience in utilization management, case management, discharge planning and/or home health or rehab preferred.
• Two to five years of recent acute care clinical experience.
• Working knowledge of DRG classification system, CPT coding, and INTERQUAL.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact with patients/family, clinical staff, insurance providers and post-acute care providers.
• Capable experience in using electronic medical records.
• Basic proficiency with MS Office, Word and Excel.
• Current BLS certificate.
To Apply:
Please apply via our Portal by clicking the link "Apply Now". Or you may email your resume and/or application to HRTeam-at-MadRiverHospital.com.
Please visit our web site, www.madriverhospital.com , to learn more about Mad River Hospital and download the Employment Application.
Employment with MRCH is contingent upon passing a post-offer, pre-employment background check and drug screen.
Mad River Community Hospital: A Unique Acute Care Facility
The friendly university city of Arcata, CA is home to Mad River Community Hospital, nestled between the redwoods and the Pacific Ocean, just minutes away from a river, bay, beaches and forests. Mad River Community Hospital is committed to providing the best care for our patients and a balanced work-life integration for our staff.
In addition to acute care and surgical services, the hospital provides emergency services. The hospital operates several outpatient clinics, including surgery, orthopedic, occupational health, pain management, wound care, behavioral health, three primary care clinics, and two physical therapy/sports rehabilitation clinics in Arcata and Willow Creek. There is a 2-acre on-site farm that provides our cafeteria with produce for serving patients and staff.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Mad River Community Hospital provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Mad River Community Hospital complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Humboldt County - Northern California Redwood Coast
The friendly university city of Arcata, CA is home to Mad River Community Hospital, nestled between the redwoods and the Pacific Ocean, just minutes away from a river, bay, beaches and forests. Arcata is an open-minded and welcoming small city, valuing diversity, culture, art, entrepreneurship, and the protection of its beautiful natural environment. Arcata is just 80 miles south of the Oregon border and 275 miles north of San Francisco, known for clean ocean air, moderate temperatures and beautiful landscapes with giant redwoods, flowing rivers and farmlands.
Our Community
Humboldt County is home to a vibrant community and culture, with beautifully preserved Victorian-era historic towns and more artists per capita than any other county in California. Arcata offers a mild climate year-round, with many amenities of larger cities but with a small-town feel and strong sense of community. Our community is rich in the arts: music, theater, and dance performances, art galleries, and hand-crafted woodwork, textiles, and visual artwork in all mediums.
Arcata is just minutes away from pristine mountains, clean, uncrowded Pacific beaches and six mountain-fed rivers. Outdoor adventures abound: cycling, fishing, kayaking, rafting, rock climbing, agate hunting, beachcombing, camping, hiking, backpacking, surfing, golfing and more. With more old-growth redwoods and stretches of undeveloped coast than anywhere else in California, Humboldt County easily earns its rank among the top US destinations and one of the most beautiful counties in the U.S.
Arcata is known for a variety of locally owned specialty farm-to-table cafes and restaurants, serving exquisite, award-winning foods, wines, microbrews, and spirits, many of which are also available in our local markets. Community farms sell their fresh organic produce and flowers at the weekly farmer's market, where you can also find many more locally made goods and sundries.
Arcata is home to California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt - one of only three Polytechnic universities in California. Cal Poly Humboldt offers bachelors, masters and credential programs in a wide variety of majors, including a STEM program. Our K-12 school system is outstanding and offers options of public, charter, and private schools that provide a variety of programs and initiatives for youth of all ages.
The local airport is serviced by United Airlines/Skywest and Avelo Airlines, with daily flights to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Burbank, and Denver, Colorado.
With all this going for it, it's easy to see why so many call the North Coast home!