- Assesses, implements, coordinates, and monitors options and services to meet health needs of patients using communication and available resources to promote quality, cost effective outcomes.
- Validates appropriateness of inpatient rehabilitation hospital admissions according to nationally recognized standards. Reviews inpatient and observation cases for compliance with the Utilization Review Plan filed with the State of Georgia.
- Takes appropriate action to comply with third party payor requirements.
- Knowledgeable in state and federal regulatory requirements; I.e., Medicaid, Medicare.
- Provides emotional support to patients.
- Reviews each hospital admission in accordance with nationally recognized criteria and department policies to determine the medical necessity of admission and appropriate length of stay (LOS).
- Intervenes as required with physicians and Interdisciplinary Patient Care Teams to facilitate achievement of targeted LOS.
- Issues and administers notices of non-coverage and potential liability to clients in accordance with predetermined regulations, policies and procedures.
- Facilitates MD to MD reviews as needed.
- Maintains an effective flow of information between nursing units, physicians, Medical Records, Business Office and third party payors to facilitate appropriate LOS and to ensure appropriate reimbursement and coverage.
- Maintains a cooperative relationship with professionals, physicians and community agency representatives.
- Efficiently covers for colleagues as requested, and thoroughly conveys patient care status and plan of care in order to assure continuity and uninterrupted service upon colleagues return.
- Thoroughly prepares covering colleagues in advance of planned absences.
- Demonstrates the skills necessary to nurture team building and growth in establishing and maintaining a cooperative relationship with professionals, physicians, patients, family members and community agency representatives.
- Assess patients and members of their support system in order to identify potential needs, to determine appropriate level of care for discharge planning purposes and to identify necessary interventions.
- Evaluates family, home environment and financial situation in order to develop safe and viable plan of care.
- Provides patient and family education regarding discharge planning and community resources.
- Provides supportive counseling for patients, families and significant others who are experiencing anxiety or stress due to illness, injury or physical limitations.
- Evaluates, coordinates and acts in accordance with current laws and hospital policies in reporting targeted populations (suspected child/disabled adult/elder abuse or neglect).
- Collects and records required Utilization Management information for appropriate management of the patients in the rehabilitation units.
- Acknowledges and appropriately prioritizes referrals from interdisciplinary team members, patients, and families with initial chart documentation entered within 24 hours of receipt of consult except for holidays and weekends.
- Attends and actively participates in meetings in order to screen for high risk patients, obtain and share information, identify appropriate length of stay.
- Maintains focus on the provision of quality service in a rapid and efficient manner in order to transition patients to the appropriate level of care within the time frame of the target length of stay.
- Updates the clinical team regarding discharge destination, and date and time of anticipated discharge.
- Collaborates with insurance case managers and community care providers, and initiates referrals to appropriate community resources.
- Maintains a thorough working knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid and private payor regulations and processes and a broad knowledge of resources and options for patients available within all levels of care; facilitates efficient access and movement of patient across levels of care, and coordinates inter-facility transfer of patients to appropriate level of care.
- Respects the confidentiality of all patient information and conforms to hospital/departmental policies. Acts as a responsible steward of department's and patient/family's patient care funds.
- Works with manager to formulate plan for professional development.
- Attends educational in-services as appropriate.
- Participates in professional activities and organizations to maintain knowledge of current trends, practices and developments.
- Maintains accurate, legible, confidential documents and records pertaining to medical reviews in accordance with departmental policy.
- Completes all necessary paperwork and computer documentation in order to assure accurate reimbursement to the organization and compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Completes additional assignments/projects as directed by department leaders.
- Supports and participates in multidisciplinary patient/family education and care planning with the entire healthcare team.
- Develops educational and resource materials and programs to meet the needs of assigned patient population, and to meet the education needs of the medical team and peers.
- In collaboration with supervisor, pursues professional development opportunities through local, regional and national forums. Acts as a professional resource for colleagues within and outside the organization.
- Provides education to the community as needed.
- Performs other related duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Masters in Social Work from an accredited Institution.
- At least 1 year experience preferred, experience in an Acute Care setting preferred.
- Knowledge of software applications.
- ACM, CCM preferred.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (MediumMax 25lbs): up to 25 lbs, 0-33% of the work day (occasionally); 11-25 lbs, 34-66% of the workday (frequently); 01-10 lbs, 67-100% of the workday (constantly); Lifting 25 lbs max; Carrying of objects up to 25 lbs; Occasional to frequent standing & walking, Occasional sitting, Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing), Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Factors affecting environment conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include, but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure Bio-hazardous waste Chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors Communicable diseases Electrical shock , Floor Surfaces, Hot/Cold Temperatures, Indoor/Outdoor conditions, Latex, Lighting, Patient care/handling injuries, Radiation , Shift work, Travel may be required. Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.