Benefits and Authorization Specialist

Purpose

The Benefits and Authorization Specialist is responsible for verifying patient insurance coverage, obtaining pre-authorizations, and providing financial assistance support to ensure patients receive necessary medical services. This role involves coordinating with insurance companies, healthcare providers, and patients to manage benefits and authorizations efficiently.

Patient Benefits Verification

• →Verify patient insurance coverage and benefits for medical services.
• →Communicate with insurance companies to confirm patient eligibility and coverage details.
• →Provide patients with clear and accurate information regarding their benefits and financial responsibilities.

Authorization Management

• →Obtain prior authorizations for medical procedures and services as required by insurance providers.
• →Track and follow up on pending authorizations to ensure timely approval.
• →Maintain accurate records of authorization requests and approvals.

Patient Communication & Support

• →Serve as a point of contact for patients regarding their insurance benefits and authorization status.
• →Address patient inquiries and concerns with empathy and professionalism.
• →Educate patients on their insurance plans and assist them in understanding their coverage.

Collaboration with Healthcare Providers

• →Work closely with healthcare providers to gather necessary documentation for authorization requests.
• →Coordinate with medical staff to ensure all required information is submitted to insurance companies.
• →Facilitate communication between providers and insurance companies to resolve any issues.

Documentation and Record Keeping

• →Maintain detailed and accurate records of all patient interactions, benefits verifications, and authorization requests.
• →Ensure compliance with all regulatory and organizational policies regarding patient information and documentation.
• →Regularly update patient records in the electronic health record (EHR) system.

• High School Diploma/GED
• At least 2 year(s) of experience in healthcare setting, preferably in patient benefits, insurance verification, or authorization roles. 

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

• Associate's Degree in healthcare administration, business, or a related field
• At least 3 year(s) of experience in medical billing or insurance authorization.
• Certification in medical billing and coding (e.g., CPC, CPB)
• Prior Authorization Certified Specialist (PACS) certification.

$45,000 + depending on qualifications

• Standard office environment

• Repetitive use of a keyboard

• Resume/CV

• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest

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A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

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The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

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Employment Eligibility Verification:

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form.  You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States.  Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment.  Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.

The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.