ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Utilization Review Nurse Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

UnitiMed

RN Case Manager

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

Referral bonus up to $700 Registered Nurse (RN),Case Management/Utilization Review, About the Company: Uniti Med is an award-winning healthcare staffing company with a mission to provide staffing ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsUtilization Review Nurse JobsUtilization Review Nurse Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

Utilization Review Nurse information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$19

$38

$62

How much do utilization review nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for utilization review nurse in Rio Rancho, NM is $38.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.14 and $43.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Utilization Review Nurse, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Utilization Review Nurse, you need a strong background in clinical nursing, critical thinking, and knowledge of healthcare regulations, usually supported by an RN license and nursing degree. Familiarity with utilization management software, medical coding systems (like ICD-10 and CPT), and case management certifications (such as CCM or URAC) is typically required. Excellent communication, negotiation, and organizational skills help you collaborate with providers and advocate for patient care while managing complex cases. These skills ensure appropriate resource use, regulatory compliance, and high-quality patient outcomes in healthcare settings.

What does a Utilization Review Nurse do?

A Utilization Review Nurse is responsible for evaluating the necessity, appropriateness, and efficiency of healthcare services and treatments provided to patients. They review medical records, coordinate with healthcare providers, and ensure that care meets established guidelines and insurance requirements. Their primary goal is to ensure patients receive appropriate care while helping to manage healthcare costs and prevent unnecessary procedures.

What are some typical challenges Utilization Review Nurses face when communicating with healthcare providers and insurance companies?

Utilization Review Nurses often need to balance clinical judgment with insurance guidelines, which can lead to challenging conversations with providers who may disagree with coverage decisions. They must clearly explain the rationale behind approvals or denials and ensure all documentation is thorough and compliant. Navigating differing priorities while maintaining positive, professional relationships is key, and strong communication skills help facilitate collaboration and resolve conflicts efficiently.

What Does a Utilization Review Nurse Do?

A utilization review nurse determines the best course of treatment for a patient using preapproved policy criteria. Utilization review nurses collect and review patient records, clinical documentation, and billing information to recommend the best use of patient care resources. Their assessments help determine the length of hospital stays, the effectiveness of the care plan, and the necessity of the services administered. Utilization review nurses inform and educate patients about their options based on their insurance benefits and limitations. Utilization review nurses also assess patient care services in clinical appeals for approval or denial.

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

AspectUtilization Review NurseCase Manager
CredentialsRN license, certification in utilization review (e.g., URAC)RN license, case management certification (e.g., CCM)
Work EnvironmentHospitals, insurance companies, healthcare facilitiesHospitals, insurance companies, community health settings
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in insurance and healthcare organizations for reviewing medical necessityIn healthcare and insurance for coordinating patient care and discharge planning

Utilization Review Nurses focus on evaluating the necessity and appropriateness of medical services, often working in insurance or healthcare settings. Case Managers coordinate patient care, discharge planning, and resource management. While both roles require RN licensure and related certifications, their primary responsibilities differ: UR Nurses review medical necessity, whereas Case Managers facilitate patient care and services.

More about Utilization Review Nurse jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Utilization Review Nurse jobs in Rio Rancho, NM? The most popular types of Utilization Review Nurse jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
What are popular job titles related to Utilization Review Nurse jobs in Rio Rancho, NM? For Utilization Review Nurse jobs in Rio Rancho, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Utilization Review Nurse jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for? The top searched job categories for Utilization Review Nurse jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Utilization Review Nurse jobs? Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Utilization Review Nurse job openings:
Utilization Review Nurse jobs near you
Utilization Review Nurse

Utilization Review Nurse

w3r Consulting

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Description:
Registered Nurse responsible for collaborating with healthcare providers, members, and business partners, to optimize member benefits, evaluate medical necessity and promote effective use of resources. Medical necessity reviews may include: drugs and biologics, inpatient admissions, outpatient services, surgical and diagnostic procedures, home health, durable medical equipment and out of network services. Conduct reviews in compliance with medical policy, member eligibility, benefits, and contracts.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Responsible for the effective and sufficient support of all Utilization Management activities to include review of inpatient and outpatient medical services for medical necessity and appropriateness of setting according to established policies and compliance guidelines.
• Uses an established set of criteria to evaluates and authorize the medical necessity of services.
• Provide notification of decisions in accordance with compliance guidelines.
• Coordinate with Medical Directors when services do not meet criteria or require additional review.
• Participation in staff meetings, regular trainings and other collaborative meetings as appropriate.
• Works with management team to achieve operational objectives and financial goals.
• Supports teams across UM Department as needed.
• Active participation and completion of all required trainings.
• Maintain Required Licensures.
• Adherence to regulatory and departmental timeframes for review of requests
• Meet/exceed department Turn Around time, daily established productivity goals, and service levels
• Proficient knowledge of policies and procedures, Medicare, HIPPA and NCQA standards;
• Professional demeanor and the ability to work effectively within a team or independently;
• Flexible with the ability to shift priorities when required
• Other duties as required
Qualifications:
• Current unrestricted RN license. Multi-State License Preferred
• Bachelors degree in nursing or health-care related field preferred
• Minimum of 2 years experience in a regulated environment preferred
• Minimum of 2-3 years clinical experience
• Strong customer orientation
• Strong organizational, planning, and communication skills
• Working knowledge of insurance industry, medical coding (CPT/HCPCS/ICD-10), and overall claims process a plus
• Knowledge of National Coverage Determinations, Local Coverage Determinations and MCG criteria are a plus.
• Excellent time management skills
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Required:
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills with nursing staff, physicians, nurse practitioners and other health workers involved in the care of a member
• Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities, and effectively adapt and respond to complex, fast-paced, rapidly growing, and results-oriented environments
• Able to work in a dynamic, fast-paced team environment and to promote team concepts
• Excellent typing skills.
• Substantial knowledge of Microsoft Office including SharePoint, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel and Word.

Apply