Is $30/hr fair for this workload?

Prior authorizations require accuracy, clinical knowledge, critical thinking, and constant back-and-forth with insurance plans, all while juggling multiple systems and deadlines. We are required to finish atleast 85% of our submission list which can range from 20-30 daily.

$30/hr sounds decent on paper… but when you factor in productivity quotas, mental load, and the cost of living, it really makes you pause.

I’m curious….do you think $30/hr is fair for prior auth work, or should it be higher? 💬

#AskLemon8 #lemon8challenge #letschat #healthcare Dallas

2025/12/13 Edited to

... Read moreOkay, so we've all been there, right? Staring at that prior authorization queue, wondering if our hourly rate truly reflects the mental gymnastics we're performing. The original post really hit home for me, especially when it comes to the sheer volume and critical thinking involved. But let's dive a bit deeper into the nitty-gritty of how we actually navigate this daily challenge, specifically with a platform many of us rely on: the CoverMyMeds dashboard. For me, my day often kicks off by logging into the CoverMyMeds dashboard. It's usually the first tab open on one of my dual monitors. This dashboard is our command center, showing our submission list and the status of each request. The goal, as mentioned, is often to clear a high percentage of those 20-30 daily submissions. It's not just about clicking buttons; it's about making sure every piece of clinical information, every diagnosis code, and every justification is perfectly aligned with what the insurance company demands. One of the most frustrating things I encounter, and something I saw in the OCR, is the dreaded 'session expired' message on CoverMyMeds. It feels like a little alarm bell ringing, reminding you to save your work constantly! My personal workaround is to frequently click 'save' or quickly navigate between pages to keep the session alive. I've also learned to keep a mental timer, especially if I step away for a call or a quick break. Losing progress on a complex prior auth because of an expired session is a huge time drain and just adds to the mental load. Beyond just CoverMyMeds, we're often juggling 'multiple systems' simultaneously. This means having our Electronic Medical Record (EMR) open, sometimes an insurance payer's direct portal, and then CoverMyMeds. The art is in seamlessly pulling information from the EMR, inputting it accurately into CoverMyMeds, and then checking the payer's portal for any specific requirements or updates. This constant switching requires incredible focus and attention to detail. To manage the heavy workload and ensure nothing slips through the cracks, a good 'checklist' is absolutely essential. Whether it's a physical notepad, like the one seen in the OCR, or a digital one, having a step-by-step process for each prior auth—from gathering documentation to final submission and follow-up—is a lifesaver. I often use a simple spreadsheet to track my most challenging cases, noting down specific follow-up dates or unique requirements that might not be immediately visible on the CoverMyMeds dashboard itself. This 'spreadsheet' acts as my personal safety net. Ultimately, working with the CoverMyMeds dashboard for prior authorizations is a demanding job that requires more than just technical skill. It asks for clinical acumen, meticulous organization, and a strong ability to manage stress and tight deadlines. So, when we talk about that $30/hr, it's worth considering all these layers of effort that go into keeping the healthcare machine running. What are your best tips for navigating the CoverMyMeds dashboard or managing your prior auth workload?

362 comments

Christina💙SAHM's images
Christina💙SAHM

Considering you work from home I think $30 is fair indeed. You are not paying for Gas or buying coffee food on your way to the office so that money can be redirected elsewhere! I work from and make a little less than that but I save so much because I can keep my toddler home and not pay for daycare!!

See more(20)
Meg Mayer's images
Meg Mayer

WFH making $30/hr?… yes, it’s enough. If you don’t want the job, scoot over honey, I’ll do it!

See more(2)

See more comments