Prescription Authorization Specialist

Harris Health is the public healthcare safety-net provider established in 1966 to serve the residents of Harris County, Texas. As an essential healthcare system, Harris Health champions better health for the entire community, with a focus on low-income uninsured and underinsured patients, through acute and primary care, wellness, disease management and population health services. Ben Taub Hospital (Level 1 Trauma Center) and Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital (Level 3 Trauma Center) anchor Harris Health's robust network of 39 clinics, health centers, specialty locations and virtual (telemedicine) technology. Harris Health is among an elite list of health systems in the U.S. achieving Magnet® nursing excellence designation for its hospitals, the prestigious National Committee for Quality Assurance designation for its patient-centered clinics and health centers and its strong partnership with nationally recognized physician faculty, residents and researchers from Baylor College of Medicine; McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth); and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

At Harris Health, we prioritize the well-being of our most valuable asset--our people--ensuring a culture of compassion, collaboration and excellence in serving Harris County's most in need. With integrity and accountability at our core, we commit to 'leading with love', embodying our dedication to quality care, education, and a steadfast respect for every individual's contribution to our mission.

Job Summary
The Prescription Authorization Specialist coordinates and manages the medication prior authorization process to support timely patient access to prescribed therapies. This role verifies insurance coverage, obtains and submits required clinical documentation, facilitates payer and provider communications, and resolves authorization denials through appeals and peer-to-peer review coordination. Serving as a key resource for patients, providers, and pharmacy staff, the specialist navigates complex payer requirements while maintaining accurate records and ensuring compliance with Harris Health policies and regulatory guidelines. Through effective collaboration and customer-focused service, the role helps optimize patient outcomes and support efficient pharmacy operations.

Minimum Qualifications

Degrees: Bachelor's degree in business or healthcare administration (Preferred)

School Education: High School Diploma, or GED, Business degree preferred

Licenses and Certification: Pharmacy Technician; Texas State Board of Pharmacy

Work Experience: Three (3) years work experience with Prescription/Pharmacy authorization (Epic software a plus) with progressive customer service experience

Management Experience: One (1) Year of Management Experience or Lead Experience (Preferred)

Language Skills: Spanish preferred

Communication Skills: Above Average Verbal Communication (Heavy Public Contact), Writing/Correspondence, Writing/Reports

Proficiencies: MS Excel, MS Word

Job Attributes

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Analytical, Mathematics, Medical Terminology

Work Schedule: Hybrid Telecommuter

Equipment Operated: Must have PC skills, knowledge of computerized patient accounting/registration and eligibility systems, and facsimile operation. Personal Computer

Other Requirements: Able to work efficiently with little supervision, handle stressful situations and have excellent customer service skills. Must be able to interact
successfully in a culturally diverse environment.