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Prior Authorization Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Prior Authorization

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

General Summary The Prior Authorization Specialist coordinates and secures insurance authorization for medications, in-office injections, and imaging when needed to support timely patient care. This ...

Prior Authorization Specialist

Columbus, OH · On-site

$18.13 - $21.78/hr

The Prior Authorization Specialist handles all prior authorizations, third party appeals, and pending third party payer issues across all Equitas Health medical centers. This individual will work ...

$23 - $25/hr

Pharmacy Prior Authorization Specialist - CareMed Specialty Pharmacy Buffalo, NY | Full-Time | Starting at $23.00/hr and up Sign-On Bonus: $5,000 for employees starting before August 31, 2026! Join a ...

Manage the full lifecycle of prior authorization (PA) requests in support of manufacturer-sponsored patient support programs, utilizing payer portals, electronic submission platforms, fax, and ...

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How much do prior authorization jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for prior authorization in the United States is $20.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to 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 billing. Relevant skills include knowledge of medical terminology, insurance policies, and proficiency with electronic health record (EHR) systems; certifications such as Certified Professional Coder (CPC) can enhance job prospects.

What jobs pay $4000 a week without a degree?

Jobs that can pay $4,000 a week without a degree include certain sales roles, real estate agents, commercial pilots, and skilled trades such as electricians or plumbers with experience. These positions often require specialized skills, certifications, or licensing but do not necessarily require a college degree. High earnings typically depend on experience, performance, and the industry environment.

How much do precertification specialists make?

Precertification specialists typically earn between $35,000 and $55,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. They often require knowledge of insurance policies and medical billing systems, and some roles may offer additional benefits or bonuses.

What Is Prior Authorization?

Prior authorization is a check done by insurance companies and other third-party payers to determine whether or not they should pay for a medical procedure or specific medication. Factors that can trigger prior authorization requests include things like age, the availability of alternative medicines, or the need to check for drug interactions. If they reject the prior authorization, payers often require doctors to attempt the insurance company's preferred procedure and verify unsuccessful results before accepting an alternative treatment plan. Pre-authorization requests can take up to 30 days, though insurance companies and healthcare providers are continuing to work on ways to cut this time down.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Prior Authorization Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Prior Authorization Specialist, you need strong knowledge of medical terminology, insurance processes, and healthcare regulations, typically supported by a high school diploma or associate degree in a healthcare-related field. Familiarity with electronic medical records (EMR) systems, insurance portals, and authorization management software is essential. Attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities help you navigate complex cases and collaborate with providers and payers. These skills ensure accurate and timely processing of authorizations, minimizing delays in patient care and reducing administrative errors.

What are some common challenges faced by Prior Authorization specialists, and how can applicants prepare for them?

Prior Authorization specialists often encounter challenges such as navigating complex insurance policies, managing high volumes of requests, and communicating effectively with both healthcare providers and insurance representatives. To prepare for these challenges, applicants should develop strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a good understanding of medical terminology and insurance guidelines. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR) systems and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment are also valuable assets in this role.

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

AspectPrior AuthorizationMedical Billing Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires knowledge of insurance policies, healthcare regulations, and sometimes certifications like NCQA or AHIPRequires knowledge of coding, billing procedures, and often certifications like CPC or CCS
Work EnvironmentHealthcare provider offices, insurance companies, or hospitalsMedical offices, billing companies, or healthcare facilities
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by healthcare providers and insurers to approve treatments or proceduresUsed by healthcare providers and billing companies to process claims and payments

While both roles are essential in healthcare administration, Prior Authorization focuses on obtaining approval for treatments, whereas Medical Billing Specialists handle the financial aspects of claims processing. Understanding their differences helps clarify their distinct responsibilities within the healthcare system.

What is prior authorization in healthcare?

Prior authorization is a process used by health insurance companies to determine if they will cover a prescribed procedure, service, or medication. Before the provider delivers the service, they must receive approval from the insurer. This process helps control costs and ensures that the service or medication is medically necessary. It often involves submitting documentation and waiting for a decision, which can sometimes delay patient care. Patients and providers should check with insurance companies to understand which services require prior authorization.

What career paths follow prior authorization?

Careers following prior authorization typically include roles such as medical billers, claims processors, healthcare administrators, and utilization review specialists. These positions often require knowledge of insurance policies, medical coding, and healthcare regulations, and may involve working in insurance companies, healthcare providers, or pharmacy benefit management companies.
What cities are hiring for Prior Authorization jobs? Cities with the most Prior Authorization job openings:
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What states have the most Prior Authorization jobs? States with the most job openings for Prior Authorization jobs include:
Infographic showing various Prior Authorization job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,459 per year, or $20.9 per hour.
Prior Authorization

Prior Authorization

Urology Centers of Alabama

Birmingham, AL • On-site

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

Other

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

General Summary

The Prior Authorization Specialist coordinates and secures insurance authorization for medications, in-office injections, and imaging when needed to support timely patient care. This role involves reviewing payer requirements, gathering appropriate clinical documentation, and communicating with insurance companies, pharmacies, and internal staff to facilitate authorization approvals. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong time management, attention to detail, integrity, and the ability to manage multiple requests while maintaining organization and professionalism in a high-volume environment. 

Key Responsibilities 

  • Complete authorization submissions through electronic platforms, payer portals, and telephone communications with insurance representatives when required. 

  • Review patient charts to obtain relevant clinical documentation needed to support authorization requests 

  • Communicate professionally with insurance companies, pharmacies, patients, and internal staff regarding authorization requirements and status updates. 

  • Track and update prior authorization requests and outcomes using internal tracking tools and insurance portals to ensure timely processing and follow-up. 

  • Demonstrate accountability for assigned authorization requests by monitoring status and following up with payers when necessary.  

  • Actively monitor PA Pool and EHR inbox communications to ensure timely response to authorization requests and related inquiries. 

  • Ensure all prior authorization submissions and supporting documentation accurately reflect the patient’s medical record and comply with payer requirements. 

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 45 pounds.

  • Familiarity with medical terminology and working knowledge of medical coding systems (CPT, ICD-10) relevant to prior authorization requests. 

  • Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize urgent requests and meet deadlines in a high-volume environment. 

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills when interacting with patients, insurance representatives, pharmacies, and internal clinical staff. 

  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team while managing multiple tasks simultaneously. 

  • Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, and ethical decision-making when handling patient information and submitting prior authorization requests. 

  • HS Diploma or GED  required.Â