Remote Academic Peer Reviewer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health optimization on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

The role of the Psychologist Peer Review involves applying clinical criteria and benefit plan requirements to Commercial, Medicaid, and Medicare cases, and making clinical and /or benefit determinations to continue coverage of treatment, shaping and modifying treatment as appropriate, or issuing an adverse benefit determination if applicable criteria is not met.  

If you are located in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut, you will have the flexibility to work remotely* as you take on some tough challenges.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Standard outpatient treatment, including requests for extended length sessions or single case agreements
• State-specific Medicaid services (e.g. Psychosocial Rehabilitation, Targeted Case Management, Home Based Habilitation, Supported Employment, etc.)
• Intensive Outpatient services for both Mental Health and Substance Abuse
• Participate in peer consultations, staff meetings, and trainings; entering determinations within federal, state, and local guideline requirements; and perform of other duties as required by the reviewer's manager
• Conduct Non-MD clinical reviews of the following type during a typical workday
• Requests for psychological or neuropsychological testing
• Review of outpatient treatment plans for services that are sent for Peer Review that do not appear to meet clinical criteria and/or when there are concerns about the quality of care
• Review of ongoing outpatient care in cases where the member's treatment episode exceeds normative standards
• Requests for non-standard outpatient services (extended-length visits, an in-network accommodation, intensive outpatient program with no MD involvement)
• Appeals of previously denied services or claims for outpatient non-MD services up to and including Intensive Outpatient Programming

You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications:

• Licensed doctoral level (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) Psychologist
• License must be current, allow for full independent practice, and be unrestricted (you may be asked to obtain additional state licenses to meet growing business needs)
• 5 years of post-licensure experience
• Experience completing peer reviews including psychological testing, other Children's services like CFTSS and HCBS and Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders
• Experience working with insurance agencies
• Experience working with children and adolescents
• Computer skills, including facility with Windows OS, Outlook, Word, and Excel
• Proven ability to type proficiently while speaking on the phone
• Permanent residence in the state of New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a managed care setting
• Clinical experience with children in foster care or knowledge of NYS foster care system
• Experience with commercial, Medicaid and Medicare lines of business
• Experience with CPT and HCPC codes
• Clinical experience in higher levels of care (Intensive Outpatient)
• Clinical experience with children and adolescents
• Clinical experience with Substance Abuse diagnoses
• Clinical experience with Evidence-Based Treatment
• Advanced computer skills using Excel and Access Databases
• Demonstrated solid organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple demands within strict turn-around-time requirements
• Demonstrated solid written and verbal communication and negotiation skills
• Proven ability to work well independently and collaborate with others on a clinical team
• Proven ability to enjoy a fast paced, changing environment

*All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter Policy

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 salary for this role will range from $91,700 - $163,700 annually 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.

UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

UnitedHealth Group is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.