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Utilization Management Nurse Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Utilization Management Nurse We are seeking a dedicated Utilization Management Nurse to provide timely and appropriate prior approval services to members and healthcare providers. The role involves ...

Utilization Tech/Nurse M-F 1st shift, 32 biweekly hours 8-4:30 Clinical background preferred About VGH Virginia Gay Hospital, established in Vinton in 1923, is an independent, nonprofit critical ...

UM / Data Entry Tech

Des Moines, IA

$16.50 - $22.25/hr

Supports Utilization Management nurses with data entry. * Performs other duties as assigned. * Adheres to Select Health and KMHP policies and procedures. * Supports and carries out the Select Health ...

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Utilization Management Nurse information

See Iowa salary details

$36.6K

$84K

$153.1K

How much do utilization management nurse jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for utilization management nurse in Iowa is $84,048.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,600.00 and $98,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a utilization management nurse?

A Utilization Management Nurse is a registered nurse who evaluates the necessity, appropriateness, and efficiency of healthcare services provided to patients. They review medical records and treatment plans to ensure that care meets established guidelines and is cost-effective. Utilization Management Nurses work with healthcare providers, insurance companies, and patients to coordinate care and prevent unnecessary procedures or hospitalizations. Their goal is to support high-quality patient care while managing healthcare costs.

What does a utilization management nurse do?

A utilization management nurse ensures that healthcare services are administered appropriately. Their job responsibilities include working in a hospital, health practice, or other clinical setting reviewing patient clinical records, drafting clinical appeals, and overseeing staff members. The qualifications for a utilization management nurse include a nursing degree and a registered nursing license. Most people in this job also have career experience in case management and utilization review.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a utilization management nurse?

To thrive as a Utilization Management Nurse, you need a registered nursing license, strong clinical judgment, and experience in case management or utilization review. Familiarity with medical management software, InterQual or Milliman guidelines, and insurance authorization processes is typically required. Excellent analytical thinking, communication, and negotiation skills help you coordinate with providers and advocate for patients. These competencies ensure appropriate resource use, compliance with regulations, and optimal patient outcomes.

What are some common challenges a utilization management nurse faces when coordinating care between providers and insurance companies?

A Utilization Management Nurse often navigates the challenge of balancing patient advocacy with insurance guidelines, ensuring that care recommendations meet both clinical standards and payer requirements. Communicating complex medical information to both providers and insurance representatives can be demanding, especially when there are disagreements about coverage or medical necessity. Additionally, staying updated on changing policies and maintaining thorough documentation under tight deadlines are frequent aspects of the role. Strong collaboration skills and attention to detail are essential for success in this position.

What is the difference between Utilization Management Nurse vs Case Manager?

AspectUtilization Management NurseCase Manager
CredentialsRN license, certifications in utilization reviewRN license, case management certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentInsurance companies, healthcare organizations, utilization review departmentsHospitals, community health agencies, insurance companies
Primary FocusReviewing medical necessity and appropriateness of servicesCoordinating patient care and discharge planning

Utilization Management Nurses primarily focus on reviewing medical necessity and approving healthcare services, while Case Managers coordinate patient care and facilitate discharge planning. Both roles require RN licensure and work within healthcare or insurance settings, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What are the most commonly searched types of Utilization Management Nurse jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Utilization Management Nurse jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Utilization Management Nurse jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Utilization Management Nurse job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Utilization Management Nurse jobs in IA?

For Utilization Management Nurse jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Utilization Management Nurse job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,048 per year, or $40.4 per hour.

Utilization Management Nurse

Actalent

Des Moines, IA โ€ข On-site

$40/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired 1 day ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Job Title: Utilization Management NurseJob Description

We are seeking a dedicated Utilization Management Nurse to provide timely and appropriate prior approval services to members and healthcare providers. The role involves making clinical determinations based on medical policies and criteria, completing post-service reviews, and supporting members throughout their healthcare journey. The position requires collaboration with healthcare staff and other team members to ensure accurate documentation and effective discharge planning.

Responsibilities

  • Provide timely prior approval for services, procedures, and out-of-network referrals by obtaining necessary medical information.

  • Conduct post-service reviews for medical necessity and experimental/investigational services.

  • Offer precertification and continued stay reviews to members in various healthcare settings.

  • Assist in developing and facilitating discharge plans and refer cases to Case Management as needed.

  • Collaborate with healthcare provider staff to gather medical information and facilitate discharge planning.

  • Process utilization management requests by interpreting medical policy, criteria, and benefit information.

  • Engage with Medical Directors and Physician Reviewers for services not meeting medical criteria.

  • Document review processes and decisions accurately and consistently within the review documentation system.

  • Communicate approval and denial decisions to members and providers according to regulatory standards.

  • Meet quality assurance and production metrics established for the utilization management unit.

Essential Skills

  • Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with active and unrestricted license in Iowa or South Dakota.

  • 4+ years of diverse clinical experience, including critical care, acute care, and outpatient settings.

  • Experience in utilization management, utilization review, and case management.

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.

  • Ability to apply analytical and critical thinking skills to make independent decisions.

  • Proficient in diagnosis and procedure coding systems (e.g., ICD-10, HCPCS, CPT).

Additional Skills & Qualifications

  • Completion of an accredited nursing program.

  • Acute Care, Home Health, and Medical Surgery experience preferred.

  • Strong technical acumen and ability to learn new systems quickly, including Microsoft Office and clinical documentation platforms.

  • Demonstrated commitment to service excellence and patient/member advocacy.

Work Environment

This 100% remote role involves working primarily on prior approval reviews. Our team consists of high achievers who are collaborative and self-motivated. The work hours are from 8 AM to 5 PM CST, with a contract length of 6-8 months and a possibility for extension. A compact license is required for individuals residing outside of Iowa or South Dakota. The role includes a 2-3 week training period with a buddy system for support. The team is friendly and team-focused, emphasizing continuous improvement and efficient resource utilization.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of DES MOINES, IA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $40.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully remote position.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 21, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffingยฎ winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.


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About Actalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Actalent connects passion with purpose. Our scalable talent solutions and services capabilities drive value and results and provide the expertise to help our customers achieve more. Every day, our experts around the globe are making an impact. We're supporting critical initiatives in engineering and sciences that advance how companies serve the world. Actalent promotes consultant care and engagement through experiences that enable continuous development. Our people are the difference. Actalent is an operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions.

Industry

Business management consulting

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

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