Medical Director, Orthopedic Surgery (Remote)
Listed compensation
$249k-$373k
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
Ask the employer about call expectations, weekend coverage, nights and shift pattern and time off.
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
- Participation 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)
Provide Clinical support for staff that conduct initial reviews
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
- MD or DO with a current, active, and fully unrestricted medical license
- Current board certification through the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) in Orthopedic Surgery
- 5+ years of clinical experience 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
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 $248,500 - $373,000 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.
Key Responsibilities
The Medical Director provides leadership and oversight for the claims review program, ensuring the quality and effectiveness of medical services. They are responsible for conducting surgical claim reviews, participating in provider appeals, and serving as a clinical liaison.
Requirements
Candidates must hold an MD or DO degree with an active, unrestricted medical license and board certification in Orthopedic Surgery. A minimum of 5 years of clinical experience post-residency is required.
Qualifications
- Education
- Doctoral or professional degree (postgraduate degree)
- Experience
- 5+ years of experience
Key Skills
Work-Life Balance Analysis
WeekdayDoc's proprietary algorithm rates Medical Director, Orthopedic Surgery (Remote) at UnitedHealth Group a 6.1 out of 10 for work-life balance — classified as good. This places the position in the top 25% in Orthopedic Surgery — ranked against 363 active Orthopedic Surgery listings on WeekdayDoc. Contributing factors include remote work flexibility.
Orthopedic Surgery — Physician Career Context
UnitedHealth Group holds silver-tier status on WeekdayDoc's Top Employers work-life index, composite score 75/100, 1,417 active listings.
Nationally, Orthopedic Surgery professionals earn a median annual salary of approximately $510k, with the typical range spanning $380k to $700k depending on experience, location, and practice setting.
Location & Logistics
Florida has no state income tax, which can significantly increase take-home pay compared to high-tax states. At the posted ~$311k midpoint, that is roughly $12k–$22k a year versus a typical 4–7% state rate.
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