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Associate Director – Payment Integrity Operations

3-7 years years
Not Disclosed
10 Sept. 1, 2025
Job Description
Job Type: Full Time Education: Certified Coder (CPC, CIC, CIMC or equivalent) Skills: Causality Assessment, Clinical SAS Programming, Communication Skills, CPC Certified, GCP guidelines, ICD-10 CM Codes, CPT-Codes, HCPCS Codes, ICD-10 CM, CPT, HCPCS Coding, ICH guidelines, ICSR Case Processing, Interpersonal Skill, Labelling Assessment, MedDRA Coding, Medical Billing, Medical Coding, Medical Terminology, Narrative Writing, Research & Development, Technical Skill, Triage of ICSRs, WHO DD Coding

Job Title:

Associate Director – Payment Integrity Operations


Requisition Number:

2306625


Business Segment:

Optum (a part of UnitedHealth Group)


Job Category:

Business Operations


Job Location:

Primary: Eden Prairie, Minnesota, US
Remote: Yes – Open to telecommuters within the U.S.


Employment Type:

Full-Time, Regular


Work Schedule:

Day Job


Overtime Status:

Exempt


Telecommuter Position:

Yes
Remote workers must comply with UnitedHealth Group’s Telecommuter Policy.


Job Summary:

The Associate Director – Payment Integrity Operations will lead and manage the Correct Coding operations within OptumCare’s Payment Integrity group. This includes overseeing vendor operations, ensuring adherence to compliance standards, managing a team of business analysts and operational staff, driving coding accuracy, optimizing staffing and financial forecasting, and supporting savings and performance metrics across multiple business units.


Key Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership & Governance:

  • Provide end-to-end process ownership for coding and payment integrity outcomes

  • Lead a team responsible for correct coding services, including internal operations and vendor delivery

  • Ensure all operational metrics, gross savings, and incremental savings targets are met

Vendor Management:

  • Implement expert vendor management practices across multiple partners

  • Coordinate with vendors to improve performance, reduce abrasion, and increase savings

  • Oversee standardization of operational processes across internal and external vendors

Stakeholder Collaboration:

  • Partner with matrixed stakeholders: healthcare economics, claims, network management, compliance, finance, UHC, OGA, and medical directors

  • Communicate change and resolve escalations effectively

  • Support markets with budgeted savings, escalations, and program changes

Analytics, Reporting & Forecasting:

  • Monitor KPIs and operational dashboards

  • Deliver business reports related to savings, staff productivity, and provider appeal metrics

  • Align staffing needs with savings forecasts and volumes

  • Develop cost-benefit analysis for program or market expansions

Process Improvement & Strategy:

  • Drive strategy to increase automation and efficiency

  • Identify and implement process improvements to improve coding accuracy and reduce errors

  • Lead "shift-left" initiatives to reduce downstream adjustments and provider abrasion

Regulatory Compliance & Quality:

  • Ensure compliance with CMS, PPACA, DOI, DOL, and other regulatory bodies

  • Oversee QA functions related to claims investigations, prepayment/post-payment audits

  • Track provider abrasion, appeals, true positive rates, and drive improvements


Required Qualifications:

  • Certified Coder (CPC, CIC, CIMC or equivalent)

  • 7+ years in healthcare leadership roles

  • 7+ years experience in health plan or managed care business operations

  • 3+ years managing front-line operational staff

  • 3+ years collaborating with clinical staff (MDs)

  • 3+ years of budget and forecasting experience

  • 3+ years in developing/managing operational KPIs

  • 3+ years in Payment Integrity (prepayment or post-payment)

  • 2+ years client management experience

  • Strong experience navigating complex matrixed organizations


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt or Kaizen certification)

  • Experience in provider office or practice administration

  • Clinical credentials (LPN, LVN, RN)

  • Experience in fraud detection, payment policies, analytics, and provider contracts


Compensation:

  • Salary Range: $110,200 – $188,800 per year (based on experience, education, location, certifications, etc.)

  • Additional Benefits:

    • Incentive & recognition programs

    • 401(k) contribution

    • Equity stock purchase program

    • Comprehensive health & wellness benefits

    • Career development opportunities


Application Deadline:

This role will remain open for at least 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. It may close earlier based on application volume.


Work Authorization:

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.


Diversity & Inclusion Commitment:

UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to:

  • Race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.

UnitedHealth Group is also committed to:

  • Reducing health disparities

  • Environmental sustainability

  • Creating a diverse, inclusive workplace


Drug-Free Workplace:

UnitedHealth Group is a drug-free workplace. All candidates must pass a drug test before beginning employment.