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Medical Utilization Review Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

$25 - $29/hr

ResponsibilitiesUtilization Review Nurse (LVN) The Utilization Review Nurse conducts first-level ... Ensure proper referral to medical director for denial authorizations through independent review ...

Showing results 21-40

Medical Utilization Review information

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$22

$44

$72

How much do medical utilization review jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for medical utilization review in Oregon is $44.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35.34 and $51.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

Is medical utilization review a stressful job?

Medical utilization review can be stressful due to the need to evaluate complex medical cases, meet strict deadlines, and ensure accurate decisions. The job often requires attention to detail, critical thinking, and sometimes handling difficult interactions with providers or patients. However, stress levels vary depending on workload, work environment, and individual coping skills.

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.

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 Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS) can enhance job prospects. Relevant skills include attention to detail, analytical thinking, and familiarity with medical records and billing systems.

What does a medical utilization review specialist do in healthcare?

A medical utilization review specialist evaluates healthcare services to determine their necessity, efficiency, and appropriateness based on established guidelines. They review patient records, collaborate with healthcare providers, and ensure compliance with insurance policies, often using specialized software. This role helps control healthcare costs and ensures quality patient care.

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.

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 popular job titles related to Medical Utilization Review jobs in Oregon?

For Medical Utilization Review jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Medical Utilization Review job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 62% In-person, and 38% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,985 per year, or $44.7 per hour.

Utilization Management Clinician

PacificSource

Bend, OR

Full-time

Medical

Re-posted 20 days ago


PacificSource rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

280th of 307 rated insurance


Job description

Looking for a way to make an impact and help people?

Join PacificSource and help our members access quality, affordable care!

PacificSource is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to status as a protected veteran or a qualified individual with a disability, or other protected status, such as race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information or age. PacificSource values the diversity of our community, including those we hire and serve. We are committed to creating and fostering a work environment in which individual differences and diversity are appreciated, respected and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person's talents and strengths.

Collaborate closely with physicians, nurses, social workers and a wide range of medical and non-medical professionals to coordinate delivery of healthcare services. Assess the member's specific health plan benefits and the additional medical, community, or financial resources available. Provide utilization management (UM) services which promote quality, cost-effective outcomes by helping member populations achieve effective utilization of healthcare services. Facilitate outstanding member care using fiscally responsible strategies.

Essential Responsibilities:

  • Collect and assess member information pertinent to member's history, condition, and functional abilities in order to promote wellness, appropriate utilization, and cost-effective care and services.
  • Coordinate necessary resources to achieve member outcome goals and objectives.
  • Accurately document case notes and letters of explanation which may become part of legal records.
  • Perform concurrent review of members admitted to inpatient facilities, residential treatment centers, and partial hospitalization programs.
  • Maintain contact with the inpatient facility utilization review personnel to assure appropriateness of continued stay and level of care.
  • Identify cases that require discharge planning, including transfer to skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, residential, and outpatient to include behavioral health, home health, and hospice services while considering member co-morbid conditions.
  • Review referral and preauthorization requests for appropriateness of care within established evidence-based criteria sets.
  • When applicable, identify and negotiate with appropriate vendors to provide services.
  • When appropriate, negotiate discounts with non-contracted providers and/or refer such providers to Provider Network Department for contract development.
  • Work with multidisciplinary teams utilizing an integrated team-based approach to best support members, which may include working together on network not available (NNA), out of network exceptions (OONE), and one-time agreements (OTA).
  • Serve as primary resource to member and family members for questions and concerns related to the health plan and in navigating through the health systems issues.
  • Interact with other PacificSource personnel to assure quality customer service is provided.
  • Act as an internal resource by answering questions requiring medical or contract interpretation that are referred from other departments, as well as physicians and providers of medical services and supplies.
  • Assist employers and agents with questions regarding healthcare resources and procedures for their employees and clients.
  • Identify high cost utilization and refer to Large Case Reinsurance RN and Care Management team as appropriate.
  • Assist Medical Director in developing guidelines and procedures for Health Services Department.

Supporting Responsibilities:

  • Act as backup and be a resource for other Health Services Department staff and functions as needed.
  • Serve on designated committees, teams, and task groups, as directed.
  • Represent the Heath Services Department, both internally and externally, as requested by Medical Director.
  • Meet department and company performance and attendance expectations.
  • Follow the PacificSource privacy policy and HIPAA laws and regulations concerning confidentiality and security of protected health information.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

SUCCESS PROFILE

Work Experience: Minimum of three (3) years of nursing or behavioral health experience with varied medical and/or behavioral health exposure and capability required. Experience in acute care, case management, including cases that require rehabilitation, home health, behavioral health and hospice treatment strongly preferred. Insurance industry experience helpful, but not required.

Education, Certificates, Licenses: Active, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, (PMHNP) credential required. Case Manager Certification as accredited by CCMC preferred.

Knowledge: Thorough knowledge and understanding of medical and behavioral health processes, diagnoses, care modalities, procedure codes including ICD and CPT Codes, health insurance and state-mandated benefits. Understanding of contractual benefits and options available outside contractual benefits. Working knowledge of community services, providers, vendors and facilities available to assist members. Understanding of appropriate case management plans. Ability to use computerized systems for data recording and retrieval. Assures patient confidentiality, privacy, and health records security. Establishes and maintains relationships with community services and providers. Maintains current clinical knowledge base and certification. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Must be able to function as part of a collaborative, cohesive community.

Competencies:

Adaptability

Building Customer Loyalty

Building Strategic Work Relationships

Building Trust

Continuous Improvement

Contributing to Team Success

Planning and Organizing

Work Standards

Environment: Work inside in a general office setting with ergonomically configured equipment. Travel is required approximately 5% of the time.

Skills:

Accountability, Collaboration, Communication (written/verbal), Flexibility, Listening (active), Organizational skills/Planning and Organization, Problem Solving, Teamwork

Compensation Disclaimer

The wage range provided reflects the full range for this position. The maximum amount listed represents the highest possible salary for the role and should not be interpreted as a typical starting wage. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as qualifications, experience, education, and internal equity. Please note that the stated range is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a guarantee of any specific salary within that range.

Base Range:

$70,950.00 - $106,424.99Our Values

We live and breathe our values. In fact, our culture is driven by these seven core values which guide us in how we do business:

  • We are committed to doing the right thing.

  • We are one team working toward a common goal.

  • We are each responsible for customer service.

  • We practice open communication at all levels of the company to foster individual, team and company growth.

  • We actively participate in efforts to improve our many communities-internally and externally.

  • We actively work to advance social justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in our workplace, the healthcare system and community.

  • We encourage creativity, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence.

Physical Requirements:Stoop and bend. Sit and/or stand for extended periods of time while performing core job functions.Repetitive motions to include typing, sorting and filing. Light lifting and carrying of files and business materials. Ability to read and comprehend both written and spoken English. Communicate clearly and effectively.

Disclaimer:This job description indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this position and is subject to change. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position. Employment remains AT-WILL at all times.


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