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Clinical Review Nurse - Prior Authorization

Centene · MO · Remote available · $27.02–$48.55 an hour · Full time

Posted Oct 1, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

What's your prior authorization experience, and how many reviews were you handling in a typical day?

What they are checking: Whether they can keep pace with production expectations in a role that strongly prefers prior experience.

Tell me about a time you helped coordinate a discharge or transfer that needed authorization fast.

What they are checking: Whether they can move quickly on transitions of care so members aren't stuck waiting in a facility.

How do you stay focused and productive working from home in a role that's mostly screen and phone time?

What they are checking: Self-management and focus needed for remote utilization review work.

What would you do

A request doesn't meet criteria, but something about the case makes you uneasy. What do you do?

What they are checking: Knowing when to escalate to a Medical Director instead of denying, since only physicians can make adverse determinations.

The provider's office sent incomplete records and the turnaround deadline is close. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Awareness of regulatory timeframes and how to get information quickly without letting the deadline lapse.

How do you handle a frustrated provider who calls demanding to know why their request isn't approved yet?

What they are checking: Professional communication that keeps the provider relationship intact while staying within the process.

About the work

Walk me through how you review a prior authorization request for medical necessity.

What they are checking: Whether they use criteria like InterQual or MCG consistently and know what clinical information is needed.

This team reviews medical and behavioral health requests for foster care members. What makes that population different to review for?

What they are checking: Awareness that foster youth have trauma, placement changes and complex needs that affect care decisions.

How do you keep your clinical reviews consistent so similar requests get similar decisions?

What they are checking: Commitment to applying criteria fairly, which protects members and the plan in appeals and audits.

How do you document a review so the next reviewer or the Medical Director understands your reasoning?

What they are checking: Clear documentation is the record for appeals, audits and regulators, so gaps here carry real consequences.

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The full job description

As published by Centene.

Position Purpose: Analyzes all prior authorization requests to determine medical necessity of service and appropriate level of care in accordance with national standards, contractual requirements, and a member's benefit coverage. Provides recommendations to the appropriate medical team to promote quality and cost effectiveness of medical care. Key Details: Applicants for this role have the flexibility to work remotely from their home anywhere within the state of Missouri. This team performs clinical reviews for medical and behavioral health service requests for our foster care members. An RN with previous prior authorization experience is strongly preferred. The work schedule is Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm. • Performs medical necessity and clinical reviews of authorization requests to determine medical appropriateness of care in accordance with regulatory guidelines and criteria • Works with healthcare providers and authorization team to ensure timely review of services and/or requests to ensure members receive authorized care • Coordinates as appropriate with healthcare providers and interdepartmental teams, to assess medical necessity of care of member • Escalates prior authorization requests to Medical Directors as appropriate to determine appropriateness of care • Assists with service authorization requests for a member’s transfer or discharge plans to ensure a timely discharge between levels of care and facilities • Collects, documents, and maintains all member’s clinical information in health management systems to ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines • Assists with providing education to providers and/or interdepartmental teams on utilization processes to promote high quality and cost-effective medical care to members • Provides feedback on opportunities to improve the authorization review process for members • Performs other duties as assigned • Complies with all policies and standards Education/Experience: Requires Graduate from an Accredited School of Nursing or Bachelor’s degree in Nursing and 2 – 4 years of related experience. Clinical knowledge and ability to analyze authorization requests and determine medical necessity of service preferred. Knowledge of Medicare and Medicaid regulations preferred. Knowledge of utilization management processes preferred. License/Certification: • LPN - Licensed Practical Nurse - State Licensure required Pay Range: $27.02 - $48.55 per hour At Centene, we connect people to the care they need to live healthier lives — and the work you do here makes that impact real every day. You’ll take on meaningful challenges that directly support individuals, families, and communities, building your skills while making healthcare more accessible and effective. It’s work with a purpose you can see, backed by a team committed to improving lives well beyond the workday. Centene offers a comprehensive benefits package including: competitive pay, health insurance, 401K and stock purchase plans, tuition reimbursement, paid time off plus holidays, and a flexible approach to work with remote, hybrid, field or office work schedules. Actual pay will be adjusted based on an individual's skills, experience, education, and other job-related factors permitted by law , including full-time or part-time status. Total compensation may also include additional forms of incentives. Benefits may be subject to program eligibility. Centene is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, and values the ways in which we are different. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other characteristic protected by applicable law. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered in accordance with the LA County Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act

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