Which of the following is a responsibility of Utilization Review (UR)?

Utilization Review (UR) primarily focuses on evaluating the necessity, appropriateness, and efficiency of healthcare services provided to patients. One of its key responsibilities is managing the length of hospital stays, which involves assessing whether the length of time a patient remains hospitalized is justified based on their medical condition and care needs. This helps to ensure that patients receive appropriate care without unnecessary delays or expenses and contributes to effective resource management within healthcare facilities.

The management of hospital stays is critical in balancing quality care with cost efficiency, and UR professionals typically collaborate with healthcare providers to set clinical guidelines and standards. In doing so, they also play a vital role in recommending whether continued hospital care is needed or if a patient may safely be discharged, thereby optimizing healthcare delivery.

Other options, such as ensuring patient billing, performing surgeries, and coordinating outpatient therapy, fall outside the typical scope of utilization review responsibilities. While these tasks are essential in healthcare, they are generally managed by other specialized personnel—like billing coordinators, surgeons, and therapy managers.