At UnitedHealthcare, we're simplifying the health care experience, creating healthier communities and removing barriers to quality care. The work you do here impacts the lives of millions of people for the better. Come build the health care system of tomorrow, making it more responsive, affordable and equitable. Ready to make a difference? Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.
The Principal Investigator is responsible for identification, investigation and prevention of healthcare fraud, waste, and abuse. The Principal Investigator will utilize claims data, applicable guidelines, and other sources of information to identify aberrant billing practices and patterns. The Principal Investigator is responsible for conducting investigations which may include fieldwork to perform interviews and obtain records and/or other relevant documentation.
You'll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely * from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges. For all hires in the Minneapolis or Washington, D.C. area, you will be required to work in the office for a minimum of four days per week.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Investigate highly complex cases of fraud, waste, and abuse (FWA)
- Demonstrated ability to think critically and analytically when evaluating complex healthcare data and documents
- Skilled in managing multiple cases with competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to organize and synthesize large volumes of information
- Assess complaints of alleged misconduct received within the Company
- Detect fraudulent activity by members, providers, employees, and other parties against the Company
- Develop and deploy the most effective and efficient investigative strategy for each investigation
- Maintain accurate, current, and thorough case information in the Special Investigations Unit's (SIU's) case tracking system
- Collect and secure documentation or evidence and prepare detailed and defensible summaries of the findings
- Participate in settlement negotiations and/or produce investigative materials in support of
- Collect, collate, analyze, and interpret data relating to FWA referrals
- Ensure compliance of applicable federal/state regulations or contractual obligations
- Report suspected FWA to appropriate federal or state government regulators
- Comply with goals, policies, procedures, and strategic plans as delegated by SIU leadership
- Collaborate with state/federal partners, at the discretion of leadership, to include attendance at workgroups or regulatory meetings
- Strong communication skills, to include written and verbal forms of communication
- Develop goals and objectives, track progress and adapt to changing priorities
You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear directions on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree
- 5+ years of experience working in a government, legal, healthcare, managed care and/or health insurance environment in a regulatory, privacy or compliance/investigative role
- Advanced level of knowledge in health care FWA
- Advanced level of knowledge in state or federal regulatory FWA requirements
- Advanced level of knowledge analyzing data to identify FWA trends
- Advanced level of proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word
- Ability to travel up to 25%
- Demonstrated ability to participate in legal proceedings, arbitration, and depositions at the direction of management
- Access to reliable transportation and valid US driver's license
Preferred Qualifications:
- Active affiliations:
- National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association (NHCAA)
- Accredited Health Care Fraud Investigator (AHFI)
- Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
- CPT & ICD Coding experience
- Specialized knowledge/training in healthcare FWA investigations
- Experience working with attorneys or government agencies
- Demonstrated intermediate level of knowledge in health care policies, procedures, and documentation standards
- Demonstrated intermediate level of skills in developing investigative strategies
*All Telecommuters will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter Policy.
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 $72,800 to $130,000 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Application Deadline: This will be posted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.
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.
UnitedHealth Group 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.
UnitedHealth Group is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.
#RPO #GREEN
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree
- 5+ years experience in government, legal, healthcare, managed care or health insurance in regulatory, privacy or compliance/investigative role
- Advanced knowledge of health care fraud, waste, and abuse (FWA)
- Advanced knowledge of state or federal regulatory FWA requirements
- Advanced ability to analyze data to identify FWA trends
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word
- Ability to travel up to 25%
- Demonstrated ability to participate in legal proceedings, arbitration, and depositions
- Access to reliable transportation and valid US driver's license
- Active affiliation with NHCAA
- Accredited Health Care Fraud Investigator (AHFI)
- Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
- CPT and ICD coding experience
- Specialized training/knowledge in healthcare FWA investigations
- Experience working with attorneys or government agencies
- Intermediate knowledge of healthcare policies, procedures, and documentation standards
- Intermediate skills in developing investigative strategies
Optum Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage offers copay and HSA medical options with dental, vision, company‑paid life and disability, and free or low‑cost virtual visits. Feedback suggests the offering is comprehensive and competitive on paper.
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Parental & Family Support — Time off and family supports include PTO, eight paid holidays plus a floating day, six weeks paid parental leave, up to two weeks paid caregiver leave, Bright Horizons back‑up care, and adoption assistance up to $10,000. Feedback suggests these resources are meaningful for caregivers and family needs.
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Retirement Support — Savings programs include a 401(k) with employer match (after one year, vesting after two) and a 10%‑discount Employee Stock Purchase Plan. These programs bolster long‑term financial security when combined with other savings resources.
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.