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Optum Prior Authorization Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Pharmacy Care | , California

Torrance, CA ยท On-site

$18 - $21.75/hr

Pharmacy Care Technician Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology, to ... prior authorizations, and resolve refill-related issues. * Provide basic medication education to ...

Pharmacy Care | , California

Torrance, CA ยท On-site

$18 - $21.75/hr

Pharmacy Care Technician Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology, to ... prior authorizations, and resolve refill-related issues. * Provide basic medication education to ...

Pharmacy Care Technician

Torrance, CA

$18.25 - $22.25/hr

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology, to help millions of people ... prior authorizations, and resolve refill-related issues. * Provide basic medication education to ...

Claims Representative

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$18 - $32/hr

Healthcare Claims Reviewer Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology ... prior authorizations and process them for payment. You'll need to be comfortable navigating across ...

Pharmacy Care Technician

Torrance, CA ยท On-site

$18.25 - $22.25/hr

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology, to help millions of people ... prior authorizations, and resolve refill-related issues. * Provide basic medication education to ...

Pharmacy Care | , California

Torrance, CA ยท On-site

$18 - $21.75/hr

Pharmacy Care Technician Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology, to ... prior authorizations, and resolve refill-related issues. * Provide basic medication education to ...

Pharmacy Care | , California

Torrance, CA ยท On-site

$18 - $21.75/hr

Pharmacy Care Technician Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology, to ... prior authorizations, and resolve refill-related issues. * Provide basic medication education to ...

Claims Representative

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$18 - $32/hr

Healthcare Claims Reviewer Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology ... prior authorizations and process them for payment. You'll need to be comfortable navigating across ...

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Optum Prior Authorization information

What is an Optum Prior Authorization?

An Optum Prior Authorization job involves reviewing and processing requests from healthcare providers to ensure that medical treatments, procedures, or medications meet insurance coverage guidelines. Employees in this role assess clinical documentation, verify patient eligibility, and communicate approval or denial decisions based on established criteria. The job requires attention to detail, knowledge of medical terminology, and compliance with healthcare regulations. It may also involve interacting with providers or patients to clarify authorization requirements.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an Optum Prior Authorization specialist?

As an Optum Prior Authorization specialist, your daily tasks include reviewing and processing prior authorization requests for various medical services, verifying insurance coverage, and ensuring all required clinical documentation is complete. You will regularly communicate with healthcare providers, insurance representatives, and patients to clarify requests and resolve any questions. Attention to compliance with health plan guidelines and accurate data entry are vital. The role is fast-paced and highly collaborative, providing opportunities to develop expertise in healthcare administration while supporting the delivery of timely patient care.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Optum Prior Authorization position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optum Prior Authorization specialist, you need knowledge of medical terminology, health insurance processes, and prior authorization procedures, often supported by a background in healthcare administration or related fields. Familiarity with claims management software, electronic health records (EHRs), and payer-specific authorization platforms is essential. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication abilities help you excel in interacting with providers, insurers, and patients. These skills ensure timely, accurate processing of authorizations, reducing delays in patient care and fostering positive relationships with healthcare partners.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optum Prior Authorization jobs in California?

The most popular types of Optum Prior Authorization jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Optum Prior Authorization jobs in California?

For Optum Prior Authorization jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optum Prior Authorization jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Optum Prior Authorization jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Optum Prior Authorization jobs?

Cities in California with the most Optum Prior Authorization job openings:

Infographic showing various Optum Prior Authorization job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Medical Director - Prior Authorization - CA licensure required - Remote

Colorado Psychiatric

Torrance, CA โ€ข On-site

$248.50 - $373/hr

Other

Retirement

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health optimization on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

Looking for a chance to drive measurable and meaningful improvement in the use of evidence-based medicine, patient safety, practice variation and affordability? You can make a difference at UnitedHealth Group and our family of businesses in serving our Medicare, Medicaid and commercial members and plan sponsors. Be part of changing the way health care is delivered while working with a Fortune 4 industry leader.

This position will support the growing Prior Auth program which covers the California Market. The scope of this role will include Prior Authorization for Medicare Advantage members focusing on high value procedures such as Myocardial SPECT, PET scans, DME/Home Ventilator, Genetic Testing, and many more. Additionally, the team handles UM functions for the California Market.

Youโ€™ll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges.

Primary Responsibilities:
  • Work to improve quality and promote evidence-based medicine
  • Prior authorization, utilization management and claims review cases for patients
  • Provide information on quality and efficiency to doctors, patients and customers to inform care choices and drive improvement
  • Support initiatives that enhance quality throughout our national network
  • Ensure the right service is provided at the right time for each member
  • Work with medical director teams focusing on inpatient care management, clinical coverage review, member appeals clinical review, medical claim review and provider appeals clinical review
  • Success in this technology-heavy role requires exceptional leadership skills, the knowledge and confidence to make autonomous decisions and an ability to thrive in a production-driven setting

Youโ€™ll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications:
  • MD or DO degree
  • Active, unrestricted physician state license in CA
  • Current board certification through the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA)
  • 5+ years of clinical practice experience post residency
  • Proven solid understanding of and concurrence with evidence-based medicine (EBM) and managed care principles
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Hands-on utilization and/or quality management experience
  • Prior Authorization experience
  • Project management or active project participation experience
  • Substantial experience in using electronic clinical systems
  • Licensure in New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, or Arizona (or willing and able to obtain)

*All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter Policy

Compensation for this specialty generally ranges from $248,500.00 to $373,000.00. Total cash compensation includes base pay and bonus and is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience and may increase over time based on productivity and performance in the role. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, youโ€™ll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives.

Application Deadline: This will be posted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone-of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income-deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes - an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.

UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

UnitedHealth Group is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.

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