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Prior Auth Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Govt Prior Auth Coord I

Portland, OR · On-site +1

$21.30 - $23.96/hr

Determines the requirement for prior authorization based on the plan type, ICD-10 code, CPT/HCPC code or place of service. * Review and research referral and authorization requests received in Health ...

New

Prior Auth information

See Portland, OR salary details

$13

$20

$31

How much do prior auth jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for prior auth in Portland, OR is $20.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $22.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Prior Auth vs Medical Billing Specialist?

AspectPrior AuthMedical Billing Specialist
Required CredentialsKnowledge of insurance policies, certifications varyCertification often preferred, knowledge of billing codes
Work EnvironmentHealthcare offices, insurance companiesMedical offices, billing companies
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in healthcare to authorize proceduresUsed to process and submit medical claims
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Prior Auth involves obtaining approval from insurance companies before procedures, while Medical Billing Specialists handle the billing process after services are provided. Both roles are essential in healthcare administration but focus on different stages of patient care and reimbursement.

Are prior authorization jobs in high demand?

Prior authorization jobs are in steady demand due to the increasing complexity of healthcare billing and insurance requirements. These roles often require knowledge of medical policies and the use of authorization software, making skilled professionals valuable in healthcare administration. The demand is expected to grow as healthcare providers seek to streamline approval processes and reduce claim denials.

How do I become a prior authorization specialist?

To become a prior authorization specialist, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience in healthcare or insurance. Relevant skills include knowledge of medical billing, coding, and insurance policies, and certifications such as Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) or Certified Coding Associate (CCA) can enhance job prospects. On-the-job training is common, and strong communication and organizational skills are essential for success in this role.

Is prior authorization a stressful job?

Prior authorization jobs can be stressful due to the need for accuracy, attention to detail, and managing tight deadlines to secure approvals quickly. The role often involves handling complex insurance policies and communicating with healthcare providers, which can contribute to workload pressure. However, stress levels vary depending on the work environment and individual coping strategies.

What are popular job titles related to Prior Auth jobs in Portland, OR?

For Prior Auth jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Prior Auth jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Prior Auth job openings:

Infographic showing various Prior Auth job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,687 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Govt Prior Auth Coord I

Moda Health

Portland, OR • On-site, Remote

$21.30 - $23.96/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Moda Health rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

109th of 315 rated insurance


Job description

Let’s do great things, together!

About Moda
Founded in Oregon in 1955, Moda is proud to be a company of real people committed to quality. Today, like then, we’re focused on building a better future for healthcare. That starts by offering outstanding coverage to our members, compassionate support to our community and comprehensive benefits to our employees. It keeps going by connecting with neighbors to create healthy spaces and places, together. Moda values diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We aim to demonstrate our commitment to diversity through all our business practices and invite applications from candidates that share our commitment to this diversity. Our diverse experiences and perspectives help us become a stronger organization. Let’s be better together.


Position Summary
This position will provide support to the Medical Management team by assisting in the investigation and research of prior authorization requests.  Completes reviews or support the clinical staff in the review processes by preparing or completing the requests as assigned. This is a FT WFH role. 
Pay Range
$21.30 - $23.96 ​​​hourly (depending on experience).
Actual pay is based on qualifications. Applicants who do not exceed the minimum qualifications will only be eligible for the low end of the pay range.


Please fill out an application on our company page, linked below, to be considered for this position.

https://j.brt.mv/jb.do?reqGK=27784269&refresh=true
 

Benefits:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Pharmacy, Life, & Disability
  • 401K- Matching
  • FSA
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • PTO and Company Paid Holidays

Required Skills, Experience & Education:

  • High school education or equivalent.
  • 1-2 years of experience in a medical office and/or insurance experience needed.
  • Proficient with PC and Microsoft Office applications.
  • Type a minimum of 35 wpm and 10key proficiency of 135spm on computer number keypad.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills including demonstrated business writing and grammar skills.
  • Excellent organizational and detail orientation skills.
  • Must present a professional business image in all settings.
  • Ability to work well under pressure, work with frequent interruptions and shifting priorities.
  • Ability to come to work on time and daily.
  • Ability to work independently, as well as part of a team, dealing with all levels of staff, members, providers, in a professional manner.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality.
  • High level of understanding of medical terminology and coding, state and federal regulations for claims adjudication and provider contracting.
  • Knowledge of Health Plan benefits.
  • Ability to interpret complex benefit packages and contract language.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and decision quality preferred.
  • Familiar with CMS (Medicare) rules and regulations a plus but not required.


Primary Functions:

  • Determines the requirement for prior authorization based on the plan type, ICD-10 code, CPT/HCPC code or place of service.
  • Review and research referral and authorization requests received in Healthcare Services. Process or route per appropriate guideline.
  • Provides education to members and providers regarding prior authorization process.
  • Interacts with providers and provider offices to gather complete, accurate information to process prior authorizations and referrals and coordinates with providers to ensure consideration is given to unique treatment.
  • Consults the RN, Manager or Supervisor on complex cases.
  • Responsible for daily administrative functions of the clinical team in Healthcare Services, ensuring deadlines are met to support required processes of the clinical team, members and providers as well as facilitates the timely processing of documentation submitted to the Medical Management department.
  • Utilizes the Moda Health systems for documentation of contact with providers and members.
  • Communicates effectively with other Medical Management support staff.
  • Analyze claims and encounters according to the limits of authorization, benefit plan and provider contracts.
  • Effectively uses the Moda Health systems to accurately determine eligibility, benefit plan, and physician networks associated with the member’s plan.
  • Completes approvals, and denials by the medical director, of claims and prior authorization requests in a professional, positive manner.
  • Send proper correspondence to providers, members, and other departments to either obtain additional information necessary for the review of claims or denial of requested services.
  • Analyze authorizations for correct information, such as authorization maximums, limitations, and special instructions for performance groups.
  • Ensure adherence of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other regulatory guidelines including privacy and security.
  • Responsible for the auditing of individual daily work for accuracy, consistency and compliance based on Moda Health policies and procedures, state, federal and CMS (Medicare)/Medicaid regulations.
  • Identifies problems and researches alternative solutions.
  • Works with other team members to maintain the workflow to meet productivity and compliance standards.
  • Completes other duties and special projects as assigned by the HCS Supervisor and/or the HCS Manager.
  • Maintains an established productivity based on the complexity and demands of a heavy workload, complex services agreements, provider contracts and complex benefit packages.
  • Responsible for utilizing all applicable policies, procedures and materials used in determining the proper review of claims, review, and processing of prior authorization requests for services.
  • Enter data into appropriate system Facets UM or CT Dynamo must be able to accurately determine member eligibility and provider participation within a network.
  • Maintain accurate patient note entry when not approving a request, when awaiting additional information or when routing the referral or preauthorization request.
  • Perform other tasks as assigned.


Working Conditions & Contact with Others

  • Office environment with extensive close PC and keyboard work, constant sitting, and phone work. Must be able to navigate multiple screens. Work in excess of 37.5 hours per week, including evenings and occasional weekends, to meet business need.​​​​​​
  • Internally with own department and Customer Service.  Externally with Moda members, PBM vendor, providers, provider offices.
     

Together, we can be more. We can be better.
 ​​​​​​
Moda Health seeks to allow equal employment opportunities for all qualified persons without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status or any other status protected by law. This is applicable to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absences, compensation, and training. 
For more information regarding accommodations please direct your questions to Kristy Nehler and Danielle Baker via our humanresources@modahealth.com email.


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