Therapy & Authorization Specialist: Physical Therapy

📍 Location & Practice Overview

• Base location: Austin, TX
• Department: Utilization Management / Therapy Authorization
• Practice type: Healthcare Staffing & Managed Services
• Care setting: Remote review of electronic patient records
• Patient population: Varies by client health plan membership

📋 Daily Review & Authorization Workflow

• Perform clinical review of therapy authorization requests against client-specific criteria
• Assess member functioning at home, work, and in the community using provided clinical information
• Verify member eligibility, benefits, and medical policy compliance
• Evaluate treatment setting appropriateness for pre-service, concurrent, and retrospective reviews
• Identify patients who may benefit from early intervention and proactive therapy planning
• Handle service requests via electronic systems, phone, and fax while making outbound provider calls when needed

✅ Qualifications & Licensure

⏱ Schedule & Work Environment

• Schedule: Monday–Friday, standard daytime hours
• Call Requirement: None
• Patient Volume: Review-based (no direct patient care)
• Documentation: Electronic health records and utilization management platforms
• Work Model: Office-based in Austin with focused review workflow

💰 Compensation & Benefits Package

• Base Salary: $88,000–$108,000 annually (commensurate with experience)
• Performance Incentives: Available based on productivity and quality metrics
• Health, dental, and vision coverage options through BCforward
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Paid time off and holiday pay
• Professional license maintenance support

🏥 Clinical Review Focus

This role centers on evidence-based therapy authorization for members across various health plans. You will evaluate requests for physical, occupational, and speech therapy services, ensuring medical necessity while supporting appropriate access to care in cost-effective settings.

• Review therapy services for both adult and pediatric populations depending on client contracts
• Common focus areas include post-surgical rehabilitation, chronic condition management, and developmental therapies
• Emphasis on balancing clinical appropriateness with benefit plan guidelines

👥 Collaboration & Support Structure

• Work closely with internal clinical staff and medical directors for complex cases
• Regular consultation opportunities with peers holding therapy licenses
• Access to established utilization management protocols and resources
• Interdisciplinary input from case management and provider relations teams

💻 Systems & Documentation Standards

• Electronic health record platforms used by client organizations
• Utilization management software for request processing
• Secure communication tools for provider outreach
• Standard Microsoft Office applications for reporting

❓ FAQ

🏥 About BCforward

BCforward is a national talent and technology solutions partner founded in 1998 and headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. The organization delivers staffing, workforce solutions, and managed services across multiple industries including healthcare, supporting both public and private sector clients with a focus on regulated environments.

With delivery centers across North America and global capabilities, BCforward emphasizes precision, compliance, and measurable outcomes. Therapists in their programs work on important utilization management initiatives that help ensure appropriate access to quality care while supporting efficient healthcare delivery.

• Healthcare specialties: Utilization management, clinical staffing, therapy review services
• Hospital affiliations: Varies by client engagement
• Teaching affiliation: Not applicable
• Awards & recognition: Recognized MBE certified firm
• Accreditation: Industry compliance standards for staffing and managed services
• Community programs: Focus on workforce development and diversity initiatives

📈 Professional Growth Pathways

Working as a Therapy & Authorization Specialist provides valuable experience in utilization management and healthcare operations. Many professionals in similar roles develop expertise in clinical criteria application, payer guidelines, and medical policy interpretation, opening doors to senior reviewer, supervisor, or broader managed care opportunities within the industry.

🔗 Therapy & Authorization Specialist: Physical Therapy – Austin, TX

BCforward is seeking a licensed Physical, Occupational, or Speech Therapist to join their utilization management team in Austin, Texas. In this specialized role, you will conduct clinical reviews of therapy service requests, assess medical necessity, and ensure members receive appropriate, high-quality care in the most suitable setting. This position offers therapists the opportunity to apply their clinical expertise in a non-patient-facing environment focused on prior authorization, concurrent review, and retrospective evaluation processes. Ideal for detail-oriented professionals who enjoy analytical work while contributing to efficient healthcare delivery across Texas health plans. Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate with providers and clinical teams are essential for success in this important function.

🚀 Apply for This Position

Complete application for Therapy & Authorization Specialist: Physical Therapy at BCforward.