RN Utilization Review Full-time
Gainwell Technologies LLC

Utilization Review Nurse- Remote

$65,000 - $78,000 / YEAR

It takes great medical minds to create powerful solutions that solve some of healthcare’s most complex challenges. Join us and put your expertise to work in ways you never imagined possible. We know you’ve honed your career in a fast-moving medical environment. While Gainwell operates with a sense of urgency, you’ll have the opportunity to work more flexible hours. And working at Gainwell carries its rewards. You’ll have an incredible opportunity to grow your career in a company that values work-life balance, continuous learning, and career development.

Summary

We are seeking a skilled Utilization Review Nurse to conduct prior authorization, prospective, concurrent, and retrospective reviews for medical necessity and appropriateness of services, following clinical criteria, coverage policies, and contract guidelines. This involves reviewing medical documentation, accurately documenting findings, and ensuring policy compliance.

Your role in our mission

  • Review admissions, procedures, services, and supplies for medical necessity and appropriateness, meeting quality and production goals.
  • Use clinical criteria for decision-making, referring complex cases to Medical Directors when needed.
  • Engage with providers to gather clinical information, apply guidelines, and make determinations.
  • Document findings and rationale in medical management systems.
  • Assist in training new nurses, provide feedback, and stay updated on clinical guidelines.
  • Maintain RN license and meet continuing education requirements.

What we're looking for

  • Active RN license.
  • 3+ years of inpatient clinical experience.
  • 1+ year in prior authorization reviews using InterQual or MCG.
  • Strong written communication skills in a fast-paced setting.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office and other computer applications.

What you should expect in this role

  • Home-based position.
  • High-speed internet and a distraction-free workspace required.
  • Core hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM ET, with potential for extended hours.
  • Occasional travel (up to 10%) based on business needs.

#LI-AC1

#LI-REMOTE

The pay range for this position is $65,000.00 - $78,000.00 per year, however, the base pay offered may vary depending on geographic region, internal equity, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. Put your passion to work at Gainwell. You’ll have the opportunity to grow your career in a company that values work flexibility, learning, and career development. All salaried, full-time candidates are eligible for our generous, flexible vacation policy, a 401(k) employer match, comprehensive health benefits, and educational assistance. We also have a variety of leadership and technical development academies to help build your skills and capabilities.

We believe nothing is impossible when you bring together people who care deeply about making healthcare work better for everyone. Build your career with Gainwell, an industry leader. You’ll be joining a company where collaboration, innovation, and inclusion fuel our growth. Learn more about Gainwell at our company website and visit our Careers site for all available job role openings.

Gainwell Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer, where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition), age, sexual orientation, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. 

Share this job

Share to FB Share to LinkedIn Share to Twitter

Related Jobs

Gainwell Technologies LLC

Utilization Review Nurse- Remote

$65,000 - $78,000 / YEAR
It takes great medical minds to create powerful solutions that solve some of healthcare’s most complex challenges. Join us and put your expertise to work in ways you never imagined possible. We know you’ve honed your career in a fast-moving medical environment. While Gainwell operates with a sense of urgency, you’ll have the opportunity to work more flexible hours. And working at Gainwell carries its rewards. You’ll have an incredible opportunity to grow your career in a company that values work-life balance, continuous learning, and career development. Summary We are seeking a skilled Utilization Review Nurse to conduct prior authorization, prospective, concurrent, and retrospective reviews for medical necessity and appropriateness of services, following clinical criteria, coverage policies, and contract guidelines. This involves reviewing medical documentation, accurately documenting findings, and ensuring policy compliance. Your role in our mission Review admissions, procedures, services, and supplies for medical necessity and appropriateness, meeting quality and production goals. Use clinical criteria for decision-making, referring complex cases to Medical Directors when needed. Engage with providers to gather clinical information, apply guidelines, and make determinations. Document findings and rationale in medical management systems. Assist in training new nurses, provide feedback, and stay updated on clinical guidelines. Maintain RN license and meet continuing education requirements. What we're looking for Active RN license. 3+ years of inpatient clinical experience. 1+ year in prior authorization reviews using InterQual or MCG. Strong written communication skills in a fast-paced setting. Proficient in Microsoft Office and other computer applications. What you should expect in this role Home-based position. High-speed internet and a distraction-free workspace required. Core hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM ET, with potential for extended hours. Occasional travel (up to 10%) based on business needs. This position is for pipeline purposes, and we welcome applications on an ongoing basis. #LI-AC1 #LI-REMOTE The pay range for this position is $65,000.00 - $78,000.00 per year, however, the base pay offered may vary depending on geographic region, internal equity, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. Put your passion to work at Gainwell. You’ll have the opportunity to grow your career in a company that values work flexibility, learning, and career development. All salaried, full-time candidates are eligible for our generous, flexible vacation policy, a 401(k) employer match, comprehensive health benefits , and educational assistance. We also have a variety of leadership and technical development academies to help build your skills and capabilities. We believe nothing is impossible when you bring together people who care deeply about making healthcare work better for everyone. Build your career with Gainwell, an industry leader. You’ll be joining a company where collaboration, innovation, and inclusion fuel our growth. Learn more about Gainwell at our company website and visit our Careers site for all available job role openings. Gainwell Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer, where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition), age, sexual orientation, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
Gainwell Technologies LLC

Nurse Reviewer (Registered Nurse) - Remote in US

$65,000 - $75,000 / YEAR
It takes great medical minds to create powerful solutions that solve some of healthcare’s most complex challenges. Join us and put your expertise to work in ways you never imagined possible. We know you’ve honed your career in a fast-moving medical environment. While Gainwell operates with a sense of urgency, you’ll have the opportunity to work more flexible hours. And working at Gainwell carries its rewards. You’ll have an incredible opportunity to grow your career in a company that values work-life balance, continuous learning, and career development. Summary We are seeking a talented individual for a Nurse Reviewer (RN) who will be responsible for performing clinical reviews to determine if the medical record documentation supports the need for the service based on clinical criteria, coverage policies, and utilization and practice guidelines as defined by review methodologies specific to the contract for which services are being provided. This involves accessing proprietary systems to audit medical records, accurately documenting findings and providing policy/regulatory support for determination. This position is intended for pipelining. We will accept applications on an ongoing basis. Your role in our mission Reviews and interprets medical records against criteria to assess appropriateness and reasonableness of care; applies critical thinking to ensure documentation supports medical necessity while meeting production and quality goals. Documents decisions and rationale clearly to support findings or no findings. Determines approvals or refers cases to physician consultants; processes consultant decisions and ensures denial reasons are detailed and completed within deadlines. Performs prior authorization, precertification, and retrospective reviews; prepares decision letters as required. Assists management in training new Nurse Reviewers, including daily monitoring, mentoring, feedback, and education. Maintains current knowledge of clinical criteria guidelines and completes CEUs to maintain RN licensure. Attends trainings and meetings to stay current on clinical policies, procedures, rules, and regulations. Cross-trains to review multiple claim types to maintain workforce flexibility. Recommends and helps implement process improvements, new audit concepts, and technology solutions to enhance production, quality, and client satisfaction. What we're looking for Proficient in computer and typing skills, including Microsoft Windows, Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and internet browsers. Active, unrestricted RN licensure in the U.S. and primary state of residence, plus an active compact multistate unrestricted RN license as defined by the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC); verification required during post-offer background check. Minimum of 5+ years clinical experience in an inpatient hospital setting required. Minimum of 2+ years utilization review or claims auditing experience required. Experience with Milliman or InterQual criteria required. Ability to work standard business hours with frequent interactions across teams and departments. Flexibility to work extended hours when needed to support business demands. What you should expect in this role Full-time, permanent salaried (W-2) employee position, not a contract or short-term role. Health benefits (medical, dental, vision) and paid time off begin on the first day of employment. Standard Monday through Friday work schedule. Remote position; employees must be located within the continental U.S. while working. Work environment must be private, free of distractions, loud noises, and recording devices. May require up to 10% travel depending on business needs. This position is for pipeline purposes, and we welcome applications on an ongoing basis. #LI-AC1 #LI-REMOTE The pay range for this position is $65,000 - $75,000 per year, however, the base pay offered may vary depending on geographic region, internal equity, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. Put your passion to work at Gainwell. You’ll have the opportunity to grow your career in a company that values work flexibility, learning, and career development. All salaried, full-time candidates are eligible for our generous, flexible vacation policy, a 401(k) employer match, comprehensive health benefits , and educational assistance. We also have a variety of leadership and technical development academies to help build your skills and capabilities. We believe nothing is impossible when you bring together people who care deeply about making healthcare work better for everyone. Build your career with Gainwell, an industry leader. You’ll be joining a company where collaboration, innovation, and inclusion fuel our growth. Learn more about Gainwell at our company website and visit our Careers site for all available job role openings. Gainwell Technologies is committed to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
RN Utilization Review Full-time
Gainwell Technologies LLC

Nurse Reviewer - Massachusetts RN License

$78,000 - $85,000 / YEAR
It takes great medical minds to create powerful solutions that solve some of healthcare’s most complex challenges. Join us and put your expertise to work in ways you never imagined possible. We know you’ve honed your career in a fast-moving medical environment. While Gainwell operates with a sense of urgency, you’ll have the opportunity to work more flexible hours. And working at Gainwell carries its rewards. You’ll have an incredible opportunity to grow your career in a company that values work-life balance, continuous learning, and career development. Summary We are seeking a talented individual for a Nurse Reviewer (RN) to support our Massachusetts contract. Due to recent turnover, there is an immediate need for nurses who hold an active Massachusetts RN license. This role involves performing clinical reviews to determine if the medical record documentation supports the need for the service based on clinical criteria, coverage policies, and utilization and practice guidelines as defined by review methodologies specific to the contract. Responsibilities include accessing proprietary systems to audit medical records, documenting findings accurately, and providing policy and regulatory support for determinations. This position is intended for pipelining, and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis. Summary Your role in our mission Your role in our mission Reviews and interprets medical records against criteria to assess appropriateness and reasonableness of care; applies critical thinking to ensure documentation supports medical necessity while meeting production and quality goals. Documents decisions and rationale clearly to support findings or no findings. Determines approvals or refers cases to physician consultants; processes consultant decisions and ensures denial reasons are detailed and completed within deadlines. Performs prior authorization, precertification, and retrospective reviews; prepares decision letters as required. Assists management in training new Nurse Reviewers, including daily monitoring, mentoring, feedback, and education. Maintains current knowledge of clinical criteria guidelines and completes CEUs to maintain RN licensure. Attends trainings and meetings to stay current on clinical policies, procedures, rules, and regulations. Cross-trains to review multiple claim types to maintain workforce flexibility. Recommends and helps implement process improvements, new audit concepts, and technology solutions to enhance production, quality, and client satisfaction. Reviews and interprets medical records against criteria to assess appropriateness and reasonableness of care; applies critical thinking to ensure documentation supports medical necessity while meeting production and quality goals. Reviews and interprets medical records against criteria to assess appropriateness and reasonableness of care; applies critical thinking to ensure documentation supports medical necessity while meeting production and quality goals. Documents decisions and rationale clearly to support findings or no findings. Documents decisions and rationale clearly to support findings or no findings. Determines approvals or refers cases to physician consultants; processes consultant decisions and ensures denial reasons are detailed and completed within deadlines. Determines approvals or refers cases to physician consultants; processes consultant decisions and ensures denial reasons are detailed and completed within deadlines. Performs prior authorization, precertification, and retrospective reviews; prepares decision letters as required. Performs prior authorization, precertification, and retrospective reviews; prepares decision letters as required. Assists management in training new Nurse Reviewers, including daily monitoring, mentoring, feedback, and education. Assists management in training new Nurse Reviewers, including daily monitoring, mentoring, feedback, and education. Maintains current knowledge of clinical criteria guidelines and completes CEUs to maintain RN licensure. Maintains current knowledge of clinical criteria guidelines and completes CEUs to maintain RN licensure. Attends trainings and meetings to stay current on clinical policies, procedures, rules, and regulations. Attends trainings and meetings to stay current on clinical policies, procedures, rules, and regulations. Cross-trains to review multiple claim types to maintain workforce flexibility. Cross-trains to review multiple claim types to maintain workforce flexibility. Recommends and helps implement process improvements, new audit concepts, and technology solutions to enhance production, quality, and client satisfaction. Recommends and helps implement process improvements, new audit concepts, and technology solutions to enhance production, quality, and client satisfaction. What we're looking for What we're looking for Proficient in computer and typing skills, including Microsoft Windows, Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and internet browsers. Active, unrestricted RN licensure in Massachusetts required; compact multistate RN license strongly preferred. Verification will occur during post-offer background check. Minimum of 5+ years clinical experience in an inpatient hospital setting required. Minimum of 2+ years utilization review or claims auditing experience required. Experience with Milliman or InterQual criteria required. Ability to work standard business hours with frequent interactions across teams and departments. Flexibility to work extended hours when needed to support business demands. Proficient in computer and typing skills, including Microsoft Windows, Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and internet browsers. Proficient in computer and typing skills, including Microsoft Windows, Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and internet browsers. Active, unrestricted RN licensure in Massachusetts required; compact multistate RN license strongly preferred. Verification will occur during post-offer background check. Active, unrestricted RN licensure in Massachusetts required; compact multistate RN license strongly preferred. Verification will occur during post-offer background check. Minimum of 5+ years clinical experience in an inpatient hospital setting required. Minimum of 5+ years clinical experience in an inpatient hospital setting required. Minimum of 2+ years utilization review or claims auditing experience required. Minimum of 2+ years utilization review or claims auditing experience required. Experience with Milliman or InterQual criteria required. Experience with Milliman or InterQual criteria required. Ability to work standard business hours with frequent interactions across teams and departments. Ability to work standard business hours with frequent interactions across teams and departments. Flexibility to work extended hours when needed to support business demands. Flexibility to work extended hours when needed to support business demands. What you should expect in this role What you should expect in this role This is a fully remote position. Candidates may reside anywhere within the United States but must hold and maintain an active Massachusetts RN license. Full-time, permanent salaried (W-2) employee position, not a contract or short-term role. Health benefits (medical, dental, vision) and paid time off begin on the first day of employment. Standard Monday through Friday work schedule. Remote position; employees must be located within the continental U.S. while working. Work environment must be private, free of distractions, loud noises, and recording devices. May require up to 10% travel depending on business needs. This is a fully remote position. Candidates may reside anywhere within the United States but must hold and maintain an active Massachusetts RN license. Full-time, permanent salaried (W-2) employee position, not a contract or short-term role. Full-time, permanent salaried (W-2) employee position, not a contract or short-term role. Health benefits (medical, dental, vision) and paid time off begin on the first day of employment. Health benefits (medical, dental, vision) and paid time off begin on the first day of employment. Standard Monday through Friday work schedule. Standard Monday through Friday work schedule. Remote position; employees must be located within the continental U.S. while working. Remote position; employees must be located within the continental U.S. while working. Work environment must be private, free of distractions, loud noises, and recording devices. Work environment must be private, free of distractions, loud noises, and recording devices. May require up to 10% travel depending on business needs. May require up to 10% travel depending on business needs. #LI-AC1 #LI-REMOTE The pay range for this position is $78,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year, however, the base pay offered may vary depending on geographic region, internal equity, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. Put your passion to work at Gainwell. You’ll have the opportunity to grow your career in a company that values work flexibility, learning, and career development. All salaried, full-time candidates are eligible for our generous, flexible vacation policy, a 401(k) employer match, comprehensive health benefits , and educational assistance. We also have a variety of leadership and technical development academies to help build your skills and capabilities. We believe nothing is impossible when you bring together people who care deeply about making healthcare work better for everyone. Build your career with Gainwell, an industry leader. You’ll be joining a company where collaboration, innovation, and inclusion fuel our growth. Learn more about Gainwell at our company website and visit our Careers site for all available job role openings. Gainwell Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer, where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition), age, sexual orientation, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. Gainwell Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer, where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition), age, sexual orientation, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
RN Utilization Review Full-time
Gainwell Technologies LLC

Clinical Quality Nurse Reviewer, Sr. Specialist- Remote

$64,500 - $92,200 / YEAR
It takes great medical minds to create powerful solutions that solve some of healthcare’s most complex challenges. Join us and put your expertise to work in ways you never imagined possible. We know you’ve honed your career in a fast-moving medical environment. While Gainwell operates with a sense of urgency, you’ll have the opportunity to work more flexible hours. And working at Gainwell carries its rewards. You’ll have an incredible opportunity to grow your career in a company that values work-life balance, continuous learning, and career development. Summary We are seeking a talented individual for a Clinical Quality Nurse Reviewer, Sr. Specialist who is responsible for performing on-going quality assurance audits of the work performed by clinical staff. This person is responsible for complex quality reviews to determine if decision by review staff matches medical records and approved review methodologies. Responsibilities include reviewing documentation to ensure all aspects of the review audit have been addressed properly and accurately. Performing inter-rater reliability assessments and quality assurance auditors for multiple review types including Place of Service, Level of Care, Readmissions, Utilization Management and other specialty reviews. Your role in our mission Conduct QA checks on complex clinical claim reviews. Analyze claims and medical records using approved guidelines. Document review findings clearly and accurately. Identify quality trends and support improvements through training and education. Ensure reviews meet accuracy, quality, and productivity standards. Support training and mentoring of new reviewers. Stay current on clinical guidelines and maintain licensure. Cross-train on various claim types to meet client needs. Contribute as a subject matter expert and assist with reports, analysis, and projects. Demonstrate expertise in chart audits, medical review, and quality improvement. What we're looking for Active, unrestricted RN licensure from the United States and in the state of primary home residency, active compact multistate unrestricted RN license as defined by the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), required 5+ years clinical experience in acute setting 3+ years medical record review or Quality auditing experience Expert level experience applying MCG and/or InterQual criteria Excellent written communication skills including ability to write clear, concise, accurate, and fact-based rationales in support of determinations. Ability to analyze and evaluate medical information and to apply clinical review guidelines or judgement to make clinical determinations What you should expect in this role Remote position within the U.S. May require occasional travel #LI-AC1 #LI-REMOTE The pay range for this position is $64,500.00 - $92,200.00 per year, however, the base pay offered may vary depending on geographic region, internal equity, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. Put your passion to work at Gainwell. You’ll have the opportunity to grow your career in a company that values work flexibility, learning, and career development. All salaried, full-time candidates are eligible for our generous, flexible vacation policy, a 401(k) employer match, comprehensive health benefits , and educational assistance. We also have a variety of leadership and technical development academies to help build your skills and capabilities. We believe nothing is impossible when you bring together people who care deeply about making healthcare work better for everyone. Build your career with Gainwell, an industry leader. You’ll be joining a company where collaboration, innovation, and inclusion fuel our growth. Learn more about Gainwell at our company website and visit our Careers site for all available job role openings. Gainwell Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer, where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition), age, sexual orientation, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
RN Utilization Review Full-time
Gainwell Technologies LLC

Nurse Reviewer- Registered Nurse (Remote)

It takes great medical minds to create powerful solutions that solve some of healthcare’s most complex challenges. Join us and put your expertise to work in ways you never imagined possible. We know you’ve honed your career in a fast-moving medical environment. While Gainwell operates with a sense of urgency, you’ll have the opportunity to work more flexible hours. And working at Gainwell carries its rewards. You’ll have an incredible opportunity to grow your career in a company that values work-life balance, continuous learning, and career development. Summary We are seeking a talented individual for a Nurse Reviewer (RN) who will be responsible for performing clinical reviews to determine if the medical record documentation supports the need for the service based on clinical criteria, coverage policies, and utilization and practice guidelines as defined by review methodologies specific to the contract for which services are being provided. This involves accessing proprietary systems to audit medical records, accurately documenting findings, and providing policy/regulatory support for determinations. This position is intended for pipelining. We will accept applications on an ongoing basis. Your role in our mission Review and interpret medical records and compare them against criteria to determine appropriateness and reasonableness of care. Apply critical thinking and decision-making skills to assess if the documentation supports the need for the service, while maintaining production goals and quality standards. Document decisions and rationale to justify review findings or no findings. Determine approval or initiate a referral to the physician consultant, and process physician consultant decisions—ensuring the denial rationale is clearly detailed and completed within the contractual deadline. Perform prior authorization, precertification, and retrospective reviews; prepare decision letters as needed in support of the utilization review contract. Assist management with training new Nurse Reviewers, including daily monitoring, mentoring, feedback, and education. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of clinical criteria guidelines and complete required CEUs to maintain RN licensure. Attend training and scheduled meetings to strengthen working knowledge of clinical policies, procedures, rules, and regulations. Cross-train to perform reviews of multiple claim types to ensure workforce flexibility and meet client needs. Recommend, test, and help implement process improvements, audit concepts, and technology enhancements that increase productivity, quality, and client satisfaction. What we're looking for Proficiency in computer and typing skills (e.g., Microsoft Windows, Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and internet browsers). Active, unrestricted RN license from the United States and in the state of primary home residency. An active compact multistate unrestricted RN license (as defined by the Nurse Licensure Compact – NLC) is required and will be verified during the post-offer background check. Minimum of 5 years clinical experience in an inpatient hospital setting. At least 2 years of utilization review or claims auditing experience. Experience using Milliman or InterQual criteria is required. Ability to work standard business hours, as this role involves regular interactions with internal teams and other departments. May occasionally require extended hours to meet business needs. What you should expect in this role This is a full-time job. Health benefits (medical, dental, vision) and paid time off begin on Day 1 of employment. Company-provided computer. Remote/work-from-home role; employees must be located within the continental U.S. Home workspace must be quiet, secure, free from distractions and recording devices. May require up to 10% travel, depending on business needs. #LI-AC1 #LI-REMOTE The pay range for this position is $65,000 - $75,000 per year, however, the base pay offered may vary depending on geographic region, internal equity, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. Put your passion to work at Gainwell. You’ll have the opportunity to grow your career in a company that values work flexibility, learning, and career development. All salaried, full-time candidates are eligible for our generous, flexible vacation policy, a 401(k) employer match, comprehensive health benefits , and educational assistance. We also have a variety of leadership and technical development academies to help build your skills and capabilities. We believe nothing is impossible when you bring together people who care deeply about making healthcare work better for everyone. Build your career with Gainwell, an industry leader. You’ll be joining a company where collaboration, innovation, and inclusion fuel our growth. Learn more about Gainwell at our company website and visit our Careers site for all available job role openings. Gainwell Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer, where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition), age, sexual orientation, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.