Healthcare Advocate - Field Position

Optum; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 73,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Optum is seeking a Healthcare Advocate to support provider relations and risk adjustment programs across a defined territory. You will drive documentation accuracy, coding quality, and program implementation with physicians, hospitals, and IPAs.

Travel approximately 75% within the Fairfax VA region, collaborating with care teams and leveraging AI tools to enhance productivity and quality. Strong MS Office and coding knowledge are required.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of healthcare experience with strong knowledge of medical terminology and clinical issues.

Responsibilities

• Act as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to providers and medical groups, assisting in accurate documentation and coding to reflect members' true health status

Skills

Healthcare experience

EMR systems familiarity

Data analysis & reporting

Communication & stakeholder management

Travel readiness

Education

Certified Professional Coder (CPC/CPC-A) or equivalent

CRC certification

Nursing background (LPN, RN, NP)

Tools

MS Excel

Billing/coding software

Coding software

Job description

OptumInsight is improving the flow of health data and information to create a more connected system. We remove friction and drive alignment between care providers and payers, and ultimately consumers. Our deep expertise in the industry and innovative technology empower us to help organizations reduce costs while improving risk management, quality and revenue growth.

Ready to help us deliver results that improve lives? Join us in making healthcare work better for everyone through people-led, responsible AI while Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

The Healthcare Advocate is responsible for a range of provider relations services within Optum. The Healthcare Advocate will work as an extension of the local Provider Performance Team by aligning to geographical regions, medical centers and/or physician practices that manage a high volume of membership. The Healthcare Advocate, under the supervision of a Director/ Manager and or Mentor is responsible for the successful program implementation, compliance with network requirements, network assessment and selection, and program/product implementation.

Primary Responsibilities

• Act as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to providers and medical groups, assisting in accurate documentation and coding to reflect members' true health status
• Travel independently across the assigned territory (approximately 80% field-based, with occasional overnight travel) to engage providers in Optum tools and programs that enhance quality of care for Medicare Advantage members
• Responsible for gaining participation and deployment of Prospective Programs achieving business goals and metrics
• Utilize data analysis to identify and target providers who would benefit from coding, documentation, and quality training resources
• Establish positive, long-term, consultative relationships with physicians, medical groups, IPAs and Hospitals
• Develop and implement comprehensive, provider-specific plans to improve RAF performance, coding specificity, and gap closure
• Manage end-to-end Risk Adjustment and Quality programs, including In-Office Assessment initiatives
• Consult with provider groups on documentation and coding gaps; provide actionable feedback to improve compliance with CMS standards
• Offer guidance on EMR/EHR system issues impacting documentation and coding accuracy
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to implement prospective programs as directed by leadership
• Educate providers on Medicare quality programs and CMS-HCC Risk Adjustment methodology, emphasizing the importance of accurate chart documentation for proper reimbursement
• Support providers in ensuring documentation aligns with ICD-10 and CPT II coding guidelines and national standards
• Deliver ICD-10 HCC coding training and develop tools for providers and office staff
• Provide measurable, actionable solutions to improve documentation and coding accuracy
• Partner with physicians, coders, and facility staff on Risk Adjustment and Quality education efforts
• Assist in chart collection and analysis as needed

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 provided development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years of healthcare experience with strong knowledge of medical terminology and clinical issues
• 1+ years of experience with EMR systems
• Demonstrated knowledge of ICD-10, HEDIS, and Stars programs
• Demonstrated ability to identify automation opportunities and leverage AI to improve productivity and quality
• Demonstrated experience using MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) with ability to manipulate data, create documents, and deliver presentations
• Demonstrated ability to communicate, engage, and develop relationships across diverse audiences and collaborating teams (i.e., providers and internal stakeholders)
• Must be able/willing to travel approximately 75% of the time in the assigned territory (Fairfax VA Regional Area) as business needs dictate
• Must live within the Fairfax VA Regional Area to perform daily travel requirements
• Must have reliable personal transportation to perform daily travel requirements
• Must have proof of valid Driver's License and current auto insurance

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Professional Coder (CPC/CPC-A) or equivalent certification
• CRC certification
• Nursing background (LPN, RN, NP)
• 2+ years of managed care experience
• Experience in a physician office, clinic, hospital, or similar medical setting
• Experience in Risk Adjustment, HEDIS/Stars, and gap closure initiatives
• Advanced proficiency in MS Excel (pivot tables, advanced functions)
• Demonstrated knowledge of billing, claims submission, and coding software
• Project management experience
• Previous experience in provider network management, physician contracting, healthcare consulting, Medicare Advantage sales, or pharmaceutical sales
• Territory management experience

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 - $130,000 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 help make the health system work better for everyone. Together, we are shaping the future of healthcare by harnessing technology and innovation to make care simpler to navigate, more affordable and more connected for the people we serve. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcomed, valued, heard and respected, empowering people to bring their authentic selves to work and strengthening our collective impact through diverse talents, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

UnitedHealth Group and its affiliated brands are 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 and its affiliated brands are a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.