The Drug Authorization Specialist Supervisor manages operational workflows and non-clinical staff responsible for securing prior authorizations from third-party payers for outpatient drug therapies and procedures. Reporting to the Manager of Prior Authorization, the supervisor ensures that drug authorization specialists apply appropriate administrative guidelines, payer policies, and electronic medical record (EMR) documentation workflows to obtain approvals efficiently prior to service delivery. The role oversees daily queue management, monitors payer policy changes, tracks denial trends, and coordinates escalation workflows with clinical leadership, attending providers, and payer administrative teams.
Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- Manages the daily operations and work queues for drug authorization staff to ensure timely approval of drug and procedural authorizations prior to service delivery. Monitors team throughput, queue volumes, and turnaround times, proactively reallocating staff resources to address urgent treatment plans or high-volume queues. Tracks and communicates ongoing changes in third-party payer prior authorization requirements, medical policies, and portal submission procedures to ensure administrative alignment across the team.
- Supports clinical specialists in resolving administrative barriers, missing documentation, or complex authorization requirements. Coordinates escalation workflows when clinical interventions are required, facilitating seamless communication between attending providers, clinical specialists, and payer representatives. Serves as an administrative liaison between revenue cycle departments, clinic operational teams, and third-party payers to resolve complex authorization bottlenecks.
- Oversees drug auth workflows related to prior authorization denials, retro-authorizations, and administrative appeals. Monitors denial trends and collaborates with revenue cycle teams to identify root causes of authorization-related claim rejections. Coordinates the gathering and transmission of clinical documentation from the EMR to support provider-initiated peer-to-peer reviews and formal appeals.
- Regularly audits team workflows, tools, and spreadsheets to identify operational gaps and streamline approval processes. Assists in implementing new technology tools, work queue rules, and standardized documentation templates to optimize efficiency and reduce authorization turnaround times.
- Participates in regular interdepartmental meetings with Access Management, Billing, and Clinical Operations to align workflows and communicate policy updates. Performs additional operational and administrative duties as assigned by the Manager of Prior Authorization.
- Supervises staff. Hires, develops, and manages staff to achieve organizational goals. Sets clear expectations, delivers feedback, and monitors performance for quality, efficiency, and compliance with policies and procedures. Mentors staff, fosters career growth, and cultivates a positive and productive work environment.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Strong knowledge of third-party payer rules, prior authorization processes, and revenue cycle workflows.
- Demonstrated ability to supervise, train, and develop non-clinical administrative staff.
- Excellent leadership, team-building, and interpersonal skills.
- Strong analytical, queue management, and problem-solving abilities.
- Proficiency in electronic medical record (EMR) systems, revenue cycle management software, and Microsoft Office products.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to prioritize tasks and maintain high quality standards in a fast-paced environment.
Minimum Job Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Healthcare or related field
- 4 years of experience in patient access, prior authorization, revenue cycle, or health insurance operations required.
- Demonstrated experience with third-party payer medical coverage policies, work queues, and denial management required.
- 2 years of supervisory or team lead experience in a healthcare or revenue cycle setting preferred.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Patient Contact:
At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are committed to having faculty and staff who offer multifaceted experiences. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and compassionate professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.
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Pay Transparency Statement
The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and based on the candidate’s relevant experience, skills and qualifications.
For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
$63,500.00 - $71,100.00
