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Prior Authorization Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Clinical Pharmacist

Rochester, NY · On-site

$116K - $139K/yr

Review prior authorization and medical exception requests. * Perform utilization review for medical necessity. * Evaluate medical records and apply PA criteria. * Handle 20-30 cases per day

Pharmacy Access Rep

Rochester, NY · On-site

$21.97 - $29.66/hr

Communicates with the prescriber's office to acquire necessary information to submit prescriptions to the patient's insurance for approval including prior authorization, and helps enroll patients in ...

Key duties include processing prior authorizations, assisting with financial aid, updating clinical data, and supporting administrative tasks. The liaison collaborates closely with the CPS Patient ...

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Prior Authorization information

See Rochester, NY salary details

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How much do prior authorization jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for prior authorization in Rochester, NY is $20.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $22.79 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 Rochester, NY?

The most popular types of Prior Authorization jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What are popular job titles related to Prior Authorization jobs in Rochester, NY?

For Prior Authorization jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Prior Authorization jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Prior Authorization job openings:

Infographic showing various Prior Authorization job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, and 12% Part Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,880 per year, or $20.6 per hour.

Referral & Prior Authorization III

Rochester, NY • On-site


University of Rochester
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

129th of 623 rated colleges and universities

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


$20.30 - $27.41/hr

Other

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Job Title

The University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location:

601 Elmwood Ave, Room 10347J, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14642

Opening:

Worker Subtype: Regular

Time Type: Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40

Department: 910083 Pediatrics Cardiology

Work Shift: UR - Day (United States of America)

Range: UR URCA 205 H

Compensation Range: $20.30 - $27.41

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities

Oversees data and ensures compliance to enterprise standards and referral and prior authorization guidelines. Communicates regularly with patients, families, clinical and non-clinical staff, identifying barriers to appointment compliance, insurance company barriers and tracking all assistance provided. Plans, executes, appeals and follows through on all aspects of the process which has direct, multifaceted impact on patient scheduling, treatment, care and follow up. Adheres to approved protocols for working referrals and prior authorizations.

Essential Functions
  • Responsible for managing department referrals. Serves as liaison, appointment coordinator, and patient advocate between the referring office, specialists, and patient to assist in the coordination of scheduled visits and procedures incorporating all incoming referrals to the department. Conducts data analyses to track patient compliance with specialty services, consistently monitors the work queues, and communicates with referring and referred to departments to reconcile any discrepancies and/or answer any questions. Escalates case management when medical assessment is needed. Prioritizes referral requests using medical protocols, responding immediately and expediting most urgent requests. Requests and coordinates team and patient meetings as needed or requested by patient. Participates as an active member of the care team. Acquires insurance authorization for the visit and, if applicable, any testing and attaches referral records to any visits in which they are missing. Documents all communications pertaining to the referral and/or insurance authorization in the notes section of the electronic health record referral record. Performs a needs assessment using information from the electronic medical record to ensure the appropriate appointment/procedure is scheduled with the appropriate provider, ensuring accurate patient demographic and current insurance information is captured and adheres to RIM protocols for record verification. May perform complex appointment scheduling, linking referrals, and ancillary services for the assigned specialty service. Provides patients with appointment and provider information, directions to the office location, and any educational materials if appropriate. Provides regular data to team on patient compliance with treatment plans and strategies to improve patient compliance, including provider template oversight, reporting to manager any obstacles to timely scheduling. Ensures ancillary testing and other specialty referrals have been executed and results received and acted upon as needed. Investigates failure to receive such information, troubleshoots, resolves, and/or makes recommendations to ensure delivery/receipt.
  • Prepares and provides multiple, complex details to insurance or worker's compensation carrier to obtain prior authorizations for both standard and complex requests, such as imaging, non-invasive procedures, sleep studies etc., communicating medical information to the insurance carrier and coordinating peer-to-peer reviews for denied services. Anticipates insurer's various questions and prepares request by applying prior insurer decisions and specialty/sub-specialty knowledge of general medical experience and terminology, specialty and sub specialty medical office experience, International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and Current Procedure Technology (CPT), insurance policies, permissible and non-permissible requests, necessary and appropriate medical terminology to use in order for claim to be approved, previous treatments that are necessary to report, appropriate verbiage for treatments that have been tried and not successful. Applies knowledge and protocols to varying degrees based on how complexities of the situation deviate from the norm. Resolves obstacles presented by the insurance company by applying knowledge and experience of previous authorization requests, denials, and approvals. On behalf of the provider and the University, perseveres with the process to ensure as many applications are approved as possible without provider intervention. Determines relevant information needed, based on previous authorization request experience, for submission to carrier if first or second request is denied. Collaborates with provider to draft and finalize letter of medical necessity. Uses system tracking mechanisms to ensure all renewals/approvals are obtained prior to patient arrival.
  • Manages orders for patients being seen in ED/ Urgent Care. Demonstrates expert medical knowledge base with ability to recognize urgent clinical situations. Prioritizes referral requests, responding immediately and expediting most urgent requests. Reviews complex referral requests, evaluates, and schedules to the appropriate provider. Works with providers and other clinical staff to establish the best care plan for the patient.
  • Processes outgoing referrals. Discusses options with patient for outside URMC care. Ensures Meaningful Use requirements are met. Ensures the Summary of Care was transferred electronically via Epic to the referred to office; if the Summary of Care was not or cannot be transferred via Epic, takes additional steps to get this information to the referred to office either via facsimile or mail.
  • Processes incoming referrals not generated within the UR system. Completes referral entry for all external referrals into electronic health record following approved protocols. Coordinates any ancillary testing and obtains any outside records needed for patient appointment.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Education & Experience
  • High School diploma or equivalent and 2 years of relevant experience required
  • Or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Medical Terminology, experience with surgical/appointment scheduling software and electronic medical records preferred
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Demonstrated customer relations skills required

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University's Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.



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