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Optum Um Medical Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$249 - $373/hr

The Medical Director for Utilization Management will support WellMed Medical Management, Inc. by ... Assists in development and maintaining an efficient UM program to meet the needs of the health plan ...

New

The Associate Medical Director (AMD) will assist the Medical Director in the efforts to develop strategic corporate direction / focus for UM programs. The AMD will support the SVP, Healthcare ...

$115 - $155/hr

The Associate Medical Director (AMD) will assist the Medical Director in the efforts to develop strategic corporate direction / focus for UM programs. The AMD will support the SVP, Healthcare ...

Physician Advisor Medical Director

Torrance, CA ยท On-site

$156.25 - $182.69/hr

Physician Advisor / Utilization Management (UM) Medical Director Location: Torrance, CA Schedule: Monday-Friday | 8:00 AM-5:00 PM Work Setting: 100% On-Site Travel: None Employment Type: Full-Time (0 ...

Medical Director

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$192.86 - $199.75/hr

Medical Director - Surgery, Orthopedics & PM&RRole Summary Are you an accomplished physician leader ... Strong experience in Utilization Management (UM), Medical Necessity Reviews, Appeals Reviews, and ...

Showing results 21-40

Optum Um Medical Director information

See salary details

$13K

$232.4K

$357K

How much do optum um medical director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for optum um 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 UM Medical Director do?

An Optum UM (Utilization Management) Medical Director is a physician who reviews clinical cases to ensure that medical services provided to patients are medically necessary and align with evidence-based guidelines. They work with healthcare providers, insurance plans, and internal teams to support appropriate care decisions and help manage healthcare costs. The UM Medical Director also participates in policy development, quality improvement initiatives, and provides clinical guidance within the organization.

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

To thrive as an Optum UM Medical Director, you generally need an active medical license, board certification in a relevant specialty, and extensive clinical experience. Familiarity with utilization management tools, medical necessity review systems, and knowledge of regulatory guidelines such as NCQA and CMS are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and leadership skills help navigate complex case reviews and collaborate with cross-functional teams. These competencies are essential to ensure evidence-based, cost-effective care decisions that meet quality standards and regulatory compliance.

What are some typical challenges faced by an Optum UM Medical Director, and how can candidates prepare for them?

Optum UM Medical Directors often face the challenge of balancing clinical judgment with organizational policies and regulatory requirements. They regularly review complex cases, requiring strong analytical skills and the ability to communicate decisions clearly to both clinical teams and non-clinical staff. Candidates can prepare by staying updated on current utilization management guidelines, practicing evidence-based medicine, and developing skills in conflict resolution and effective communication to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams.

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

AspectOptum Um Medical DirectorOptum Um Medical Physician
CredentialsMedical degree, medical license, leadership experienceMedical degree, medical license, clinical practice experience
Work EnvironmentAdministrative, leadership, strategic planningClinical, patient care, direct medical services
Employer & IndustryHealthcare organizations, insurance providersHospitals, clinics, healthcare providers

The Optum Um Medical Director primarily focuses on administrative leadership, strategic planning, and overseeing medical operations, while the Optum Um Medical Physician is more involved in direct patient care and clinical responsibilities. Both roles require medical credentials, but their daily functions and work environments differ significantly.

More about Optum Um Medical Director jobs

What cities are hiring for Optum Um Medical Director jobs?

Cities with the most Optum Um Medical Director job openings:

What states have the most Optum Um Medical Director jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Optum Um Medical Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 60% In-person, and 40% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $232,369 per year, or $111.7 per hour.

Medical Director, Utilization Management Physician - Optum - Remote

Colorado PA

San Antonio, TX โ€ข On-site

$249 - $373/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

WellMed, part of the Optum family of businesses, is seeking an internal medicine or family medicine physician to join our Utilization Management team. Optum is a clinician-led care organization that is changing the way clinicians work and live.

The Medical Director for Utilization Management will support WellMed Medical Management, Inc. by making utilization management determinations, identifying utilization trends suggesting possible over or under utilization of services and proactively suggesting improvements to WellMed Medical Management's utilization management program.

At Optum, you'll have the clinical resources, data and support of a global organization behind you so you can help your patients live healthier lives. Here, you'll work alongside talented peers in a collaborative environment that is guided by diversity and inclusion while driving towards the Quadruple Aim. We believe you deserve an exceptional career and will empower you to live your best life at work and at home. Experience the fulfillment of advancing the health of your community with the excitement of contributing new practice ideas and initiatives that could help improve care for millions of patients across the country. Because together, we have the power to make health care better for everyone. Join us and discover how rewarding medicine can be while Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

Position Highlights & Primary Responsibilities:
  • Assists in development and maintaining an efficient UM program to meet the needs of the health plan members and commensurate with company values
  • Remain current and proficient in CMS criteria hierarchy and organizational determination processes
  • Participates in case review and medical necessity determination
  • Maintain proficiency in compliance regulations for both CMS and delegated health plans
  • Conducts post service reviews issued for medical necessity and benefits determination coding
  • Assists in development of medical management, care management, and utilization management protocols
  • Performs all other related duties as assigned
Customer Service:
  • Oversees and ensures physician compliance with UM plan
  • Performs all duties in a professional and responsible manner
  • Responds to physicians and staff in a prompt, pleasant and professional manner
  • Respects physician, patient, and organizational confidentiality
  • Provides quality assurance and education of current medical technologies, review criteria, accepted practice of medicine guidelines, and UM policies and procedures with counsel when criterion are not met
  • Personal and Physician Development
  • Strives to personally expand working knowledge of all aspects of the UM department
  • An active participant in physician meetings
  • Orients new physicians to ensure understanding of company policy and resources available for physician support
  • Assists in the growth and development of subordinates by sharing special knowledge with others and promotes continued education classes
  • Attends continuing education classes to keep abreast of medical advancements and innovative practice guidelines

In 2011, WellMed partnered with Optum to provide care to patients across Texas and Florida. WellMed is a network of doctors, specialists and other medical professionals that specialize in providing care for more than 1 million older adults with over 16,000 doctors' offices. At WellMed our focus is simple. Weโ€™re innovators in preventative health care, striving to change the face of health care for seniors. WellMed has more than 22,000+ primary care physicians, hospitalists, specialists, and advanced practice clinicians who excel in caring for 900,000+ older adults. Together, weโ€™re making health care work better for everyone.

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:
  • Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.), or M.B.B.S.
  • Board certification in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, or emergency medicine
  • An active, unrestricted medical license (any state)
  • 5+ years of post-residency clinic practice experience
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
Preferred Qualifications:
  • 2+ years of experience in utilization management activities
  • 2+ years of experience with acute admissions
  • 2+ years of experience working in a managed care health plan environment
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish) fluency

*All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter Policy

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, youโ€™ll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The salary for this role will range from $248,500.00 to $373,000.00 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

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.

OptumCare 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.

OptumCare is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.

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