1

Medical Utilization Review Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Reviews behavioral health cases to determine medical necessity and appropriateness of care ... Conducts utilization reviews of behavioral health cases to determine medical necessity ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Medical Utilization Review information

See Ohio salary details

$20

$40

$65

How much do medical utilization review jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for medical utilization review in Ohio is $40.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.78 and $46.15 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.
Infographic showing various Medical Utilization Review job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,610 per year, or $40.2 per hour.

$78K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Corporate Director of Utilization Review

New Vista Behavioral Health

Pay Range: $78k - $100k per year
Schedule: Full Time
Location: Blue Ash, OH

New Vista Behavioral Health is seeking an experienced Corporate Director of Utilization Review to provide strategic leadership and oversight of utilization review and utilization management across our behavioral health organization.

This is a high-impact corporate leadership role responsible for ensuring clinically appropriate, timely, and financially responsible utilization of behavioral health services. The Director will partner with clinical, medical, operations, revenue cycle, quality, compliance, admissions, discharge planning, and payer relations teams to optimize authorizations, reduce avoidable denials, support appropriate length of stay, and promote timely transitions of care.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead and oversee the organization’s enterprise-wide Utilization Review program and establish consistent best practices across facilities and programs.
  • Develop and implement standardized UR policies, workflows, performance expectations, and quality metrics.
  • Oversee initial, concurrent, continued-stay, retrospective, and discharge-related utilization reviews.
  • Ensure timely and accurate submission of clinical information and authorization requests to managed care organizations and other payers.
  • Monitor authorization outcomes, denials, length of stay, continued-stay days, and other utilization trends.
  • Develop strategies to prevent avoidable denials and improve payer authorization and appeal outcomes.
  • Oversee peer-to-peer reviews, clinical escalations, and medical necessity appeals.
  • Partner with clinical leadership to ensure documentation supports medical necessity, level of care, treatment needs, and continued stay.
  • Establish and monitor corporate UR dashboards and key performance indicators.
  • Identify trends and opportunities for operational, clinical, and financial improvement.
  • Provide coaching, mentoring, and leadership to facility-level UR teams and managers.
  • Collaborate with Revenue Cycle, Payer Relations, Quality, Compliance, Medical Staff, and Operations to resolve utilization and reimbursement challenges.
  • Maintain compliance with applicable regulatory, accreditation, payer, and organizational requirements.
  • Serve as the organization’s subject-matter expert on behavioral health utilization management and medical necessity.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, Social Work, Psychology, or a related healthcare field required.
  • Master’s degree preferred.
  • Active clinical license or applicable professional credential preferred.
  • 7+ years of progressive healthcare experience, including significant behavioral health utilization review/management experience.
  • 3–5+ years of leadership experience, preferably in a multi-site or corporate healthcare environment.
  • Strong knowledge of behavioral health levels of care, medical necessity, payer authorization, concurrent review, denials, peer-to-peer reviews, and appeals.
  • Demonstrated success improving authorization outcomes and reducing avoidable denials.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
  • Experience with behavioral health EHRs, payer portals, and utilization management systems preferred.
  • Knowledge of InterQual, MCG, ASAM, LOCUS, or other applicable clinical criteria is a plus.