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Optum Medical Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$249 - $373/hr

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people ... The Medical Director will participate in all aspects of claim review services including provider ...

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Optum Medical Director information

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$13K

$232.4K

$357K

How much do optum medical director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for optum medical director in the United States is $232,369.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $198,000.00 and $284,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Optum Medical Director do?

An Optum Medical Director is a physician leader responsible for overseeing clinical programs, ensuring quality care, and providing medical expertise within Optum, a health services and innovation company. Their duties often include reviewing cases for medical necessity, supporting utilization management, and collaborating with healthcare providers to improve patient outcomes. They may also participate in policy development, clinical guideline implementation, and training initiatives to align with Optum's standards and goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optum Medical Director?

To thrive as an Optum Medical Director, you need a medical degree (MD or DO), board certification in a relevant specialty, and substantial clinical experience. Familiarity with healthcare management systems, utilization review tools, and knowledge of regulatory compliance (such as NCQA or CMS guidelines) are typically required. Leadership, strategic thinking, and strong communication skills are vital for driving clinical excellence and collaborating across teams. These competencies ensure effective oversight of clinical programs, improved patient outcomes, and alignment with organizational goals in a complex healthcare environment.

What are the typical collaboration opportunities for an Optum Medical Director within cross-functional teams?

As an Optum Medical Director, you will frequently collaborate with a wide range of professionals, including clinical teams, data analysts, quality improvement specialists, and administrative staff. Your role often involves working closely with these groups to develop care management strategies, review clinical protocols, and improve patient outcomes. Effective communication and the ability to bridge clinical and operational objectives are key to successfully leading initiatives and ensuring alignment across departments. This collaborative environment not only enhances your leadership skills but also provides valuable exposure to various facets of healthcare management.

What is the difference between Optum Medical Director vs Optum Medical Physician?

AspectOptum Medical DirectorOptum Medical Physician
Required CredentialsMedical degree, medical license, leadership experienceMedical degree, medical license, clinical experience
Work EnvironmentAdministrative, leadership, strategic planningClinical, patient care, direct medical services
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare management, insurance, health servicesHospitals, clinics, outpatient facilities
Common Search & ComparisonLeadership roles in healthcare organizationsClinical roles providing direct patient care

The Optum Medical Director typically focuses on administrative leadership, strategic planning, and overseeing healthcare operations, requiring both medical credentials and leadership experience. In contrast, the Optum Medical Physician primarily provides direct patient care in clinical settings. Both roles are integral to healthcare delivery but differ in responsibilities and work environment.

More about Optum Medical Director jobs

What cities are hiring for Optum Medical Director jobs?

Cities with the most Optum Medical Director job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Optum Medical jobs?

The most popular types of Optum Medical jobs are:

What states have the most Optum Medical Director jobs?

States with the most job openings for Optum Medical Director jobs include:

Infographic showing various Optum Medical Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $232,369 per year, or $111.7 per hour.

Medical Director - Spine and Brain Surgery - Remote

Texas Health Institute

Minneapolis, MN โ€ข On-site

$249 - $373/hr

Other

Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

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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.

Youโ€™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

Youโ€™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:

  • Current, active, and fully unrestricted medical license
  • Current board certification in Neurological Surgery through the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA)
  • 5+ years of clinical experience with brain and spine surgeries 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

Compensation for this specialty generally ranges from $248,500.00 to $373,000.00. Total cash compensation includes base pay and bonus and is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience and may increase over time based on productivity and performance in the role. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable. 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, youโ€™ll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives.

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 everyoneโ€‘of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and incomeโ€‘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.

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