Manager, Financial Clearance - Surgical Authorization Team

Location: Columbia, Missouri - Hybrid Remote
Shift: Monday - Friday, Days
Department: Financial Clearance
Salary Range: $68,266 - $111,426/year - final salary based on experience
ABOUT THE JOB
MU Health Care is seeking an inspiring Manager of Financial Clearance to lead our Surgical Authorization Team with operational finesse and a passion for metric-driven efficiency. The ideal candidate will be known for their meticulous attention to detail, exceptional communication skills, and a proven track record in denial avoidance and workflow management. We value a leader with extensive Revenue Cycle experience, particularly in Patient Access or Patient Accounting, who can not only monitor and report on key metrics but also proactively perform root cause analyses and collaborate seamlessly with legal and compliance departments. This role demands strong leadership and relationship-building skills, emphasizing active participation in employee engagement, succession planning, and career development. If you're ready to bring your personal attributes to drive operational excellence, collaborate with top-tier professionals, and make a lasting impact in healthcare, apply now to join MU Health Care's innovative team!
ABOUT MU HEALTH CARE
MU Health Care is a growing academic health system in mid-Missouri comprised of multiple hospitals - including the region's only Level 1 Trauma Center and region's only Children's Hospital - and over 50 specialty clinics located throughout the region.
As an MU Health Care employee, you'll be part of an exceptional team committed to our mission of saving and improving lives. Our core values of inclusion, respect, service, discovery, responsibility and excellence foster a collaborative work environment where you can grow your career.
Learn more about MU Health Care. Learn more about living in Columbia, MO.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

• Health, vision and dental insurance coverage starting day one
• Generous paid leave and paid time off, including nine holidays
• Multiple retirement options, including 100% matching up to 8% and full vesting in three years
• Tuition assistance for employees (75%) and immediate family members (50%)
• Discounts on cell phone plans, rental cars, gyms, hotels and more
• See a comprehensive list of benefits here .

JOB DUTIES
Monitor and report on key metrics, including but not limited to: insurance verification and pre certification/authorization Secure rates, FINANCIAL CLEARANCE days out (from booking date), no authorization denial trends, eligibility denial trends, as well as department productivity.
Proactively perform root cause analyses and develop action plans when metrics do not meet internal goals and/or industry best practices.
Complete monthly trending analyses and present to senior director.
Develop and monitor adherence to specific goals, performance standards, and policies & procedures for each area of responsibility.
Define, implement, and manage clear quality and productivity standards across all areas of responsibility.
Stay abreast of third-party payer and government guidelines as well as company policies and procedures to ensure compliance related to all areas of responsibility.
Proactively implement operational changes and provide timely staff education to maintain adherence.
Collaborate with legal and compliance departments on matters that impact access services.
Maintain deep understanding of key processes within Financial Clearance and Pre-certification.
Maintain detailed understanding of dashboard management; including system functionality, work flows, and reporting.
Collaborate with physician and hospital leadership to streamline processes that impact the authorization and referral or FINANCIAL CLEARANCE process.
Regularly round and seek feedback from stakeholders impacted by Financial Clearance Department.
Develop and implement strategies to improve employee engagement.
Actively participate with direct reports on employee engagement and in succession planning and developing career advancement.
Work with Human Resources (HR) to address staffing issues including open positions, FMLA leaves of absence and individual performance problems.
Attend JOC meetings, Hospital Denial/Revenue Meetings, Hospital Strategic Performance Improvement meetings.
Provides appropriate oversight of operations to ensure achievement of daily, weekly, and long term goals.
Provides appropriate coaching and feedback to ensure continuous improvement. May complete unit/department specific duties as outlined in department documents.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Advanced knowledge and expertise in Cerner, Athena/IDX, MS Office.
Attention to detail, and advanced writing and presentation skills for communicating across a variety of stakeholders.
Project and time management skills with a demonstrated ability to prioritize among projects, successfully complete tasks assigned, and meet deadlines.
Denial avoidance experience.
Work flow management experience.
Strong leadership and relationship-building skills.
Previous experience managing staff.
Extensive Revenue Cycle experience in a key revenue cycle area such as Patient Access or Patient AccountingBachelor's degree in management, health informatics, business, or accounting. or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities can be acquired.
Five (5) years of relevant work experience.
One (1) year of supervisory experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience related to SURGICAL AUTHORIZATIONs and/or coding
Additional license/certification requirements as determined by the hiring department.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met with or without reasonable accommodation. The performance of these physical demands is an essential function of the job. The employee may be required ambulate, remain in a stationary position and position self to reach and/or move objects above the shoulders and below the knees. The employee may be required to move objects up to 10 lbs.