Position Summary
The Medical Referral & Prior Authorization Specialist is responsible for independently managing the clinic’s referral and insurance authorization process to ensure patients receive timely access to diagnostic testing, specialty care, medications, and procedures.
This position requires significant prior authorization experience and the ability to navigate multiple insurance payer portals while collaborating closely with providers, nursing staff, and medical assistants to obtain the documentation necessary for approval.
This is not an entry-level administrative position. We are seeking an experienced professional who understands insurance authorization workflows and can confidently take ownership of this critical function.
Key Responsibilities
Prior Authorizations
- Manage prior authorizations for:
- Advanced imaging (CT, MRI, PET, etc.)
- Medications
- Infusion therapies
- Procedures
- Specialty services
- HRA and anal manometry procedures
- Submit requests through Availity and payer portals
- Monitor pending requests and proactively follow up
- Coordinate peer-to-peer reviews and appeals when necessary
- Maintain accurate authorization documentation within Athena EHR
Referral Coordination
- Process specialty referrals efficiently
- Coordinate referrals with specialists and diagnostic facilities
- Track referral completion
- Obtain consultation notes and reports
- Ensure timely follow-up on outstanding referrals
Clinical Collaboration
- Work directly with providers, nurses, and medical assistants to obtain supporting documentation
- Review clinical documentation prior to submission to improve approval success
- Identify missing information before submitting requests
- Communicate authorization status to the clinical team
Workflow & Process Improvement
- Help develop efficient authorization workflows
- Monitor authorization turnaround times
- Identify opportunities to reduce denials and delays
- Maintain organized tracking systems for outstanding referrals and authorizations
Required Qualifications
- Minimum 3 years of recent experience processing medical referrals and prior authorizations in a physician practice or specialty clinic
- Extensive experience using Availity and other insurance payer portals
- Experience obtaining authorizations for:
- Imaging
- Procedures
- Medications
- Specialty medications
- Strong understanding of insurance plans, eligibility, medical necessity requirements, and authorization guidelines
- Experience working directly with providers to obtain supporting clinical documentation
- Excellent organizational and follow-up skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Fluent in English and Spanish
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Athena EHR
- Experience with Florida Blue, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Cigna, Humana, Medicare, and Florida Medicaid
- Experience processing appeals and coordinating peer-to-peer reviews
- Experience in primary care or specialty practice
- Familiarity with HIV, infectious disease, gastroenterology, cardiology, neurology, or other specialty practices
- Portuguese language skills are a plus
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for someone who:
- Takes ownership of their work
- Is highly organized and detail-oriented
- Enjoys solving complex insurance challenges
- Communicates professionally with patients and insurance representatives
- Works collaboratively with providers and clinical staff
- Thrives in a fast-paced medical environment
- Wants to help build scalable processes as our organization continues to grow
Why Join Invested Health Center?
- Be part of one of Central Florida’s best nonprofit healthcare organizations
- Help patients access life-changing care without unnecessary delays
- Work in an inclusive, supportive, and mission-driven environment
- Competitive compensation based on experience
- Health insurance
- Paid Time Off
- Paid holidays
- Opportunities for professional growth as the organization expands
We Appreciate Your Interest
We appreciate all applicants; however, due to the high volume of applications, only candidates whose qualifications and experience closely match our requirements will be contacted.