The Utilization Manager, Registered Nurse, is an office-based nursing position responsible for supporting high-quality patient care through clinical oversight, utilization management, and real-time guidance to field clinicians. This role serves as a key clinical resource within the organization, assisting with nursing calls, care coordination, and clinical decision-making to promote positive patient outcomes while ensuring regulatory and payer compliance.
Key responsibilities include:
- Provide clinical support and guidance to field clinicians, including RNs, LVNs, and therapy staff.
- Take and triage nursing calls from clinicians, patients, and caregivers as appropriate.
- Collaborate with field staff to assist with clinical problem-solving, patient status changes, and care planning.
- Review plans of care and clinical documentation to ensure appropriate utilization of services and skilled need.
- Monitor visit frequencies and service utilization in alignment with physician orders, payer guidelines, and agency standards.
- Support case managers with recertifications, discharges, transitions of care, and care coordination.
- Participate in interdisciplinary collaboration to promote continuity of care and effective communication.
- Identify clinical risks or concerns and escalate issues appropriately.
- Support compliance with Medicare Conditions of Participation, regulatory requirements, and agency policies.
- Contribute to quality improvement initiatives focused on patient outcomes, documentation accuracy, and clinical best practices.
Required Qualifications
- Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of California.
- Strong clinical assessment, critical-thinking, and decision-making skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams.
- Proficiency with electronic medical records (EMR) systems and basic computer applications.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in utilization management, case management, or clinical coordination.
- Home Health experience preferred but not required.
- Knowledge of Medicare home health regulations, payer guidelines, and Conditions of Participation.
- Experience providing clinical support, education, or mentorship to field clinicians.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced office environment.