Mediabistro logo
job logo

Licensed Psychologist, Peer Reviewer - Remote

Optum, Phoenix, AZ, United States


The role of the Psychologist Peer Review for ALERT involves applying clinical criteria and benefit plan requirements to Commercial, Medicaid, and Medicare cases, and making clinical and /or benefit determinations to continue coverage of treatment, shaping and modifying treatment as appropriate, or issuing an adverse benefit determination if applicable criteria is not met.

Primary Responsibilities

Standard outpatient treatment, including requests for extended length sessions or single case agreements

State-specific Medicaid services (e.g. Psychosocial Rehabilitation, Targeted Case Management, Home Based Habilitation, Supported Employment, etc.)

Intensive Outpatient services for both Mental Health and Substance Abuse

Psychological /Neuropsychological Testing service requests

Participate in peer consultations, staff meetings, and trainings; entering determinations within federal, state, and local guideline requirements; and perform of other duties as required by the reviewer's manager

Conduct Non-MD clinical reviews of the following type during a typical workday

Requests for psychological or neuropsychological testing

Review of outpatient treatment plans for services that are sent for Peer Review that do not appear to meet clinical criteria and/or when there are concerns about the quality of care

Review of ongoing outpatient care in cases where the member's treatment episode exceeds normative standards

Requests for non-standard outpatient services (extended-length visits, an in-network accommodation, intensive outpatient program with no MD involvement)

Appeals of previously denied services or claims for outpatient non-MD services up to and including Intensive Outpatient Programming

Required Qualifications

Licensed doctoral level (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) Psychologist

License must be current, allow for full independent practice, and be unrestricted (you may be asked to obtain additional state licenses to meet growing business needs)

3+ years of post-licensure experience

Experience working with insurance agencies

Computer skills, including facility with Windows OS, Outlook, Word, and Excel

Proven ability to type proficiently while speaking on the phone

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working in a managed care setting

Experience performing Peer Reviews

Experience with commercial, Medicaid and Medicare lines of business

Experience with CPT and HCPC codes

Clinical experience in higher levels of care (Intensive Outpatient)

Clinical experience with children and adolescents

Clinical experience with Substance Abuse diagnoses

Clinical experience with Evidence-Based Treatment

Advanced computer skills using Excel and Access Databases

Proven solid organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple demands within strict turn-around-time requirements

Proven solid written and verbal communication and negotiation skillsProven ability to work well independently and collaborate with others on a clinical team

Proven ability to enjoy a fast paced, changing environment

Candidates located in Mountain or Pacific Time Zones are highly preferred

*All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter Policy

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The salary for this role will range from $91,700 to $163,700 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income-deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes - an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.

UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

UnitedHealth Group is a drug - free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment

#J-18808-Ljbffr