Medical Director, Utilization Management

Bickham Services Unlimited LLC; United States; Remote; USD 165,000 - 331,000; Part time

Job summary

Bickham Services Unlimited, LLC is seeking a Medical Director, Utilization Management to lead clinical utilization reviews and medical necessity determinations for inpatient and post-acute care. The role focuses on inpatient reviews, SNF/IRF/LTACH/home health, and ensuring compliance with CMS regulations and policies.

Responsibilities include coordinating with utilization and care management teams, applying MCG/InterQual and payer policies, and participating in peer-to-peer discussions with

Qualifications

• Active, unrestricted M.D. or D.O. license in good standing.
• Current board certification in an appropriate medical specialty.
• At least 5 years of clinical experience, including 3+ years in utilization management or medical leadership.

Responsibilities

• Conduct timely utilization reviews and medical necessity determinations for inpatient admissions and continued stays.
• Review post-acute care services, including SNF, IRF, LTACH, and home health.
• Evaluate appropriateness of services using MCG, InterQual, CMS criteria, and policies.
• Collaborate with UM and care management teams to support cost-effective care.
• Participate in peer-to-peer discussions with treating physicians.
• Ensure reviews are documented per CMS, NCQA, and state/federal requirements.

Skills

Utilization management

Medical leadership

Peer-to-peer discussions

Education

MD/DO license

Board certification

Tools

MCG

InterQual

CMS criteria

Job description

Medical Director, Utilization Management

Location: New Jersey – Fully Remote

Work Arrangement: Remote

Job Type: Contract

Contract Length: 6–9 months, with potential for extension

Schedule: Standard business hours; schedule to be determined with the client

Start Date: Immediate / ASAP

Department: Healthcare – Utilization Management (Clinical)

Reports To: Chief Medical Officer

Openings: 1 Pay: Hourly, DOE

About the Position

Bickham Services Unlimited, LLC is seeking a Medical Director, Utilization Management to support a healthcare utilization management program serving Commercial and Medicare Advantage members. The Medical Director will lead and support clinical utilization management activities, with a primary focus on inpatient and post-acute care reviews. This position is responsible for ensuring timely, consistent, and appropriate medical necessity determinations based on member benefit plans, medical policies, clinical criteria, CMS regulations, and evidence-based practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct timely utilization reviews and medical necessity determinations for inpatient admissions and continued stays.
• Review post-acute care services, including SNF, IRF, LTACH, and home health.
• Evaluate the appropriateness of acute and post-acute services using MCG, InterQual, CMS criteria, commercial medical policies, and member benefit plans.
• Apply applicable regulatory and coverage standards based on the member's line of business.
• Serve as a physician reviewer for escalated, complex, or potentially adverse utilization management cases.
• Participate in peer-to-peer discussions with treating and attending physicians.
• Collaborate with utilization management and care management teams to support consistent and cost-effective care.
• Identify utilization trends and support initiatives designed to reduce avoidable admissions and readmissions.
• Provide clinical input regarding medical policies, clinical guidelines, and utilization management protocols.
• Support regulatory compliance, audit readiness, accreditation, and delegated oversight activities.
• Contribute to quality improvement initiatives involving utilization patterns, readmissions, and care transitions.
• Ensure reviews and determinations are appropriately documented in accordance with CMS, NCQA, and applicable state and federal requirements.
• Participate in utilization management committee meetings and represent the health plan externally when needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Active, unrestricted M.D. or D.O. license in good standing.
• Current board certification in an appropriate medical specialty.
• At least 5 years of clinical experience, including at least 3 years of experience in utilization management, physician review, or medical leadership within a managed care or health plan environment.
• Physician-level utilization management experience supporting Commercial and/or Medicare Advantage populations.
• Strong experience with inpatient and post-acute care reviews and medical necessity determinations.
• Knowledge of commercial benefits, coverage requirements, and medical policies.
• Knowledge of Medicare Advantage and CMS coverage criteria.
• Experience applying MCG and/or InterQual guidelines.
• Experience conducting peer-to-peer discussions and communicating complex or adverse determinations.
• Candidate must reside in or hold applicable licensure for New Jersey.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree such as MPH, MBA, or MHA.
• ABQAURP certification.
• Experience with quality improvement, regulatory compliance, accreditation, or delegated oversight.

Salary: DOE