L.A. Care Health Plan·Los Angeles, California
Responsible for reviewing admission and higher level of care transfer requests to determine medical necessity based on clinical criteria. Coordinates patient transfers between acute care facilities and manages the discharge planning process for members.
$88,854.00 (Min.) - $115,509.00 (Mid.) - $142,166.00 (Max.)
Established in 1997, L.A. Care Health Plan is an independent public agency created by the state of California to provide health coverage to low-income Los Angeles County residents. We are the nation’s largest publicly operated health plan. Serving more than 2 million members, we make sure our members get the right care at the right place at the right time.
L.A. Care’s mission is to provide access to quality health care for Los Angeles County's vulnerable and low-income communities and residents and to support the safety net required to achieve that purpose. Job Summary The Utilization Management (UM) Admissions Liaison RN II is primarily responsible for receiving/reviewing admission requests and higher level of care (HLOC) transfer requests from inpatient facilities within regular timelines. Reviews clinical data in real-time and post admission to issue a determination based on clinical criteria for medical necessity. Assures timely, accurate determination and notification of admission and inter-facility transfer requests. Generates approval, modification, and denial communications for inpatient admission requests. Actively monitors for appropriate level of care (inpatient vs. observation) admission in the acute setting. Works with UM leadership, including the Utilization Management Medical Director, on requests where determination requires extended review. Collaborates with the inpatient care team for facilitation/coordination of patient transfers between acute care facilities. Acts as a department resource for medical service requests/referral management and processes. Actively participates in the discharge planning process, including providing clinical review and authorization for alternate levels of care, home health, durable medical equipment, and other discharge needs. Provides support to the inpatient review team as necessary to ensure timely processing of concurrent reviews.
Provides the primary clinical point of contact for inpatient acute care hospitals requesting Inpatient care/post-stabilization admission requests, Higher level of care transfers and other emergent transfers or needs. Ensures appropriate determination for admission requests/HLOC transfers based on clinical data presented and established criteria/guidelines, escalating to the medical director if needed. Triages and assesses members for admission needs, including, but not limited to, bed and accepting physician availability. (40%)
Establishes and maintains ongoing communication with internal stakeholders and external customers while securing the L.A. Care member's admission or inter-facility transfer. Interfaces with physicians, house supervisors, and other hospital delegates to ensure that telephone triage results in appropriate patient placement. (10%)
Applies clinical expertise and the nursing process to triage and prioritize admission acuity, servicing as an expert clinical resource for patient placement while utilizing medical knowledge and experience to facilitate consensus-building and development of satisfactory outcomes (10%)
Continually seeks new ways to improve processes and increase efficiencies. Takes the initiative to communicate recommendations to UM Leadership. (5%)
Completes all inpatient and discharge planning requests appropriately and timely including, but not limited to: Skilled nursing facility, outpatient needs (home health, physical therapy, infusion), and case management referrals (5%)
Performs prospective, concurrent, post-service, and retrospective claim medical review processes. Utilizes clinical judgement, independent analysis, critical-thinking skills, detailed knowledge of medical policies, clinical guidelines and benefit plans to complete reviews and determinations within required turnaround times specific to the case type. Identifies requests needing medical director review or input and presents for second level review (20%)
Performs other duties as assigned. (10%) Duties Continued Education Required Associate's Degree in NursingEducation Preferred Bachelor's Degree in NursingExperience Required: Minimum of 7 years of clinical experience in an acute hospital setting.
Previous experience to have a strong understanding of Utilization Management/Case Management practices including, but not limited to, placement (with level of care) criteria (MCG, InterQual), concurrent review, and discharge planning.
Consistent Critical Care experience (Emergency Department, Intensive Care, Labor & Delivery) background highly desirable.
Must be computer literate, with expertise in Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
Provision of excellent customer service required due to frequent communication with providers and other members of the interdisciplinary team
Knowledge of personal computer, keyboarding, and appropriate software to produce correspondence, charts, spreadsheets, and/or other information applicable to the position assignment. Prepare clear, comprehensive written and oral reports and materials.
Excellent time management and priority-setting skills.
Maintains strict member confidentiality and complies with all HIPAA requirements.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Knowledge of National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) requirements for Utilization Management or CM.
Knowledge of Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) or Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services(CMS) requirements for health plan compliance with UM or CM. Licenses/Certifications Required Registered Nurse (RN) - Active, current and unrestricted California LicenseLicenses/Certifications Preferred Certified Case Manager (CCM)American Case Management Association (ACM)Required Training Physical Requirements LightAdditional Information Required: Attend mandatory department trainings as scheduled
Management of all medical services has a tremendous potential impact on the cost of health care and budget. This position manages determinations to ensure services requested are medically appropriate and provided in the most cost effective manner without compromising quality healthcare delivery.
Disclaimer: The expected pay range is based on many factors such as geography, experience, education, and the market. The range is subject to change.
L.A. Care offers a wide range of benefits including
Paid Time Off (PTO) Tuition Reimbursement Retirement Plans Medical, Dental and Vision Wellness Program Volunteer Time Off (VTO)
Requires an active California Registered Nurse license and a minimum of 7 years of clinical experience in an acute hospital setting. An Associate's Degree in Nursing is required, with a Bachelor's degree and Critical Care experience preferred.
Market context
California nursing roles often draw steady demand, especially for experienced RNs in procedural and critical care settings. Competition is strongest for candidates who already hold a California RN license, current BLS and ACLS, and recent ICU, ER, or PACU experience. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save research time, then confirm your certifications and highlight relevant bedside and procedural experience in your application.
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