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Utilization Review Nurse Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

The Utilization Review Nurse gathers demographic and clinical information on prospective, concurrent and retrospective in-patient admissions and out-patient treatment, certifies the medical necessity ...

The Utilization Review Nurse gathers demographic and clinical information on prospective, concurrent and retrospective in-patient admissions and out-patient treatment, certifies the medical necessity ...

Conduct reviews, in accordance with certification requirements, of insurance plans or other managed ... Preferred Licensure: LPN, RN, LMSW, LCSW, LPC, LPC-I within the state where the facility provides ...

The Clinical Review Nurse - Prior Authorization is responsible for reviewing and processing prior ... This role focuses exclusively on prior authorization activities within the Utilization Management ...

Conduct reviews, in accordance with certification requirements, of insurance plans or other managed ... Preferred Licensure: LPN, RN, LMSW, LCSW, LPC, LPC-I within the state where the facility provides ...

Conduct reviews, in accordance with certification requirements, of insurance plans or other managed ... Preferred Licensure: LPN, RN, LMSW, LCSW, LPC, LPC-I within the state where the facility provides ...

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Utilization Review Nurse information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$22

$44

$71

How much do utilization review nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for utilization review nurse in Riverside, CA is $44.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.86 and $50.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to make $300,000 as a nurse?

To earn $300,000 as a Utilization Review Nurse, professionals typically need extensive experience, advanced certifications such as CCM or ANCC, and may work in high-paying healthcare settings or take on additional responsibilities like case management or leadership roles. Working overtime, specializing in complex cases, or pursuing advanced degrees can also increase earning potential.

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 does a nurse do in a utilization review?

A utilization review nurse evaluates medical records and treatment plans to determine the necessity, appropriateness, and efficiency of healthcare services. They ensure that patient care aligns with insurance policies and clinical guidelines, often working with healthcare providers and insurance companies to approve or deny services. This role requires strong clinical knowledge, attention to detail, and familiarity with healthcare regulations and documentation tools.

How to get into utilization review as a nurse?

To become a utilization review nurse, candidates typically need a registered nurse (RN) license and experience in clinical settings. Additional certifications such as Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) or case management credentials can improve job prospects, and familiarity with medical records, insurance policies, and utilization review software is often required.

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.

Is it hard to be a utilization review nurse?

Being a utilization review nurse involves reviewing medical records and determining appropriate care levels, which requires strong clinical knowledge, attention to detail, and good communication skills. The job can be demanding due to tight deadlines, the need for accuracy, and the responsibility of making critical decisions that impact patient care and insurance processes.
What are the most commonly searched types of Utilization Review Nurse jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Utilization Review Nurse jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Utilization Review Nurse jobs in Riverside, CA? For Utilization Review Nurse jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Utilization Review Nurse jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Utilization Review Nurse jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Utilization Review Nurse jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Utilization Review Nurse job openings:
Infographic showing various Utilization Review Nurse job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,752 per year, or $44.1 per hour.
CA Utilization Review Nurse I

CA Utilization Review Nurse I

Corvel

Rancho Cucamonga, CA • Remote

$30.64 - $45.80/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


CorVel rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

84th of 150 rated financial services


Job description

The Utilization Review Nurse gathers demographic and clinical information on prospective, concurrent and retrospective in-patient admissions and out-patient treatment, certifies the medical necessity and assigns an appropriate length of stay while supporting the goals of the Case Management department and of CorVel.

This is a remote position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Identifies the necessity of the review process and communicates issues of concern to the appropriate claims staff/customer
  • Collects data and analyzes information to make decisions regarding certification or denial of treatment
  • Documents all work in the appropriate manner
  • Promotes utilization review services with stakeholders
  • Complies with all safety rules and regulations during work hours in conjunction with the Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP)
  • Additional duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS: 

  • Must have thorough knowledge of both CPT and ICD coding
  • Ability to interface with claims staff, attorneys, physicians and their representatives, as well as advisors/clients and coworkers
  • Effective organization skills in a high-volume, fast-paced environment
  • Strong time management skills with the ability to meet designated deadlines
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work both independently and within a team environment
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Ability to utilize Microsoft Office including Excel spreadsheets
  • Knowledge of the workers’ compensation claims process preferred
  • Knowledge of outpatient utilization review preferred

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: 

  • Graduate of accredited school of nursing with an associate’s degree, Bachelor of Science degree or Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • Current Nursing licensure in the state of operation required; RN is required unless local state regulations permit LVN/LPN
  • 4 or more years of recent clinical experience
  • Prospective, concurrent, and retrospective utilization review experience preferred
  • Experience in the clinical areas of OR, ICU, CCU, ER and/or orthopedics preferred

PAY RANGE:

CorVel uses a market based approach to pay and our salary ranges may vary depending on your location.  Pay rates are established taking into account the following factors:  federal, state, and local minimum wage requirements, the geographic location differential, job-related skills, experience, qualifications, internal employee equity, and market conditions.  Our ranges may be modified at any time.

For leveled roles (I, II, III, Senior, Lead, etc.) new hires may be slotted into a different level, either up or down, based on assessment during interview process taking into consideration experience, qualifications, and overall fit for the role.  The level may impact the salary range and these adjustments would be clarified during the offer process.

Pay Range: $30.64 - $45.80 per hour

A list of our benefit offerings can be found on our CorVel website: CorVel Careers | Opportunities in Risk Management

In general, our opportunities will be posted for up to 1 year from date of posting, or until we have selected candidate(s) to fulfill the opening, whichever comes first.

ABOUT CORVEL:

CorVel, a certified Great Place to Work® Company, is a national provider of industry-leading risk management solutions for the workers’ compensation, auto, health and disability management industries.   CorVel was founded in 1987 and has been publicly traded on the NASDAQ stock exchange since 1991. Our continual investment in human capital and technology enable us to deliver the most innovative and integrated solutions to our clients.  We are a stable and growing company with a strong, supportive culture and plenty of career advancement opportunities.  Over 4,000 people working across the United States embrace our core values of Accountability, Commitment, Excellence, Integrity and Teamwork (ACE-IT!). 

A comprehensive benefits package is available for full-time regular employees and includes Medical (HDHP) w/Pharmacy, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Account Options, Life Insurance, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Pre-paid Legal Insurance, Parking and Transit FSA accounts, 401K, ROTH 401K, and paid time off.

CorVel is an Equal Opportunity Employer, drug free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.

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