Optum Insight 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 to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.
The Healthcare Advocate serves as a strategic partner to physicians, medical groups, IPAs, and hospitals, supporting accurate documentation and coding practices to ensure a complete and accurate health picture of members across government and regulated lines of business, including Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and ACA. This role focuses on improving quality of care, closing gaps in care, and driving performance in Risk Adjustment and Quality programs through education, collaboration, and data-driven strategies.
This is a field-based position based in Houston, TX.
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 statusTravel 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 membersGaining participation and deployment of Prospective Programs achieving business goals and metricsUtilize data analysis to identify and target providers who would benefit from coding, documentation, and quality training resourcesEstablish positive, long-term, consultative relationships with physicians, medical groups, IPAs and HospitalsDevelop and implement comprehensive, provider-specific plans to improve RAF performance, coding specificity, and gap closureManage end-to-end Risk Adjustment and Quality programs, including In-Office Assessment initiativesConsult with provider groups on documentation and coding gaps; provide actionable feedback to improve compliance with CMS standardsOffer guidance on EMR/EHR system issues impacting documentation and coding accuracyCollaborate with multidisciplinary teams to implement prospective programs as directed by leadershipEducate providers on Medicare quality programs and CMS-HCC Risk Adjustment methodology, emphasizing the importance of accurate chart documentation for proper reimbursementSupport providers in ensuring documentation aligns with ICD-10 and CPT II coding guidelines and national standardsDeliver ICD-10 HCC coding training and develop tools for providers and office staffProvide measurable, actionable solutions to improve documentation and coding accuracyPartner with physicians, coders, and facility staff on Risk Adjustment and Quality education effortsAssist 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 provide development for other roles you may be interested in.
Required Qualifications:
2+ years of healthcare experience with solid knowledge of medical terminology and clinical issues2+ years of experience in Risk Adjustment, HEDIS/Stars, and gap closure initiatives1+ years of experience with EMR systemsExperience in a physician office, clinic, hospital, or similar medical settingProficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) with ability to manipulate data, create documents, and deliver presentationsProven solid communication skills with ability to engage multiple stakeholders and collaborate across teamsProven self-driven, goal-oriented, and able to work independently while prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlinesProven ability and willingness to travel up to 80% within Houston and surrounding area; reliable personal transportation Live in Houston, TX or surrounding area
Preferred Qualifications:
Certified Professional Coder (CPC/CPC-A) or equivalent certificationCRC certification2+ years of clinic/hospital or managed care experience2+ years coding experienceProject management experienceExperience in provider network management, physician contracting, healthcare consulting, Medicare Advantage sales, or pharmaceutical salesTerritory management experienceKnowledge of billing, claims submission, and coding softwareNursing background (LPN, RN, NP)Advanced proficiency in MS Excel (pivot tables, advanced functions)
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 to $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 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.
