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Prior Authorization Utilization Review Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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How much do prior authorization utilization review jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for prior authorization utilization review in the United States is $42.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.41 and $48.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Prior Authorization Utilization Review Specialist, you need a strong understanding of medical terminology, insurance guidelines, and clinical criteria, often supported by a degree in healthcare or nursing and relevant certification (such as RN or LPN). Familiarity with prior authorization software, electronic health record (EHR) systems, and payer portals is typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to multitask help professionals excel in this role. These competencies ensure accurate and timely processing of authorizations, reducing delays in patient care and ensuring compliance with payer requirements.

What is a Prior Authorization Utilization Review specialist?

A Prior Authorization Utilization Review specialist is a healthcare professional responsible for evaluating medical service requests to ensure they meet specific criteria for approval before services are provided. Their main role is to review clinical information, verify medical necessity, and ensure compliance with insurance policies and guidelines. They act as a liaison between healthcare providers, insurance companies, and patients to facilitate timely and accurate authorization decisions. This process helps to manage healthcare costs and ensure patients receive appropriate care.

What is the difference between Prior Authorization Utilization Review vs Medical Reviewer?

AspectPrior Authorization Utilization ReviewMedical Reviewer
CredentialsLicensed healthcare professionals, often with certifications in utilization reviewLicensed physicians or healthcare providers with clinical expertise
Work EnvironmentInsurance companies, healthcare organizations, or third-party review firmsHospitals, clinics, insurance companies, or consulting firms
Primary FocusAssessing the necessity of procedures or treatments before approvalEvaluating clinical records to determine medical necessity and appropriateness

While both roles involve clinical assessment, Prior Authorization Utilization Review focuses on pre-authorization decisions for treatments, whereas Medical Review involves detailed clinical evaluation of patient records to determine medical necessity. Both require healthcare credentials and are integral to healthcare quality and cost management.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Prior Authorization Utilization Review roles, and how can these be managed?

Professionals in Prior Authorization Utilization Review often encounter challenges such as navigating complex insurance policies, managing high volumes of requests, and ensuring timely communication between providers and payers. Staying organized, developing a thorough understanding of payer guidelines, and maintaining clear, consistent communication are key strategies for managing these challenges. Many teams also rely on workflow management tools and regular team huddles to streamline processes and ensure all cases are handled efficiently.
More about Prior Authorization Utilization Review jobs
What cities are hiring for Prior Authorization Utilization Review jobs? Cities with the most Prior Authorization Utilization Review job openings:
What states have the most Prior Authorization Utilization Review jobs? States with the most job openings for Prior Authorization Utilization Review jobs include:
Infographic showing various Prior Authorization Utilization Review job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $87,946 per year, or $42.3 per hour.
Clinical Authorization Specialist (Utilization Review)

Clinical Authorization Specialist (Utilization Review)

HALLMARK YOUTHCARE RICHMOND INC

Richmond, VA

$27 - $31/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

As a leading Residential Treatment Center in the Greater Richmond area, Hallmark Youthcare treats adolescents with emotional and behavioral challenges triggered by trauma. Treatment is provided in a warm and friendly environment by a group of well-trained, highly motivated staff that take pride in delivering quality care in a fast-paced environment.

We are seeking a detail-oriented Clinical Authorization Specialist (Utilization Review) to join our healthcare team. The ideal candidate will have experience in prior authorizations, insurance verification, utilization review, and medical necessity determinations. This role is responsible for ensuring that medical services are appropriately authorized, clinically supported, and compliant with payer guidelines before, during, and after patient care.

The Clinical Authorization Specialist serves as a liaison between healthcare providers, insurance companies, and patients to facilitate timely approvals while minimizing denials and delays in care.

In addition, this role maintains communication with referral sources (CSA/FAPT/IACCT) to coordinate placement and reimbursement standards for transfers from emergency placements and document submission to Magellan for Medicaid consideration.

Key Responsibilities
  • Master's degree in health services field.
  • Review and process prior authorization requests for medical procedures, diagnostic testing, medications, therapies, and specialty services.
  • Evaluate clinical documentation to determine medical necessity using payer guidelines, evidence-based criteria, and insurance policies.
  • Perform prospective, concurrent, and retrospective utilization reviews.
  • Communicate with physicians, nurses, case managers, and insurance representatives to obtain required clinical documentation.
  • Submit authorization requests and monitor status through payer portals and electronic health record (EHR/EMR) systems.
  • Track authorization approvals, denials, appeals, and expiration dates to ensure continuity of care.
  • Identify incomplete or missing documentation and coordinate with providers to obtain necessary information.
  • Maintain accurate records of all authorization activities, communications, and determinations.
  • Stay current on payer policies, CMS regulations, and utilization management best practices.
  • Assist with appeals and peer-to-peer review coordination when necessary.
  • Meet productivity, turnaround time, quality, and compliance standards.

Required Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a healthcare-related field preferred.
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience in prior authorization, utilization review, medical insurance, case management, including admissions.
  • Strong understanding of commercial insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and managed care plans.
  • Experience working with electronic medical records (EMR/EHR) and payer authorization portals.
  • Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong verbal and written communication abilities.
  • Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced healthcare environment.

Benefits:

Set schedule Monday- Friday 9 am- 5pm

Full benefit package available

Matching 401K

Time off accrued each payroll

Free employee meals