Job Description
The Case Management Assistant provides a broad range of support services to the Care Coordinators and Social Workers with their transition planning activities, including scheduling discharge appointments for primary care specialists or clinics, and clerical activities as needed. The Case Management Assistant collaborates with patients, their family, and members of the health care team to ensure a safe and effective transition through the continuum of care. Under the direction of the Care Coordinators or Social Worker and by order of the physician, the Case Management Assistant arranges post-acute care services when needed and documents all interactions with patients/families per departmental and regulatory standards.
The Case Management Assistant provides utilization management support for the utilization review process. This role works collaboratively with all team members of Utilization Management, Patient and Provider Services, Claims Department, and other Care Coordination Department staff. In addition, the coordinator assists in identifying, tracking, and coordinating services for patients when needed.
- Assists in locating facilities appropriate for patient’s needs: contacts skilled nursing facilities, Long Term Acute care and Acute Rehab Facilities to determine bed availability and communicates with the case management team.
- Assists patients with Durable Medical Equipment (DME) as needed to meet the home care needs of the patient as ordered by the physician and meeting payer requirements.
- Contacts insurance companies/ medical groups to acquire authorization for post-acute services when applicable. Obtains required signatures on Medicare IM prior to discharge. Verifies member eligibility before processing authorizations. Assists in verifying health plan benefits and coordinating ambulatory services
- Coordinates and facilitates discharge arrangements according to hospital policies and procedures, state and federal rules and regulations.
- Interfaces with physicians and outside reviewers to request appropriate orders and authorization for necessary post-acute services.
- Documents all discharge arrangements in the electronic medical record flow sheet under the appropriate care management navigator.
- Identifies the involvement of the patient/family/caregivers in the planning process and involves them in the formation of the plan of care and discharge needs. Works cooperatively and respectfully with patients/families and interdisciplinary teams in the completion of the discharge planning process. Functions as a patient advocate.
- Enters data and processes referral authorization requests, to include appropriate coding and quantities.
- Answers incoming calls from Providers, IPAs, Medical Groups and other internal and external calls and assists on the queues as needed.
- Monitors the Fax Inbox and appropriately distributes incoming faxes. Ensures that internal compliance security measures are met.
- Contacts facilities identified by the UM Nurses/Manager/Director/Medical Director to research any issues (i.e. contract, discharges, services provided). Identifies non-contracted providers and requests Letter-of-Agreements when requested.
- Requests support documentation from IPAs / Medical Groups as requested by the UM Nurses, Medical Directors, or Management
- Documents all patient specific information in appropriate information systems. Processes Extensions and Denial Letters, when needed.
- Prepares Utilization Review Reports as necessary. Provides assistance to the Claims Department, when requested.
- Assists the Case/Care Managers in coordinating and arranging services for members
Qualifications
Education
- High School Diploma/GED - required
- Assoc. Degree/College Diploma Business/Healthcare field - preferred
Experience
- 1 year Healthcare experience with a general knowledge of medical terminology. MUST complete a medical terminology course within 12 months of hire. Familiarity with community resources and social supports. - required
- 1 year Experience in an acute care hospital; skilled nursing facility, home health/hospice setting or medical office setting. - required
- 1 year Case Management/ Social Work support role - preferred
- 1 year Working in an acute care facility - preferred
- 1 year Previous utilization management or managed care experience; word processing spreadsheet skills also preferred. - preferred
Our compensation philosophy
We offer competitive total compensation that includes pay, benefits, and other recognition programs for our employees. The base pay range shown above takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including knowledge/skills; relevant experience and training; education/certifications/licensure; and other business and organizational factors. This base pay range does not include our comprehensive benefits package and any incentive payments that may be applicable to this role. Pay Transparency Non Discrimination Provision (PDF) (opens in new window)
Diversity and Inclusion at Cedars-Sinai
We are caretakers and innovators committed to the pursuit of equitable healthcare. But health equity is not possible without representation. Our commitment to diversity goes beyond demographics or checking boxes. Our people must reflect the diverse identities, experiences and geographies of the communities and patients we serve – because that’s what our patients, colleagues and communities deserve. Quality Care and Research—For All, By All (opens in new window).
Cedars-Sinai is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Cedars-Sinai does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of the race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics or any genetic information), marital status, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age (40 or older), military and/or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal or state law. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at Applicant_Accommodation@cshs.org and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.
Cedars-Sinai will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories, in accordance with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.
At Cedars-Sinai, we are dedicated to the safety, health and wellbeing of our patients and employees. This includes protecting our patients from communicable diseases, such as influenza (flu) and COVID-19. For this reason, we require that all new employees receive a flu vaccine based on the seasonal availability of flu vaccine (typically during September through April each year) as a condition of employment, and annually thereafter as a condition of continued employment, subject to medical exemption or religious accommodation. For the same reason, you may also be required to receive other vaccines such as COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Cedars-Sinai reserves the right to make modifications to its required list of vaccines as required by law and/or policy. Cedars-Sinai’s AA Policy Statement (PDF) (opens in new window)
