Utilization Review Nurse at Houston Methodist Houston, TX

Position Overview

Full‑time, daytime, on‑site at Houston Methodist.

Hours:

8:30‑5:30, Monday‑Friday. The Utilization Review Nurse (URN) is a licensed RN who comprehensively conducts point‑of‑entry and concurrent medical record reviews for medical necessity and level of care using nationally recognized acute‑care indicators and criteria. The URN serves as a resource to physicians, provides education and information on resource utilization and national and local coverage determinations (LCDs & NCDs), and collaborates with case management in the development and implementation of the plan of care.

The URN ensures prompt notification of any denials to the appropriate case manager, pre‑bill team members, and management.

People Essential FunctionsEstablishes and maintains effective professional working relationships with patients, families, interdisciplinary team members, payers, and external case managers; listens and responds to the ideas of others. Collaborates with the access management team to ensure accurate and complete clinical and payer information. Educates members of the patient’s healthcare team on the appropriate access to and use of various levels of care.

Contributes toward improvement of department scores for employee engagement, i.e., peer‑to‑peer accountability.

Service Essential FunctionsPro‑actively participates as a member of the interdisciplinary clinical team to confirm appropriateness of the treatment plan relative to the patient’s preference, reason for admission, and availability of resources. Participates in daily Care Coordination Rounds and identifies and communicates barriers to efficient utilization. Reviews H&Ps and admitting orders of all direct, transfer, and emergency care patients designated for admission to ensure compliance with CMS guidelines regarding appropriateness of level of care.

Identifies potentially unnecessary services and care delivery settings and recommends alternatives, if appropriate, by analyzing clinical protocols. Escalates appropriate cases to the Physician Advisor (or services) for appropriate second level review, peer‑peer discussions, and payer denial‑appeal needs. Consults with physician advisor as necessary to resolve progression‑of‑care barriers through appropriate administrative and medical channels.

Quality/Safety Essential FunctionsParticipates in quality improvement activities as stewards for resource utilization as it pertains to medical necessity and level of care. Promotes medical documentation that accurately reflects intensity of services, quality and safety indicators and patient’s need to continue stay. Promotes the use of evidence‑based protocols and/or order sets to influence high‑quality and cost‑effective care. Identifies areas for improvement based on an understanding of evidence‑based practice/performance improvement projects based on these observations.

Identifies and records episodes of preventable delays or avoidable days due to failure of the progression of the care process.

Finance Essential FunctionsContributes to meeting department financial targets, with a focus on appropriate utilization and denial prevention. Utilizes resources with cost‑effectiveness and value creation in mind. Self‑motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks, assisting coworkers as needed. Performs review for medical necessity of admission, continued stay and resource use, appropriate level of care, and program compliance using evidence‑based, nationally recognized guidelines.

Manages assigned patients and communicates and collaborates with the case manager to assist with appropriate interventions to avoid denial of payment. Collaborates with the revenue cycle regarding any claim issues or concerns that may require clinical review during the pre‑bill, audit, or appeal process.

Growth/Innovation Essential FunctionsIdentifies and presents areas for improvement in patient care or department operations and offers solutions by participating in department projects and activities. Seeks opportunities to identify self‑development needs and takes appropriate action. Ensures own career discussions occur…