Clinical Authorization Specialist

The Clinical Authorization Specialist will take the lead in securing medical authorizations from third party payers (commercial and government) for outpatient clinic, inpatient admission, ancillary services and/or chemotherapy and other infused treatments as needed in assigned service line. The Specialist will be instrumental in obtaining written documentation, submitting tracking, reporting and documenting outcomes of each authorization request. The Specialist will be in a position to interface directly with medical/clinical staff and pharmacy to ensure a seamless process to the patients receiving treatment.

Departmental Specific Summary

The Specialist – Clinical Authorization will take the lead in securing medical authorizations from third party payers (commercial and government) for outpatient clinic, chemotherapy treatments, and/or other requested services/ procedures, inpatient admission and ancillary services as needed. The Representative will be instrumental in obtaining written documentation, submitting, tracking reporting and documenting outcomes of each authorization request. The Specialist will be in a position to interface directly with medical and clinical staff and pharmacy to ensure a seamless process to the patients receiving outpatient clinic, inpatient admission ancillary services, chemotherapy treatments or other procedures as requested. This position will report to Administrative Clinic Manager and will assist in the operation of Koreatown/ Buena Park Medical Oncology/ Multi- Disciplinary Clinic.

Essential Duties

• Actively obtain written clinical documentation for ambulatory clinic consultation/examinations, OT/PT, procedural, treatment authorizations in Keckcare for authorization submission from Medical/Nursing Staff.
• Submit pre-certification/pre determination documentation to third party payers/payers insurance carrier for authorization with correct CPT and ICD coding
• Research payers medical policy requirements for ambulatory clinic consultation/ examinations, OT/PT, procedural, treatment authorizations and understand process for submitting pre-certification/pre- determination requests
• Utilize Excel tracking log to document authorization requests, follow-up on items and provide outcomes to the Supervisor daily, prior to end of shift.
• Follow-up on outstanding authorization requests and on medical documentation requests in a timely manner.
• Enroll patients in manufacturer patient assistance programs as needed and follow-up regarding enrollment and/or medication reimbursements
• Communicate with a medical/clinical/pharmacy staff and patients on authorization status/outcome.
• Employ compliance checker for Medicare eligible ambulatory clinic consultation/ examinations, OT/PT, procedural, treatment authorizations and scan/email ABNS to front area reception for signatures as needed.
• Coordinate with Director on denied or disputed claims to obtain documentation to support ambulatory clinic consultation/ examinations, OT/PT, procedural, treatment
• Exhibit sensitivity to the patients at all times concerning privacy and confidentiality while accessing medical records for ambulatory clinic consultation/ examinations, OT/PT, procedural, treatments to process authorizations requests
• Scan all authorizations into Keck care under the respective patient accounts and if applicable, forward authorized orders to pharmacy for dispensing
• Maintain medical policy coverage binder and keep updated with new policies and forms regarding medications FDA indicated usage and authorization requirements.
• Document authorization outcome in all financial systems.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Req High school or equivalent Or equivalent evidence in file.
• Req 2 years Experience in a hospital, medical office/doctor’s office or working for a health insurer.
• Req Excellent time management, organizational skills, research/analytical skills, negotiation, communication (written and verbal), and interpersonal skills
• Req Able to function independently and as a member of a team.
• Req Demonstrate excellent customer service behavior.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Pref Experience in area of service.
• Pref Medical Prior Authorizations or Claims experience in a managed care setting.
• Pref Ophthalmic experience
• Pref Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Pref Knowledge of the health insurance industry and claims processing.

Required Licenses/Certifications: ​ ​

• Req Fire Life Safety Training (LA City) If no card upon hire, one must be obtained within 30 days of hire and maintained by renewal before expiration date. (Required within LA City only)

USC Care Medical Group serves as the sole physician entity reporting to the USC Health System, uniting faculty clinical practice under Keck Medicine of USC. This entity oversees clinical governance, physician and ambulatory services, and core enterprise functions including billing, contracting, and financial operations. The organization encompasses 17 clinical departments, with approximately 1,500 physicians and 2,000 staff delivering care across more than 80 locations from Kern County to Orange County and into Las Vegas. USC Care Medical Group is the engine for patient-centered growth—advancing quality, safety, access, and financial strength through integrated, system-level thinking that transcends silos and traditional models. By building bridges across the enterprise, embracing innovation, and leveraging technology, we deliver seamless, 5-Star access and service while expanding clinical reach and diversified models of care. Our work fuels a sustainable cycle of good health—organizationally, financially, and within the communities we serve—driving continued growth from within and beyond the system’s boundaries.

The hourly rate range for this position is $26.00 - $41.28.
When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to theBackground Screening Policy Appendix Dfor specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying. 

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at [email protected]. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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