Description:
Under general supervision, and in collaboration with other members of the clinical team, authorizes and reviews utilization of mental health services provided in inpatient and intermediate care settings.聽 Collects and analyzes utilization data.聽 Assists with discharge planning and ambulatory follow up activity.聽 Provides member assistance with mental health and substance abuse issues, and participates in special quality improvement projects.聽
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Monitors inpatient and intermediate level of care services related to mental health treatment to ensure medical necessity and effectiveness.
- Provides telephone triage, crisis intervention and emergency authorizations as assigned.
- Performs concurrent reviews for inpatient care and other levels of care as allowed by scope of practice and experience.聽 In conjunction with providers and facilities, develops discharge plans and oversee their implementation. Provides information to members and providers regarding mental health benefits, community treatment resources, mental health managed care programs, and company policies and procedures, and criteria.
- Interacts with Physician Advisors to discuss clinical and authorization questions and concerns regarding specific cases.
- Participates in quality improvement activities, including data collection, tracking, and analysis.
- Proposes alternative plans of treatment when requests for services do not meet medical necessity criteria.
- Advocates for the patient to ensure treatment needs are met.聽 Interacts with providers in a professional, respectful manner that facilitates the treatment process.