Spine & Brain Surgery Medical Director

Optum; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 249,000 - 373,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Incentive and recognition programs

Equity stock purchase

401(k) contribution

Telecommuter policy

Job summary

Optum is seeking a Medical Director to provide leadership for the Focus Claims Review program. You will oversee the medical review of claims, engage in provider discussions, and guide policy development to support compliant clinical criteria.

This role offers remote work from anywhere in the U.S. and requires board certification in Neurological Surgery with 5+ years of brain and spine surgery experience. Strong communication and regulatory knowledge are essential.

Qualifications

• Active, unrestricted medical license in the US.
• Board certification in Neurological Surgery (ABMS or AOA).
• 5+ years of clinical brain and spine surgery experience post residency.
• Proficient with MS Office tools.

Responsibilities

• Oversee medical claim review program quality and coordination.
• Lead provider discussions and appeals related to medical claims.
• Assist in policy/procedure development and clinical criteria.
• Serve as liaison among Optum, physicians, and other providers.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and payer requirements.
• Supports compliance with CMS, NCQA, URAC, and payer requirements.

Skills

Medical license

Neurosurgery experience

Clinical reasoning

Education

Board certification in Neurological Surgery (ABMS/AOA)

Tools

MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

Optum 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.

As part of the Focus Claims Review team at Optum, the Medical Director provides leadership, organization, and direction for the claims review program. They are responsible for the overall quality, effectiveness and coordination of the medical services provided through Optum. The Medical Director will participate in all aspects of claim review services including provider telephonic discussions and provider appeals. In addition, the Medical Director may also be asked to assist in the direction and oversight in the development and implementation of policies and procedures and clinical criteria for all medical programs and services. The Medical Director will serve as a liaison between Optum, physicians, and other medical service providers in selected situations primarily related to medical claim reviews.

You'll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely * from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Reviews surgical and other professional claims for correct coding using clinical record
• articipation in Training regarding URAC, NCQA, Regulatory Compliance, Confidentiality, Conflict of Interest, HIPAA, and department specific training as applicable
• Discusses cases and clinical coding situations with treating providers telephonically during scheduled hours
• Participates in periodic clinical conferences / calls and in ongoing internal performance consistency reviews
• Composes, if needed, patient situation specific, clinical summaries and rationales for medical necessity decisions
• Supports compliance with regulatory agency standards and requirements (e.g., CMS, NCQA, URAC, state / federal and third-party payers)

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:

• Current, active, and fully unrestricted medical license
• Current board certification in Neurological Surgery through the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA)
• 5+ years of clinical experience with brain and spine surgeries post residency
• MS Office (MS Word, Excel, and Power Point)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working for a managed care organization
• Experience with professional claim coding / claim coding reviews
• Knowledge of claim coding resources and techniques
• Proficient computer skills and ability to learn to use clinical and claims software
• Proven excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work over the telephone with other colleagues including physicians, nurses, PTs, OTs and other similar personnel

*All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter Policy

Compensation for this specialty generally ranges from $248,500.00 to $373,000.00. Total cash compensation includes base pay and bonus and is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience and may increase over time based on productivity and performance in the role. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable. 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.

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.