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Prior Authorization Jobs in Columbus, MS (NOW HIRING)

CNC Plasma Operator

West Point, MS · On-site

$17.25 - $23.50/hr

Make minor program edits as authorized * Select and install correct consumables, including tips ... Perform test cuts and verify dimensional accuracy prior to full production runs Quality and ...

Tier III Welder

West Point, MS · On-site

$26.50 - $28.50/hr

Ensures sufficient materialsare available prior to staringtheproject * Weldersmust inspect their ... Must be a US citizen or hold a current valid US green card authorized to work in USA Tier ...

Tier III Welder

West Point, MS · On-site

$26.50 - $28.50/hr

Ensures sufficient materialsare available prior to staringtheproject * Weldersmust inspect their ... Must be a US citizen or hold a current valid US green card authorized to work in USA Tier ...

Authorized to work in the United States. * Strong, stable work history. * Must pass a drug test and background screening. * Prior experience in security, military, corrections, or law enforcement is ...

Unarmed Security Officer

Columbus, MS

$15.75 - $18.50/hr

Authorized to work in the United States. * Strong, stable work history. * Must pass a drug test and background screening. * Prior experience in security, military, corrections, or law enforcement is ...

If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may ... Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS ...

Armed Security Officer (CSO)

Columbus, MS · On-site

$17 - $21.50/hr

Prior to assignment, all personnel must fully meet contract requirements, including experience ... authorized by TVA. Job ID 2026-24879 Work Type On-Site Company Description Work Where it Matters ...

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Prior Authorization information

See Columbus, MS salary details

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How much do prior authorization jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for prior authorization in Columbus, MS is $20.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.92 and $22.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is prior authorization?

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 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.

How do I become a prior authorization specialist?

To become a prior authorization specialist, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with knowledge of medical billing and coding. Relevant skills include attention to detail, communication, and familiarity with insurance policies and electronic health record systems. Certification in medical billing or coding can enhance job prospects.

What career paths follow prior authorization?

Careers following prior authorization 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 certifications like CPC or CCS. Advancement can lead to supervisory or managerial roles within healthcare administration or insurance companies.

What is a prior authorization job?

A prior authorization job involves reviewing and processing requests from healthcare providers to approve specific medical treatments, medications, or procedures before they are administered. The role requires knowledge of insurance policies, medical terminology, and attention to detail, often utilizing electronic health record systems. It is essential for ensuring that treatments meet insurance criteria and are covered under the patient's plan.

What are the most commonly searched types of Prior Authorization jobs in Columbus, MS?

The most popular types of Prior Authorization jobs in Columbus, MS are:

What job categories do people searching Prior Authorization jobs in Columbus, MS look for?

The top searched job categories for Prior Authorization jobs in Columbus, MS are:

What cities near Columbus, MS are hiring for Prior Authorization jobs?

Cities near Columbus, MS with the most Prior Authorization job openings:

Infographic showing various Prior Authorization job openings in Columbus, MS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,469 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Medication Liaison - Columbus, MS

UnitedHealth Group

Columbus, MS • On-site

$17 - $20.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


UnitedHealth Group rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

192nd of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

"A Day in the Life" video
Opportunities with Genoa Healthcare. A career with Genoa Healthcare means you're part of a collaborative effort to serve behavioral health and addiction treatment communities. We do more than just provide medicine: we change lives for the better. People with serious mental or chronic illness - and those who care for them - have moving stories, and at Genoa we become their voice, their partner. Working as part of a coordinated care team, we partner with community-based providers and others to ensure that people with complex health conditions get the right medications and are able to follow their treatment plans. Our personalized services - in-clinic pharmacies, medication management and more - are leading the way to a new level of care.
Genoa is a pharmacy care services company that is part of Optum and UnitedHealth Group's family of businesses. We are part of a leading information and technology-enabled health services business dedicated to making the health system work better for everyone. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.
The Pharmacy Technician - Clinic Pharmacy Liaison (Medication Access Coordinator) is an on-site, clinic-embedded role that supports coordination between Genoa pharmacy teams, partner clinic care teams, and patients to promote timely access to medications and an excellent patient experience. This position builds strong clinic relationships, connects patients to Genoa pharmacy services, supports prescription routing and prior authorization workflows, and completes proactive outreach to reduce delays in therapy and improve adherence. Working under the guidance of pharmacy leadership, the liaison helps ensure consistent workflows between clinic and pharmacy teams, identifies routine barriers to medication access, and supports process improvements within established procedures and regulatory requirements.
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Serve as an on-site pharmacy resource within the partner clinic to support coordination
  • Build relationships with clinic staff, providers, and pharmacy teams
  • Support prescription routing and prior authorizations
  • Monitor prescription status and resolve delays
  • Recruit and enroll patients into Genoa services
  • Conduct adherence outreach and manage refills
  • Coordinate medication delivery as needed and where permitted by state regulations
  • Maintain accurate documentation and insurance information
  • Ensure compliance with HIPAA and regulations
  • Identify workflow gaps and support process improvements

Success Measures:
  • Increased patient enrollment and engagement
  • Improved prescription turnaround time
  • Enhanced adherence and refill completion
  • Strong clinic and provider satisfaction
  • Accurate documentation and compliance

What are the reasons to consider working for UnitedHealth Group? Put it all together - competitive base pay, a full and comprehensive benefit program, performance rewards, and a management team who demonstrates their commitment to your success. Some of our offerings include:
  • Paid Time Off which you start to accrue with your first pay period plus 8 Paid Holidays
  • Medical Plan options along with participation in a Health Spending Account or a Health Saving account
  • Dental, Vision, Life& AD&D Insurance along with Short-term disability and Long-Term Disability coverage
  • 401(k) Savings Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Education Reimbursement
  • Employee Discounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Employee Referral Bonus Program
  • Voluntary Benefits (pet insurance, legal insurance, LTC Insurance, etc.)

You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear directions on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.
Required Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma/GED
  • Active Pharmacy Technician License in state of residence (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire)
  • 3+ years of pharmacy, healthcare, or related experience
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and follow processes
  • Reliable transportation if travel is required

Preferred Qualifications:
  • National Pharmacy Technician Certification (CPhT)
  • Experience with prior authorizations and insurance processes
  • Behavioral health or community care experience
  • Familiarity with EHR or pharmacy systems
  • Microsoft Office experience
  • Patient engagement or enrollment experience

Soft Skills:
  • Strong communication and organizational skills

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. 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. The hourly pay for this role will range from $18.00 to $32.00 per hour based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.
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.
Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
UnitedHealth Group is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.
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