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.

Reporting to the Director National RCM - East, the Associate Director of Accounts Receivable is responsible for overseeing and coordinating all denials management and claim follow-up activities with the goal of maximizing timely reimbursement in compliance with federal, state and payer-specific billing requirements. This position will oversee the policies, objectives, and initiatives of all backend accounts receivable functions.

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 a minimum of four days per week.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Oversee and support the daily operations of all Revenue Cycle functions for assigned CDOs, including denials management and update claims status
• Work closely with other departments to identify denial and billing-related root causes to continuously drive down denial rates and payer processing delays, including recommendations for system enhancements (rules, workflow, technology) to eliminate root causes
• Oversee the work schedule and direct changes in priorities and schedules as needed to ensure work is completed in an efficient and timely manner and to improve the department's performance and service.  Particular attention will be paid to avoiding and/or eliminating backlogs through efficient monitoring, deployment of resources and escalating needs without delay
• Direct the selection, supervision and evaluation of staff. Ensure performance evaluations are conducted in a timely manner according to UHG policy and initiate disciplinary actions as warranted. Resolve grievances and other sensitive personnel matters
• Implement quality and productivity tracking across all functions with emphasis on continuous improvement
• Sets clear and achievable goals and expectations for each team and directly supports the overall business objectives
• Establish and maintain departmental policies and procedures with emphasis on how work will be tracked and measured
• Ensure clear and effective communication across the organization through a clear meeting cadence (daily, weekly, monthly) that cascades to every staff member
• Assist with the development of budgets and goals as required
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, standards, and directives from regulatory agencies and third-party payers
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators
• Monitor A/R proactively to maximize timely reimbursement and anticipate and avoid disruptions to cash flow
• Work with local leadership in expansion of service offerings as needed
• Work with other departments to standardize processes related to RCM improvement and reduction of denials

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:

• Project Management or Consulting Experience
• Thorough knowledge of billing processes within multi-specialty medical groups and standards related to billing, collections, and cash posting
• General knowledge of patient registration, finance, and data processing
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements related to patient accounting with a solid understanding of Medicare, Medicaid and managed care processes
• Intermediate proficiency with Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Visio, Project, and EPIC
• Proven ability to work and communicate effectively with a diverse group of people including other department managers, staff, physicians, patients, and the public
• Proven ability to read, analyze and interpret financial reports, contracts, and other legal documents
• Proven outstanding ability to work independently to achieve results
• Proven solid analytical and problem-solving skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certifications: Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP), Certified Medical Manager (CMM), Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE)
• Medical operations experience 
• Business Development/Acquisition Experience 
• Data Analysis and Analytic Experience
• Dashboard / Reporting Development

Soft Skills Required:

• Ability to take direction from senior leadership but also be able to work independently with follow-through and handle multiple tasks simultaneously
• Knowledge of computer systems, including use of spreadsheets and database programs
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to educate and train all levels of professional staff
• Ability to be proactive, self-directing, and take initiative
• Strong problem-solving ability, critical thinking, and analytical skills 
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure 
• Ability to set priorities and use good judgment 
• Ability to set and maintain priorities when dealing with multiple demands and interruptions.
• Dedication to the development of others and willingness to coach and mentor people as necessary to promote their personal and professional growth
   

*All employees working remotely 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 $110,200 to $188,800 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

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.