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Therapy Utilization Review Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Director of Utilization

San Rafael, CA · On-site

$105K - $130K/yr

We are seeking a Director of Utilization Review to lead utilization management processes that ... Collaborates with physicians, therapist and nursing staff to provide optimal review based on ...

We are seeking a Director of Utilization Review to lead utilization management processes that ... Collaborates with physicians, therapist and nursing staff to provide optimal review based on ...

Director of Utilization

San Rafael, CA · On-site

$105K - $130K/yr

We are seeking a Director of Utilization Review to lead utilization management processes that ... Collaborates with physicians, therapist and nursing staff to provide optimal review based on ...

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Therapy Utilization Review information

See California salary details

$15

$31

$52

How much do therapy utilization review jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for therapy utilization review in California is $31.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.07 and $40.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is therapy utilization review?

Therapy Utilization Review is a process used by healthcare organizations and insurance companies to evaluate the necessity, efficiency, and appropriateness of therapy services being provided to patients. This review ensures that treatments such as physical, occupational, or speech therapy are medically necessary and align with established guidelines. The goal is to optimize patient care while managing costs and preventing overuse or misuse of therapy services. Professionals in this role review patient records, treatment plans, and progress notes, often collaborating with therapists and other healthcare providers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a therapy utilization review specialist?

To thrive as a Therapy Utilization Review specialist, you need a solid background in clinical therapy practice (such as physical, occupational, or speech therapy), often supported by licensure and clinical experience. Familiarity with medical review software, electronic health records (EHRs), and utilization management systems is typically required, along with knowledge of insurance guidelines and regulatory standards. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and clear communication skills help professionals effectively assess treatment plans and collaborate with both providers and payers. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring that patients receive medically necessary, cost-effective therapy while maintaining compliance with regulations.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in therapy utilization review, and how can they be managed?

One of the main challenges in Therapy Utilization Review is balancing the clinical needs of patients with insurance guidelines and organizational policies. Professionals often need to make difficult decisions about treatment approvals while communicating effectively with both therapists and insurance providers. Staying current on clinical guidelines, maintaining strong documentation skills, and developing firm but empathetic communication abilities can help manage these challenges. Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams is also essential to ensure patients receive appropriate care while meeting regulatory requirements.

What is the difference between Therapy Utilization Review vs Speech-Language Pathologist?

AspectTherapy Utilization ReviewSpeech-Language Pathologist
CredentialsTypically requires healthcare or insurance-related certificationsRequires a master's degree in speech-language pathology and state licensure
Work EnvironmentInsurance companies, healthcare organizations, or utilization review departmentsHospitals, clinics, schools, or private practice
Industry UsageFocuses on evaluating therapy necessity and coverageProvides direct therapy services to patients with speech or language disorders

While Therapy Utilization Review involves assessing the necessity of therapy services for insurance coverage, Speech-Language Pathologists provide direct patient care. Both roles require healthcare knowledge, but they differ in focus: one is review-based, the other is clinical service delivery.

What cities in California are hiring for Therapy Utilization Review jobs?

Cities in California with the most Therapy Utilization Review job openings:

Infographic showing various Therapy Utilization Review job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,566 per year, or $31.5 per hour.

Utilization Review

Arcata, CA • On-site

Mad River Community Hospital
Health Care and Social Assistance • 501 - 1,000 employees

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Mad River Community Hospital offers a friendly, family oriented and welcoming workplace with excellent benefits. Come join our family of dedicated professional staff, where you can take pride in being a part of an exceptional team!
The Utilization Review Coordinator reports to the Chief People and Compliance Officer.
The Utilization Review Coordinator is responsible for facilitating, coordinating, integrating and evaluating utilization review activities within the in-patient acute care setting. The UR Coordinator is part of a team that is accountable for facilitating and providing care coordination services and quality outcomes for patients through discharge planning and transitional care.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Collaborates and coordinates with health plans and providers/care teams to ensure appropriate utilization of resources and timely discharge.
• Provides clinical review for different healthcare services requiring authorization, including acute inpatient, skilled nursing facility, acute rehab, and home nursing.
• C ommunicates with insurance representatives and third party payers to ensure appropriate authorization for care.
• Collaborates and communicates with the care team to develop comprehensive discharge/transitional care plans based on assessment of the patient's clinical and social needs.
• Demonstrates awareness and ability to articulate legal issues pertaining to patient and families, especially related to non-covered stay. Issues denial letters as appropriate following approved procedures.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor or Master's degree in Nursing, Social Work, Sociology, or related field from an accredited school.
• Current clinical licensure, either Registered Nurse or Licensed Clinical Social Worker, preferred.
• Previous experience in utilization management, case management, discharge planning and/or home health or rehab preferred.
• Two to five years of recent acute care clinical experience.
• Working knowledge of DRG classification system, CPT coding, and INTERQUAL.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact with patients/family, clinical staff, insurance providers and post-acute care providers.
• Capable experience in using electronic medical records.
• Basic proficiency with MS Office, Word and Excel.
• Current BLS certificate.
To Apply:
Please apply via our Portal by clicking the link "Apply Now". Or you may email your resume and/or application to HRTeam-at-MadRiverHospital.com.
Please visit our web site, www.madriverhospital.com , to learn more about Mad River Hospital and download the Employment Application.
Employment with MRCH is contingent upon passing a post-offer, pre-employment background check and drug screen.
Mad River Community Hospital: A Unique Acute Care Facility
The friendly university city of Arcata, CA is home to Mad River Community Hospital, nestled between the redwoods and the Pacific Ocean, just minutes away from a river, bay, beaches and forests. Mad River Community Hospital is committed to providing the best care for our patients and a balanced work-life integration for our staff.
In addition to acute care and surgical services, the hospital provides emergency services. The hospital operates several outpatient clinics, including surgery, orthopedic, occupational health, pain management, wound care, behavioral health, three primary care clinics, and two physical therapy/sports rehabilitation clinics in Arcata and Willow Creek. There is a 2-acre on-site farm that provides our cafeteria with produce for serving patients and staff.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Mad River Community Hospital provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Mad River Community Hospital complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Humboldt County - Northern California Redwood Coast
The friendly university city of Arcata, CA is home to Mad River Community Hospital, nestled between the redwoods and the Pacific Ocean, just minutes away from a river, bay, beaches and forests. Arcata is an open-minded and welcoming small city, valuing diversity, culture, art, entrepreneurship, and the protection of its beautiful natural environment. Arcata is just 80 miles south of the Oregon border and 275 miles north of San Francisco, known for clean ocean air, moderate temperatures and beautiful landscapes with giant redwoods, flowing rivers and farmlands.
Our Community
Humboldt County is home to a vibrant community and culture, with beautifully preserved Victorian-era historic towns and more artists per capita than any other county in California. Arcata offers a mild climate year-round, with many amenities of larger cities but with a small-town feel and strong sense of community. Our community is rich in the arts: music, theater, and dance performances, art galleries, and hand-crafted woodwork, textiles, and visual artwork in all mediums.
Arcata is just minutes away from pristine mountains, clean, uncrowded Pacific beaches and six mountain-fed rivers. Outdoor adventures abound: cycling, fishing, kayaking, rafting, rock climbing, agate hunting, beachcombing, camping, hiking, backpacking, surfing, golfing and more. With more old-growth redwoods and stretches of undeveloped coast than anywhere else in California, Humboldt County easily earns its rank among the top US destinations and one of the most beautiful counties in the U.S.
Arcata is known for a variety of locally owned specialty farm-to-table cafes and restaurants, serving exquisite, award-winning foods, wines, microbrews, and spirits, many of which are also available in our local markets. Community farms sell their fresh organic produce and flowers at the weekly farmer's market, where you can also find many more locally made goods and sundries.
Arcata is home to California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt - one of only three Polytechnic universities in California. Cal Poly Humboldt offers bachelors, masters and credential programs in a wide variety of majors, including a STEM program. Our K-12 school system is outstanding and offers options of public, charter, and private schools that provide a variety of programs and initiatives for youth of all ages.
The local airport is serviced by United Airlines/Skywest and Avelo Airlines, with daily flights to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Burbank, and Denver, Colorado.
With all this going for it, it's easy to see why so many call the North Coast home!