DIR - UTILIZATION REVIEW / MGMT

UHS$88K — $105K *
Healthcare
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in psychology or related field, or RN licensure with mental health experience.
  • 3-5 years' experience in chart analysis and utilization review preferred.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Emotional stability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
  • Sedentary work with physical requirements including sitting, phone work, and occasional lifting.

Responsibilities

  • Direct and coordinate the utilization review process.
  • Supervise Utilization Review staff to assure high-quality patient care.
  • Assess and initiate services based on requests for care.
  • Review interactions and outcomes with external reviewers and managed care organizations.
  • Establish and monitor customer relations standards for the Utilization Review team.
  • Participate in clinical team analysis of facility services to enhance patient care.
  • Develop and oversee departmental budget and ensure alignment with facility goals.

Benefits

  • Competitive compensation package.
  • Opportunities for growth and professional development within UHS and subsidiaries.
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans.
  • 401k plan with company match.
Full Job Description
Responsibilities

Director of Utilization Review:

Directs and coordinates the utilization review process. Supervises Utilization Review staff. Assures optimum quality of patient care in the most cost-effective manner. Assists in performing admission and continued-stay reviews. Works with the Physicians and the Social Services department to ensure quality of documentation of patient care. Identifies Utilization Review problems. Coordinates and maintains data for use of leadership team.

Program Planning and Treatment
  • Direct the response to request for services, including the initial response, the assessment and referral process, the designation of appropriate level of care, initiating of services, and follow up activity.
  • Review the effectiveness of the comprehensive interface with external reviewers, communicate with external reviewers and managed care organizations to assure timely and appropriate interactions, monitor outcomes of reviews and provide consultation as needed.
  • Review the quality of documentation provided at all levels of care to assure adequacy and clinical appropriateness.
  • Assure patients are receiving effective and appropriate treatment, based on the level of care.
  • Establish standards for customer relations and monitor the interactions between Utilization Review staff and customers to evaluate the effectiveness of customer service.
  • Direct the program services offered, consulting with facility management in the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of the utilization review program.
  • Maintain current awareness of mental health activities in the community
  • Maintain an awareness of community and market-related activities which includes knowledge of the activities of other providers, needs of local payers and the political climate related to mental health
  • Participate in clinical team analysis and evaluation of current services offered at the facility
  • Strategically solve problems that encompass the larger view of the organization, and establish goals by utilizing an understanding of organizational dynamics in planning and problem solving.
  • Remain current on all clinical techniques, and provide direction to staff and facility personnel.
  • Participate in developing, justifying and controlling the annual budget for department personnel, facilities and equipment.
  • Ensure strategic program goals and objectives are consistent with overall facility goals and objectives.
  • Develop goals and objectives, policies and procedures related to the operational needs of the programs scenarios.
  • Consult with facility management in the development and facilitation of program activities which assure an optimal therapeutic experience for all patients
  • Participate with ensuring that individual patients and their families are involved in the development of individualized treatment plans..
  • Maintain an active involvement and awareness of all patient admissions, discharges and transfers.
  • Meet regularly with program managers and the Medical Director and program staff to ensure compliance with program goals and objectives.
  • Serve on Facility Committees and attend meetings as assigned.
  • Provide services to current referral sources to assure their satisfaction and continued associations.
  • Develop and maintain a system to minimize and address denials in consult with the facility Business Office Manager and CFO.


  • Personnel Management and Staffing
  • Maintain and allocate a well qualified core of staff resources.
  • Assure that hiring, disciplinary actions and termination procedures are conducted in accordance with hospital policies.
  • Involve appropriate facility management in all decisions, and review these decisions with COO prior to implementation.
  • Assure adequate supervision and evaluation processes for all staff members and delegate these responsibilities as appropriate.
  • Assure adequate orientation for new employees of the Utilization Review Department.
  • Provide for educational needs and professional development of staff.
  • Ensure that the staff schedule and configuration will meet the needs and demands of the patient population and census and adjust it accordingly.
  • Ensure an adequate system of communication and reporting is maintained between all staff members, as well as other departments involved in the ongoing operation of the program.
  • Create a structure that best meets the needs of the organization, particularly department organization related to supervision and assignment of staff.
  • Routinely review job assignments and utilization of staff.


  • Clinical Leadership
  • Conduct department meetings on a regular basis.
  • Work with clinical leadership to ensure interdisciplinary treatment planning is organized with participation of all appropriate clinical disciplines.
  • Ensure all patient, family and referral complaints are promptly handled.
  • Coordinate the collection of outcome data within the company deadline.


  • Continuous Quality Improvement
  • Ensure that a system is developed to provide continuity of care and communication with family and appropriate referral sources, and ensure the system is evaluated and reviewed regularly.
  • Daily reporting of denials to CFO.
  • Ensure the department meets Joint Commission, Medicare and federal and state regulatory requirements.
  • Develop and implement a Performance Improvement tracking system, evaluate the results quarterly, and report results to the Performance Improvement Committee in a timely manner.
  • Ensure that all deficiencies identified through the performance improvement analysis are addressed with appropriate problem solving actions.
  • Review all department risk management occurrence and ensure that complete and timely reports are submitted to Risk Management.
  • Analyze statistical data of the program to determine and respond to trends.


  • Additional Standards
  • Implement planning and teaching staff documentation training.
  • Serves on Facility Committees as assigned.
  • Accepts responsibility for professional growth and development.
  • Demonstrates a professional attitude and supports the objectives of the Facility philosophy through internal and external communications and interactions with all levels of staff, patients, family members, guests, community, and referral sources.
  • Adhere to facility, department, corporate, personnel and standard policies and procedures.
  • Attend all mandatory facility in-services and staff development activities as scheduled.
  • Adhere to facility standards concerning conduct, dress, attendance and punctuality.
  • Support facility-wide quality/performance improvement goals and objectives.
  • Maintain confidentiality of facility employees and patient information


  • Note: The essential job functions of this position are not limited to the duties listed above.

    Qualifications

    Minimum Qualifications:

    1. Education: Bachelor's degree in psychology or related field, or RN licensure from an accredited school and at least two years experience in the mental health field.

    2. Experience: Three (3) to five (5) years' experience in chart analysis and utilization review in the psychiatric and chemical dependency field preferred.

    3. License/Certification: N/A

    4. Skills: Good oral and written communication skills required to communicate in a clear and concise manner with patients, physicians, staff and administration. Stable emotional makeup required to work in a fast paced environment with frequent interruptions.

    5. Physical Requirements: Work is sedentary requiring sitting most of the day. Sitting at least six (6) hours a day while processing paperwork, answering the phones and other described duties. One half of the day is spent on the telephone. Standing at least one hour a day while making copies, delivering message, etc. Lifting up to 20lbs.

    This opportunity offers the following:
    • Competitive Compensation
    • Growth and Development Opportunities within UHS and its Subsidiaries
    • Excellent Medical, Dental, Vision and Prescription Drug Plan
    • 401k plan with company match

    About UHS

    UHS Careers

    Joining UHS presents an unparalleled opportunity to become part of a leading team of healthcare professionals dedicated to making a difference. UHS, known for its commitment to innovation and leadership in the healthcare sector, offers a variety of job opportunities that cater to a diverse range of skills and experiences.

    Explore Job Opportunities

    UHS is actively hiring and offers a wide array of positions, from clinical roles to administrative support. Each position at UHS is designed to challenge team members while providing meaningful service to the community. Explore the current job openings and find a career path that suits professional aspirations and skills.

    Internship Programs

    UHS provides robust internship programs that offer hands-on experience in the healthcare industry. Internships are a cornerstone of professional development, giving participants a chance to deepen practical skills in a real-world setting. These programs are tailored to foster growth and prepare interns for a full-time position within the company.

    Professional Growth and Development

    UHS believes in nurturing the career growth of its team members through comprehensive professional development programs. These include leadership training, diversity training, and continuous education in the latest healthcare practices, ensuring that every team member has the opportunity to advance their career.

    Benefits and Culture

    Employment at UHS comes with competitive benefits designed to support the health, well-being, and financial security of each team member and their families. The company culture at UHS is built on a foundation of respect and inclusion, where diversity is celebrated and every voice is heard.

    Networking and Innovation

    UHS encourages a culture of innovation where team members are motivated to bring forward ideas that drive improvement and efficiency. Networking within the company is supported through various events and internal platforms, helping team members to connect, share insights, and collaborate on projects.

    Applying for a Position

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