Utilization Management Nurse - Remote in NM

At UnitedHealthcare, we’re simplifying the health care experience, creating healthier communities and removing barriers to quality care. The work you do here impacts the lives of millions of people for the better. Come build the health care system of tomorrow, making it more responsive, affordable and optimized. Ready to make a difference? Join us in making healthcare work better for everyone through people-led, responsible AI while Caring. Connecting. Growing together. 

The Utilization Management Nurse will serve as the Health Plan subject matter expert for Utilization Management and serve as a key resource for complex and/or critical issues. This position will communicate clinical findings and present rationale for decisions to medical professionals and members at the appropriate level for understanding; and will provide summary clinical and ancillary information to the Health Plan Medical Director for review and decision making.

If you are located in the state of New Mexico, you will have the flexibility to work remotely* as you take on some tough challenges. This position is a remote - based position with a home - based office.  

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Function is responsible for utilization management which includes Initial and Concurrent Utilization Reviews for LTSS
• Leverage experience and understanding of disease pathology (e.g., conditions, normal course of care for a condition) to review chart/clinical information, ask appropriate questions, and identify appropriate course of care in a given situation
• Determines medical appropriateness of inpatient and outpatient services following evaluation of medical guidelines and benefit determination
• Anticipates customer needs and proactively develops solutions to meet them
• Solves complex problems and develops innovative solutions
• Reviews work performed by others and provides recommendations for improvement
• Authorizes deviations from standards
• Provides explanations and information to others on the most complex issues
• Leverage appropriate clinical terminology when communicating with physicians and other medical professionals
• Advocate with physicians and others for appropriate decisions (e.g., patient level of care changes) regarding patient betterment (e.g., care and service coverage, safety)
• Identify inconsistencies or illogical information in patient responses, provider orders or patient history information and take appropriate action
• Apply professional judgment, take initiative to follow up, and manage conversations to make sound conclusions/recommendations regarding patient care or coverage
• Apply information about patient condition and benefit applicability/limitations of coverage to make recommendations
• Generally work is self-directed and not prescribed
• Works with less structured, more complex issues
• Works with minimal guidance; seeks guidance on only the most complex tasks
• Coaches, provides feedback, and guides others
• Acts as a resource for others with less experience

You’ll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications: 

• Current, unrestricted independent licensure as a New Mexico Registered Nurse
• 3+ years of clinical experience
• 1+ years of Utilization Management experience
• 1+ years of experience with MS Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook
• 1+ year of experience in HCBS LTSS Care Coordination and LTSS UM Determination
• Experience in Managed Care
• Currently reside in New Mexico
• Valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation
• Ability to travel locally up to 10%25 of the time
• Ability to adhere to a Monday - Friday MST work schedule

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Master's degree or higher in clinical field
• InterQual Certified and/or Milliman (MCG) Certified
• MIDAS experience
• Demonstrated proficiency in ICUE and Community Care

*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 $60,200 - $107,400 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 help make the health system work better for everyone. Together, we are shaping the future of healthcare by harnessing technology and innovation to make care simpler to navigate, more affordable and more connected for the people we serve. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcomed, valued, heard and respected, empowering people to bring their authentic selves to work and strengthening our collective impact through diverse talents, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

UnitedHealth Group and its affiliated brands are 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 and its affiliated brands are a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.