Prior Approval Reviewer (Physician)

Job Requisition ID: 54512 BPIS: 08199

Opening Date: 03/25/2026Closing Date: 04/08/2026Agency: Department of Healthcare and Family ServicesClass Title: PHYSICIAN - 32200 Skill Option: None Bilingual Option: NoneSalary: Anticipated starting salary $12,694/monthly; Full salary range $12,694-17,268/monthlyJob Type: SalariedCategory: Full Time County: SangamonNumber of Vacancies: 1Bargaining Unit Code: RC063 Professional Employees, Educators, Juvenile Justice School Counselors and Special Education Resources Coordinators, and Physicians AFSCMEMerit Comp Code:

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.

Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

The Department of Healthcare and Family Services, Bureau of Professional and Ancillary Services is seeking to hire a motivated candidate to serve as a Prior Approval Reviewer.

Under the direction of the Prior Approval and Customer Relations section manager, this position will serve as a specialized physician reviewer for the Medical Review Unit.

The duties for this position may include but are not limited to; providing expert medical/clinical, consultative, program and policy advisory services related to specialized medical equipment and services to staff, convening regular meetings with staff to participate in developing, implementing and maintaining system changes or policy decisions that may impact medical services to individuals eligible for Medical Assistance, and participate in developing medical criteria options for program coverage of durable medical equipment, supplies and other covered services.

The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills, excellent team leadership skills, ability to thrive in a high volume and fast paced environment and demonstrate the ability to collaborate with team members to ensure operations are running effectively.

HFS values employees with different backgrounds, life experiences, and talents. HFS values employees with different backgrounds, life experiences, and talents.

Employees Receive a Robust Benefit Package Including

Monday-Friday Work Schedule

• Flexible work schedules are available in many program areas. (Remote work may be an option for certain positions.)
• Health, Life, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• Pension Plan
• Paid Parental Leave
• Deferred Compensation Program and other pre-tax benefit programs (Medical/Daycare)
• Employees earn (12) paid Sick Days annually.
• New Employees earn (10) paid Vacation Days their first year of service and can earn up to (25) paid Vacation Days annually.
• Employees earn (3) paid Personal Days annually.
• (13-14) paid holidays annually (based on start date)
• If you are seeking a new opportunity, and this position appeals to you, please apply today!

At the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS), we value staff as our greatest asset. We work in a spirit of teamwork to help millions of Illinoisans access high quality healthcare and fulfill child support obligations to advance their physical, mental, and financial well-being.

We provide healthcare coverage for children and adults through Medicaid and other medical programs, and we help ensure that children receive financial resources from both their parents through Child Support Services.

The HFS Office of the Inspector General investigates, audits and reviews program activity to ensure the integrity of our programs is maintained.

HFS is committed to promoting and preserving a workplace culture that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion. We welcome and value employees with different backgrounds, life experiences, and talents.

It is the collective sum of our individual differences that provides a broad perspective, leading to greater innovation and achievement.

In recruiting for our team, we recognize the unique contributions of each applicant regardless of culture, ethnicity, race, national origin, sex, gender identity and expression, age, religion, disability, and sexual orientation. HFS is an equal opportunity employer. Essential Functions

Serves as a Prior Approval Reviewer for the Bureau of Professional & Ancillary Services/Prior Approval & Customer Relations Section/Medical Review Unit

Conducts clinically based research on new technology and medical advancements related to specialized medical equipment and services and makes recommendations on modifications to current policy and expansion of program coverage

• Conducts clinical analysis of medical procedures and diagnosis coding changes
• Provides expert testimony on behalf of the department, including, but not limited to, fraud and abuse cases and participant appeals on denials of coverage
• Stays abreast of new techniques and procedures in the clinical/medical field

Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above

Minimum Qualifications

Requires an Illinois license to practice medicine

Specialized Skills

A minimum of two (2) years of experience making clinical prior approval decisions including, working with complex medical data, and familiarity with medical coding such as ICD-10CM, CPT or HCPCSs

A minimum of two (2) years of professional experience communicating with medical providers on behalf of a payer regarding billing codes and rejection codes as well as medical terminology

Requires two (2) years of experience working with Medical Management Information Systems (MMIS) or similar medical processing system

Preferred Qualifications

A minimum of two (2) years of experience making clinical prior approval decisions including, working with complex medical data, and familiarity with medical coding such as ICD-10CM, CPT or HCPCSs

A minimum of two (2) years of professional experience communicating with medical providers on behalf of a payer regarding billing codes and rejection codes as well as medical terminology

A minimum of two (2) years of experience working with Medical Management Information Systems (MMIS) or similar medical processing system

A minimum of two (2) years of experience utilizing the basic principles and practices of general medicine and surgery, including the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and inquiries

A minimum of two (2) years of experience conducting research regarding recent changes to technology or accepted procedures in the field of general medicine to recommend modifications to policies

A minimum of two (2) years of experience evaluating the quality of medical care and treatment for a medical or social services organization

A minimum of two (2) years of experience performing reviews of medical data and determining medical needs for a medical or social service organization

A minimum of two (2) years of experience preparing detailed and accurate medical documentation to support any medical review determination

• Conditions of Employment
• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history
• Requires the ability to utilize and maintain state issued equipment such as a laptop

Requires ability to attend seminars, conferences, and trainings to stay current on methods, tools, ideologies, or other industry related topics relevant to the job duties

The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description

Work Hours

Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pmHeadquarter Location: 201 S Grand Ave E, Springfield, Illinois, 62704Work County: SangamonAgency Contact: HFS.DMPApps@illinois.govPosting Group: Health Services

This position DOES contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).

Application Instructions

• Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.
• If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so.

State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon.

Non-State employees should log in on the using the “View Profile” link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.

If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:

State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid

Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com – click “Application Procedures” in the footer of every page of the website.

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:

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