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The SMA Medical Director provides leadership for the acute management processes ensuring appropriate decisions are made that are in alignment with performance metrics for the on the management of its patient populations . The Medical Director will also act as a liaison with the SMA Hospitalists and PCPs as well as the network Hospitalist groups by providing education regarding medical management processes and operating procedures including; Milliman guidelines, Observation process, medical management principles, grand rounds, coordinating the patient transition to post acute stytem and will work closely with SMA Primary care and specialist. Will intervene and engage in conflict resolution between the Hospitalists and PCPs. Will educate and interact with clinical and case management staff regarding utilization practices and effective resource management. Provide medical decisions for prior authorization as required for inpatient, post acute and outpatient requests.
Position in this function manage the clinical review of long stay cases in acute setting with case management team and attending providers. Recommend services within the organization for discharge planning including assistance with home care, palliative, LTAC, SNF for bridges towards wellness. Shorten OBS cases with services to support discharge as well as prevention for readmission.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Provide guidance and direction to physicians and nurses regarding all aspects of medical care and multi-levels transitions of care
- Oversee TOC processes to ensure reduction in readmission
- Analyze data to identify trends and opportunities towards success measures of the command center
- Support overall regional and corporate goals to ensure continued growth, safety of the members and profitability
- Participate in strategic development and implementation of best practices for the command center
- Educate physicians and nurses on resources and intercede when company resources are not performing towards their operation expectations
- Establish relationships with employed and network hospitalist groups to promote the goals of the command center
- Participate and guide clinical care towards Optum protocols
- Report, collaborate and implement plans as directed with the Sr. Medical Director
You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.
Required Qualifications:
- MD/DO Board Certified in a post graduate clinical specialty
- MD/DO Licensed State of NV (or ability to obtain)
- 5+ years related professional experience in managed care environment
- 4+ years of related supervisory/management experience
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in Hospital setting
- Knowledge of Medicare coverage criteria
- Demonstrated excellent medical management, leadership skills and excellent communication skills
- Proven good skills in making presentations and teaching
- Proven solid organizational and prioritization skills
- Proven ability to make medical necessity decisions based on Medicare coverage criteria
- Proven to integrate guidelines/tools to negotiate most effective plan of care
- Proven to formulate plans that incorporate the health plan benefits, community services, and patient self-direction
Working Conditions:
- Work in office and in acute hospital and/or sub-acute to develop relationships with the hospital attending physicians and hospital administrative staff
- Driving up to one hour per day
Competencies for High Performers:
- Participation in departmental projects assigned by Sr. Medical Director
- Metric measures of success: Admission/K, Readmissions/K and Observation rate discharge, LOS Observation Rate. Observation rate of engagement with high-risk patients, improved readmission rate of high-risk patients (10 days) and engagement of PCP HFU rate
Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The salary for this role will range from $248,500 - $373,000 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable."
At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone-of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income-deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes - an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.
OptumCare is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.
OptumCare is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.
Skills Required
- MD or DO Board Certified in a post graduate clinical specialty
- MD or DO licensed in the State of Nevada or ability to obtain
- 5+ years related professional experience in a managed care environment
- 4+ years related supervisory or management experience
- Pass pre-employment drug test
- Experience in hospital setting
- Knowledge of Medicare coverage criteria
- Demonstrated medical management, leadership, and communication skills
- Presentation and teaching experience
- Organizational and prioritization skills
- Ability to make medical necessity decisions based on Medicare coverage criteria
- Experience integrating guidelines/tools to negotiate effective plans of care
- Ability to formulate plans incorporating health plan benefits, community services, and patient self-direction
Optum Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — PTO accrues each pay period with eight paid U.S. holidays plus a floating holiday, and generous time away is consistently emphasized. This breadth supports planned and unplanned time off beyond standard vacation days.
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Parental & Family Support — Six weeks of paid parental leave, up to two weeks of paid caregiver leave, Bright Horizons back‑up care, and adoption assistance signal strong family-oriented support. EAP access with counseling sessions further extends help to employees and their households.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Company‑paid short‑ and long‑term disability, Calm app membership, tuition reimbursement, commuter and FSA accounts, and broad employee discounts expand everyday wellbeing resources. Free or low‑cost virtual visits complement these lifestyle supports.
Optum Insights
What We Do
Optum, part of the UnitedHealth Group family of businesses, is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health optimization on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together. At Optum, we support your well-being with an understanding team, extensive benefits and rewarding opportunities. By joining us, you’ll have the resources to drive system transformation while we help you take care of your future. We recognize the power of connection to drive change, improve efficiency and make a difference in health care. Join a team where your skills and ideas can make an impact and where collaboration is key to creating technology that produces healthier outcomes.
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Optum Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
Optum has three workplace models that balance the needs of the business and the responsibilities of each role. These models, core on‑site (5 days/week), hybrid (4 days/week) and telecommute or fully remote, vary by country, role and location.