Authorization Department Manager

Authorization Department Manager (Referrals & Prior Authorizations)

Reports to: Chief Development Officer
FLSA Status: Exempt

Join Our Team at GastroMed

At GastroMed, we are committed to delivering exceptional patient care through collaboration, innovation, and operational excellence. We are seeking a dynamic Authorization Department Manager to lead our referrals and prior authorization operations across multiple locations.

In this role, you will play a critical part in ensuring patients receive timely care while supporting revenue integrity and operational efficiency across our growing organization.

Position Overview

The Authorization Department Manager is responsible for leading the daily operations of the referral and prior authorization team. This role ensures that all procedures are properly authorized, scheduled efficiently, and aligned with payer requirements to minimize denials and delays in care.

You will collaborate closely with Practice Managers, Revenue Cycle, and Surgical Center leadership to drive performance, improve workflows, and deliver an excellent patient experience.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing referrals and authorization team
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and service-oriented culture
• Conduct training, performance evaluations, and ongoing staff development
• Support employee engagement and retention initiatives

Authorization & Referral Operations

• Oversee all referral and prior authorization processes across multiple locations
• Ensure timely approvals to avoid delays in patient care and claim denials
• Monitor authorization turnaround times and department performance metrics
• Ensure accurate insurance eligibility and benefits verification

Operational Excellence

• Optimize workflows to improve efficiency, productivity, and turnaround times
• Align staffing levels with procedure volumes and operational needs
• Monitor scheduling accuracy and support timely patient rescheduling
• Identify and implement process improvements

Revenue Cycle Collaboration

• Partner with Revenue Cycle leadership to reduce authorization-related denials
• Support initiatives that improve reimbursement and revenue integrity
• Coordinate with surgical centers to resolve scheduling and authorization issues

Communication & Service

• Ensure timely response to patient inquiries, calls, and department communications
• Maintain strong relationships with physicians, practice managers, and leadership
• Promote a patient-centered approach to care coordination

Qualifications

• Associate degree required; Bachelor’s degree preferred
• 3–5 years of experience in healthcare referrals, authorizations, or patient access
• Minimum 2 years of leadership or supervisory experience
• Strong knowledge of insurance verification, prior authorizations, and payer guidelines
• Bilingual English/Spanish required
• Proficiency with EMR systems and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)

Core Competencies

• Strong leadership and team development skills
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Commitment to confidentiality and HIPAA compliance

Why Join GastroMed?

• Be part of one of South Florida’s fastest-growing healthcare organizations
• Collaborative, team-oriented, and supportive culture
• Opportunity to lead impactful operational improvements
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package
• Career growth and professional development opportunities

Additional Information

This position supervises referral and authorization staff and carries out management responsibilities in accordance with company policies and applicable employment laws.