Denials Optimization Associate

athenahealth; Belfast (ME); On-site; USD 50,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Commuter support

Employee assistance programs

Tuition assistance

Employee resource groups

Collaborative workspaces

Dogs allowed

Job summary

athenahealth is seeking a Denials Optimization Associate to join the Denials Optimization & Process Efficiencies team. You will analyze denial performance, identify root causes, and design targeted interventions to reduce manual effort and improve key KPIs.

You will lead end‑to‑end optimization initiatives, collaborate across Operations, BI, R&D, Commercial, and Training teams, and translate insights into actionable improvements with measurable outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
• 3+ years of experience in denial management, revenue cycle operations, or a related operational role.
• Demonstrated success driving process optimization and reducing manual effort.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
• Experience leading projects independently with measurable outcomes.
• Working knowledge of project management concepts.
• SQL or advanced data‑querying experience.

Responsibilities

• Analyze denial performance data, workflows, and monitor outputs to identify trends, bottlenecks, and root causes impacting key KPIs.

Skills

SQL

Data analysis

Process optimization

Stakeholder management

Project leadership

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience

Job description

Join us as we work to create a thriving ecosystem that delivers accessible, high-quality, and sustainable healthcare for all.

Denials Optimization Associate

We are looking for a Denials Optimization Associate to join the Denials Optimization & Process Efficiencies team. In this role, the Denials Optimization Associate will play a critical role in improving revenue cycle performance by using data and analytics to identify denial trends, uncover root causes, and execute targeted process improvements that reduce manual effort and improve key operational KPIs. This role blends analytical problem‑solving, workflow optimization, and cross‑functional collaboration to turn insights into measurable performance gains. The Associate leads focused initiatives that drive sustained reductions in manual touches, denial rates, and rework while improving operational scalability.

The Team

The Denials Optimization & Process Efficiencies team is responsible for reducing operational friction, lowering cost per claim, and improving denial outcomes across the revenue cycle. The team partners closely with Operations, Business Intelligence, Training, Quality, and Technology teams to identify automation opportunities and standardize best‑in‑class workflows. Using data‑driven insights and pilot‑led experimentation, the team delivers scalable solutions that reduce manual workload and improve efficiency across payer and client programs.

Job Responsibilities

• Analyze denial performance data, workflows, and monitor outputs to identify trends, bottlenecks, and root causes impacting key KPIs.
• Translate insights into action by designing and executing targeted intervention strategies that measurably improve operational performance and reduce manual effort.
• Lead end‑to‑end optimization initiatives, including problem definition, data analysis, solution design, execution, and post‑implementation performance tracking.
• Develop success metrics and monitor KPI performance to validate impact, identify risks, and sustain improvements over time.
• Partner cross‑functionally with Operations, BI, R&D, Commercial, and Training teams to implement workflow changes, automation opportunities, and monitoring enhancements.
• Communicate findings and outcomes to leadership and stakeholders through clear, data‑driven storytelling and performance reporting.

Typical Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience
• 3+ years of experience in denial management, revenue cycle operations, or a related operational role
• Demonstrated success driving process optimization and reducing manual effort
• Strong stakeholder engagement and cross‑functional collaboration skills
• Experience leading projects independently with measurable outcomes
• Working knowledge of project management concepts
• SQL or advanced data‑querying experience

Expected Compensation

$50,000 - $86,000

The base salary range shown reflects the full range for this role from minimum to maximum. At athenahealth, base pay depends on multiple factors, including job‑related experience, relevant knowledge and skills, how your qualifications compare to others in similar roles, and geographical market rates. Base pay is only one part of our competitive Total Rewards package - depending on role eligibility, we offer both short and long‑term incentives by way of an annual discretionary bonus plan, variable compensation plan, and equity plans.

About Athenahealth

In an industry that becomes more complex by the day, we stand for simplicity. We offer IT solutions and expert services that eliminate the daily hurdles preventing healthcare providers from focusing entirely on their patients — powered by our vision to create a thriving ecosystem that delivers accessible, high‑quality, and sustainable healthcare for all.

Our company culture

Our talented employees — or athenistas, as we call ourselves — spark the innovation and passion needed to accomplish our vision. We are a diverse group of dreamers and do‑ers with unique knowledge, expertise, backgrounds, and perspectives. We unite as mission‑driven problem‑solvers with a deep desire to achieve our vision and make our time here count. Our award‑winning culture is built around shared values of inclusiveness, accountability, and support.

Our DEI commitment

Our vision of accessible, high‑quality, and sustainable healthcare for all requires addressing the inequities that stand in the way. That's one reason we prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion in every aspect of our business, from attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce to maintaining an inclusive environment for athenistas, our partners, customers and the communities where we work and serve.

What We Can Do For You

• Health and financial benefits
• Commuter support
• Employee assistance programs
• Tuition assistance
• Employee resource groups
• Collaborative workspaces
• Some offices even welcome dogs

We also encourage a better work‑life balance for athenistas with our flexibility. While we know in‑office collaboration is critical to our vision, we recognize that not all work needs to be done within an office environment, full‑time. With consistent communication and digital collaboration tools, athenahealth enables employees to find a balance that feels fulfilling and productive for each individual situation.

In addition to our traditional benefits and perks, we sponsor events throughout the year, including book clubs, external speakers, and hackathons. We provide athenistas with a company culture based on learning, the support of an engaged team, and an inclusive environment where all employees are valued.

Learn more about our culture and benefits here: athenahealth.com/careers

https://www.athenahealth.com/careers/equal-opportunity