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Um Medical Director – Orthopedic Spine, Neurosurgery Or Spine Surgery – Remote

3+ years
$270,000 – $330,000
10 July 31, 2025
Job Description
Job Type: Full Time Education: B.Sc./M.Sc./B.Pharm/M.Pharm/Life science 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

UM Medical Director – Orthopedic Spine, Neurosurgery or Spine Surgery (Remote)
Location: Eden Prairie, Minnesota, USA (Remote Work Eligible)
Job Category: Medical & Clinical Operations
Requisition Number: 2301506
Estimated Salary: $270,000 – $330,000 per year (includes base pay + performance bonuses, depending on experience, licensure, and market)

About the Role:
Optum is seeking a Utilization Management (UM) Medical Director with specialization in Orthopedic Spine Surgery, Neurosurgery, or Spine Surgery. This remote-based role is responsible for clinical review, utilization management, and peer interactions to ensure appropriate care decisions based on evidence-based medicine and national guidelines. You will play a critical part in shaping high-quality, cost-effective healthcare across the musculoskeletal and spine care continuum.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Perform clinical coverage reviews and determinations based on plan benefits and established review criteria, with a focus on musculoskeletal and spine surgery cases.

  • Participate in peer-to-peer provider discussions to ensure alignment on clinical decisions.

  • Review and document decisions in compliance with CMS, NCQA, URAC, and internal accreditation standards.

  • Assist with team oversight, support clinical review operations, and coach review staff.

  • Provide clinical interpretation of benefit plans and policies.

  • Participate in call coverage rotations (including weekends/holidays) to provide expedited telephonic and computer-based decisions.

  • Engage in performance consistency reviews, training, and continuous professional development.

  • Collaborate with internal teams and external providers to ensure accurate, timely coverage and elevate provider understanding of medical policy.

Required Qualifications:

  • Current, active, and unrestricted U.S. medical license.

  • Board Certification in Orthopedic Surgery or Neurosurgery (ABMS recognized).

  • 5+ years of post-residency clinical experience, including spine surgery and musculoskeletal specialization.

  • Familiarity with evidence-based medicine (EBM) principles and utilization review standards.

  • Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Email).

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with comfort working via telephone and digital platforms.

  • Willingness to obtain additional state medical licenses as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Active license in South Carolina, Minnesota, or Texas (other state licenses also acceptable).

  • Managed care or health insurance Utilization Management (UM) experience.

  • Additional certifications or specialization relevant to spine or musculoskeletal care.

  • Familiarity with clinical/financial data integration and performance analytics.

  • Experience guiding providers and developing strategic clinical review processes.

Why Join Optum?
At Optum, part of UnitedHealth Group, you’ll be part of a global organization that is reshaping healthcare. Through technology, collaboration, and a commitment to equity, we strive to improve patient outcomes while offering flexible work environments, including fully remote opportunities. As a leader in clinical decision-making, your expertise will help reduce unnecessary procedures, improve quality of care, and drive operational excellence.