Prior Authorization Specialist

Position Summary Language Link Therapy is seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive Patient Coordinator to support all aspects of patient care coordination. This role serves as a central point of contact for families, providers, referral sources, and insurance companies, ensuring a smooth experience from initial inquiry through ongoing treatment. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, can manage multiple priorities simultaneously, communicates professionally, and takes ownership of patient concerns until resolution. Primary ResponsibilitiesPatient Onboarding & Intake Guide families through the onboarding process from initial inquiry to first appointment. Review intake paperwork for completeness and accuracy. Collect and verify required documentation, including referrals, prescriptions, evaluations, insurance cards, and medical records. Assist families with electronic forms and portal access. Maintain accurate patient records within company systems. Insurance Verification & Authorizations Verify insurance eligibility and benefits. Explain insurance coverage, copays, deductibles, and authorization requirements to families. Submit and track prior authorizations and referrals. Monitor authorization expiration dates and request extensions when needed. Communicate authorization approvals, denials, and updates to providers and families. Coordinate with insurance companies regarding patient benefits and coverage issues. Scheduling & Care Coordination Schedule evaluations, therapy sessions, make-up visits, and re-evaluations. Coordinate provider schedules to maximize efficiency and patient access. Manage cancellations, reschedules, waitlists, and provider availability. Monitor patient attendance and follow up on missed appointments. Family Support & Patient Relations Serve as a primary point of contact for patient and family concerns. Resolve scheduling conflicts, service concerns, and administrative issues professionally. Maintain regular communication with families regarding appointments, authorizations, and program updates. Escalate clinical concerns appropriately to supervising therapists or management. Deliver exceptional customer service and create a positive experience for every family. Provider & Operational Support Communicate schedule changes and patient updates to therapists. Coordinate onboarding of new patients with clinical staff. Assist with therapist caseload management and scheduling optimization. Monitor patient progression through evaluation, treatment, authorization, and discharge processes. Collaborate with administration, billing, and clinical teams to ensure seamless operations. Documentation & Compliance Maintain accurate records within EMR, CRM, and scheduling systems. Ensure patient information remains confidential and HIPAA compliant. Track required documents, authorizations, and physician referrals. Qualifications Required Minimum 1 year of healthcare administration, medical office, patient coordination, or therapy practice experience. Experience verifying insurance benefits and obtaining authorizations. Strong scheduling and calendar management skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Exceptional organizational and multitasking abilities. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and web-based software systems. Ability to work independently and solve problems proactively. Preferred Experience in pediatric therapy, ABA, speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or related healthcare settings. Familiarity with Medicaid, commercial insurance plans, and managed care organizations. Experience with EMR, CRM, and scheduling software. Knowledge of pediatric therapy authorization processes. Key Characteristics The ideal candidate is: Highly organized and detail-oriented Professional and compassionate with families Able to prioritize multiple competing tasks Comfortable learning and adapting to new software systems Solution-focused and resourceful Strong at follow-through and accountability Calm under pressure and capable of managing difficult situations professionally Performance Expectations Success in this role includes: Timely completion of patient onboarding. Accurate insurance verification and authorization management. Efficient scheduling with minimal provider downtime. High family satisfaction and responsiveness. Accurate documentation and system updates. Strong communication with patients, providers, and administrative staff. Effective resolution of patient and scheduling concerns.

Pay:

$19.00 - $22.00 per hour

Work Location:

In person