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Optum Utilization Review Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Optum Utilization Review information

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$41

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How much do optum utilization review jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for optum 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 an Optum Utilization Review?

An Optum Utilization Review job involves assessing medical treatments and services to ensure they are medically necessary, cost-effective, and compliant with healthcare guidelines. Professionals in this role review patient cases, collaborate with healthcare providers, and apply clinical criteria to determine coverage approvals. They help optimize patient care while managing healthcare costs. Typically, these positions require a background in nursing or healthcare and knowledge of utilization management policies.

What does an Optum Utilization Review do?

In an Optum Utilization Review position, you can expect a mix of reviewing patient medical records, communicating with healthcare providers to gather additional information, and making decisions on the medical necessity and appropriateness of services. The role often involves using clinical guidelines and established protocols to ensure coverage aligns with insurance policies, as well as accurate documentation of findings and recommendations. You'll collaborate with physicians, other case managers, and sometimes directly with members, in a structured yet dynamic environment. While much of the work may be independent and computer-based, teamwork and communication are essential to coordinate care and resolve complex cases.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in an Optum Utilization Review?

To succeed in an Optum Utilization Review role, candidates typically need a clinical background such as a registered nurse (RN) or social worker (LCSW), along with experience in case management and knowledge of utilization management principles. Familiarity with medical review software, electronic health records (EHRs), and utilization management platforms like InterQual or Milliman is often expected, as well as active state licensure or relevant certifications (e.g., CCM). Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are critical soft skills for collaborating with healthcare providers and internal teams. These competencies are vital to ensure appropriate use of healthcare resources, compliance with regulations, and optimal patient outcomes.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optum Utilization Review jobs in California?

The most popular types of Optum Utilization Review jobs in California are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Optum Utilization Review job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,795 per year, or $41.7 per hour.

Medical Director - Prior Authorization - CA licensure required - Remote

UnitedHealth Group

Torrance, CA • On-site, Remote

$248K - $373K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 25 days ago


UnitedHealth Group rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

190th of 888 rated healthcare providers


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.
You'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

You'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, you'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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