Discharge Planner
UHS
Summary
The Discharge Planner is responsible for providing direct and indirect client care; providing psychotherapeutic services to clients and families; serves as a member of the interdisciplinary team supporting the facility's treatment program and philosophy; serves as the primary liaison between the facility and outside agencies for discharge planning, abuse reporting, and continuum of care functions.
Job description
Position Summary
The Discharge Planner is responsible for providing direct and indirect client care; providing psychotherapeutic services to clients and families; serves as a member of the interdisciplinary team supporting the facility's treatment program and philosophy; serves as the primary liaison between the facility and outside agencies for discharge planning, abuse reporting, and continuum of care functions.
Essential Job Duties/Responsibilities
- Coordinates discharge planning and processes to facilitate continuity of care; creates clinical packets, completes applications, and faxes materials to referral sources in a timely manner.
- Communicates with referral and outpatient providers weekly regarding new referrals; ensures the facility and receiving providers exchange necessary clinical materials.
- Documents case management contacts, discharge efforts, and appointments in progress notes and electronic documentation systems no later than 24 hours after contact.
- Participates in treatment teams and multi-agency meetings to update staff on referral statuses, coordinate care, and facilitate smooth client discharges.
- Collaborates closely with the Utilization Review (UR) team to establish and coordinate prior authorization, travel logistics, and insurance applications.
- Coordinates travel arrangements and discharge appointments; actively communicates travel info and schedules to therapists, families, and guardians.
- Maintains a shared, updated server folder tracking the status of faxes, applications, and general discharge planning milestones.
- Participates in community and facility activities as requested by leadership to build sustainable relationships with external healthcare providers.
- Performs other duties as assigned/required by this position.
Requirements
- Experience in case management
- Clinical documentation experience
- Coordinating care with external healthcare providers
- Proficient in managing referral processes
- Collaboration with utilization review teams
Company overview
Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS) is one of the nation's largest and most respected providers of hospital and healthcare services, operating as a Fortune 300 corporation headquartered in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1979, UHS has grown into a major healthcare enterprise with approximately 99,000 employees and annual revenues exceeding $14 billion. The company operates through its subsidiaries, managing 29 acute care hospitals, 331 behavioral health facilities, and 60 outpatient and other facilities across 39 U.S. states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the United Kingdom. UHS provides comprehensive healthcare services including acute care, behavioral health treatment, cancer centers, and ambulatory surgical centers. The company's strategy focuses on building or acquiring high-quality hospitals in rapidly growing markets and investing in advanced medical equipment and skilled personnel to become the leading healthcare provider in each community it serves. UHS is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: UHS) and has established a strong reputation for delivering compassionate, high-quality care while maintaining financial stability and operational excellence.