The Central Authorization Specialist ensures timely and accurate insurance authorizations for ordered procedures and post-operative care. This role validates authorizations, serves as a subject matter expert on precertification and payer requirements, and partners with physician offices to improve authorization accuracy and efficiency. Responsibilities include educating staff, monitoring authorization quality, identifying workflow and process improvements, analyzing denial and billing feedback, and promoting standardized authorization practices across all locations. The position manages a designated caseload while supporting cost-effective care, regulatory compliance, and continuous operational improvement.
High school diploma required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
3-5 years of related experience and/or training required.
Minimum 3-5 years of experience in a medical clinic, hospital, or corporate healthcare setting.
At least 2 years of healthcare insurance verification and/or medical billing experience.
Approximately 2-3 years of progressively responsible administrative experience with knowledge of organizational policies, procedures, and operations.
Strong computer proficiency.
Knowledge of medical coding and clinical terminology.
Experience obtaining insurance authorizations for patient treatment plans.
Ability to interpret RN and physician documentation to secure authorizations.
Ability to identify and communicate authorization requirements or barriers to clinical staff.
Ability to interpret insurance records and related documentation.
Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities.
Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment when interacting with physicians, payers, patients, and families.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong analytical, data management, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
Ability to collaborate effectively with clinicians, finance personnel, and all levels of management.
Preferred:
Additional coursework in business, computer science, or healthcare administration.
Experience in a medical or surgical specialty clinic.
Working knowledge of hospital operations, utilization management, case management, and managed care reimbursement.
General understanding of the healthcare revenue cycle, including billing, coding, charge capture, and reimbursement.
Additional Information
Organization: Corporate Services
Department: CBO Central Authorization Unit
Shift: Day Job
Union Code: Not Applicable
Additional Details
This posting represents the major duties, responsibilities, and authorities of this job, and is not intended to be a complete list of all tasks and functions. It should be understood, therefore, that incumbents may be asked to perform job-related duties beyond those explicitly described above.
Overview
Henry Ford Health partners with millions of people on their health journey, across Michigan and around the world. We offer a full continuum of services - from primary and preventative care to complex and specialty care, health insurance, a full suite of home health offerings, virtual care, pharmacy, eye care and other health care retail. With former Ascension southeast Michigan and Flint region locations now part of our team, Henry Ford's care is available in 13 hospitals and hundreds of ambulatory care locations. Based in Detroit, Henry Ford is one of the nation's most respected academic medical centers and is leading the Future of Health: Detroit, a $3 billion investment anchored by a reimagined Henry Ford academic healthcare campus. Learn more at henryford.com/careers .
Benefits
The health and overall well-being of our team members is our priority. That's why we offer support in the various components of our team's well-being: physical, emotional, social, financial and spiritual. Our Total Rewards program includes competitive health plan options, with three consumer-driven health plans (CDHPs), a PPO plan and an HMO plan. Our team members enjoy a number of additional benefits, ranging from dental and eye care coverage to tuition assistance, family forming benefits, discounts to dozens of businesses and more. Employees classified as contingent status are not eligible for benefits.
Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer
Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer Henry Ford Health is committed to the hiring, advancement and fair treatment of all individuals without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, size, height, weight, marital status, family status, gender identity, sexual orientation, and genetic information, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.
