Pre-Certification/ Authorization Manager

Carolina Oncology Specialists has been caring for patients in Catawba County since 1983, offering patients high quality, personalized healthcare close to their own home so patients and caregivers don’t have to travel far for excellent care. Our patients experience the convenience of in-clinic chemotherapy treatments, as well as the treatment and management of blood disorders. Why Join Us? We are looking for talented and highly-motivated individuals who demonstrate a natural desire to support the meaningful work of community oncologists and the patients we serve. Job Description: Organization: Carolina Oncology Specialists  Location: Remote  Department: Revenue Cycle Management  Reports To: Director of Revenue Cycle Management  FLSA Status: Exempt    Position Summary  Carolina Oncology Specialists is seeking an experienced and strategic Pre-Certification / Authorization Manager to lead and oversee all prior authorization functions across the organization. This role is responsible for ensuring timely and accurate authorization of oncology services, optimizing approval rates, reducing denials, and maintaining compliance with payer and regulatory requirements. The Manager will supervise authorization staff, collaborate with clinical and revenue cycle leadership, and drive process improvements to support high-quality, patient-centered care and financial performance.    Key Responsibilities  Lead and manage the daily operations of the pre-certification/authorization team  Oversee the timely submission and follow-up of prior authorizations for oncology services, including chemotherapy, infusions, radiation therapy, imaging, and specialty medications  Establish and monitor team productivity, quality, and turnaround time metrics  Ensure compliance with payer guidelines, CMS regulations, and organizational policies  Develop and implement standard workflows, policies, and best practices for authorization processes  Monitor authorization trends, denials, and payer behaviors; develop action plans to improve approval rates  Collaborate with physicians, nursing, scheduling, coding, and billing teams to ensure seamless coordination of patient care and reimbursement  Oversee denial management processes, including appeals and peer-to-peer review coordination  Serve as escalation point for complex authorization cases and payer issues  Provide coaching, training, and performance management for authorization staff  Participate in audits and compliance reviews to ensure accuracy and regulatory adherence  Maintain up-to-date knowledge of oncology treatment protocols, payer policy changes, and industry best practices  Identify and implement opportunities for automation, efficiency, and process improvement  Support budgeting, staffing, and resource planning for the authorization function    Minimum Qualifications  Education & Certification  High school diploma or equivalent required  Bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, business, or related field preferred  Certification in healthcare access or revenue cycle (e.g., CPAR, CHAA, CRCR) preferred    Experience  Minimum of 5 years of experience in prior authorizations, insurance verification, or revenue cycle operations  Minimum of 2 years of leadership or supervisory experience  Oncology, infusion, or specialty practice experience strongly preferred  Experience with EMR/EHR systems and payer portals required    Required Skills  Advanced knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial payer authorization requirements  Strong understanding of oncology services and treatment workflows  Familiarity with CPT, ICD-10, and HCPCS coding concepts  Demonstrated leadership, team management, and coaching skills  Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities  Excellent communication and interpersonal skills  Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment  Strong organizational skills and attention to detail    Compliance & Legal Statements  Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)  Carolina Oncology Specialists is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and prohibit discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.    Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)  Carolina Oncology Specialists is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require accommodation during the application or employment process, please notify Human Resources.    Background Check & Eligibility  Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and verification of credentials, as permitted by law. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.    HIPAA & Confidentiality  This position requires strict adherence to HIPAA regulations and the protection of patient health information (PHI).    At-Will Employment Disclaimer  Employment with Carolina Oncology Specialists is at-will, meaning either the employee or employer may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with applicable laws.    Job Description Disclaimer  This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties may be adjusted based on organizational needs.