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Optum Utilization Review Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Optum Utilization Review information

See Virginia salary details

$21

$41

$68

How much do optum utilization review jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for optum utilization review in Virginia is $41.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.12 and $48.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in an Optum Utilization Review?

To succeed in an Optum Utilization Review role, candidates typically need a clinical background such as a registered nurse (RN) or social worker (LCSW), along with experience in case management and knowledge of utilization management principles. Familiarity with medical review software, electronic health records (EHRs), and utilization management platforms like InterQual or Milliman is often expected, as well as active state licensure or relevant certifications (e.g., CCM). Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are critical soft skills for collaborating with healthcare providers and internal teams. These competencies are vital to ensure appropriate use of healthcare resources, compliance with regulations, and optimal patient outcomes.

What is an Optum Utilization Review?

An Optum Utilization Review job involves assessing medical treatments and services to ensure they are medically necessary, cost-effective, and compliant with healthcare guidelines. Professionals in this role review patient cases, collaborate with healthcare providers, and apply clinical criteria to determine coverage approvals. They help optimize patient care while managing healthcare costs. Typically, these positions require a background in nursing or healthcare and knowledge of utilization management policies.

What does an Optum Utilization Review do?

In an Optum Utilization Review position, you can expect a mix of reviewing patient medical records, communicating with healthcare providers to gather additional information, and making decisions on the medical necessity and appropriateness of services. The role often involves using clinical guidelines and established protocols to ensure coverage aligns with insurance policies, as well as accurate documentation of findings and recommendations. You'll collaborate with physicians, other case managers, and sometimes directly with members, in a structured yet dynamic environment. While much of the work may be independent and computer-based, teamwork and communication are essential to coordinate care and resolve complex cases.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optum Utilization Review jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Optum Utilization Review jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Optum Utilization Review job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $87,192 per year, or $41.9 per hour.

Sr. Provider Engagement Specialist - Roanoke, VA

UnitedHealth Group

Roanoke, VA • On-site

$36K - $42K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 25 days ago


UnitedHealth Group rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

189th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

For those who want to invent the future of health care, here's your opportunity. We're going beyond basic care to health programs integrated across the entire continuum of care. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.
This position functions as a subject matter expert in Client Service operations. This position strives to bring consistency and experience to existing Provider Engagement Specialists in the local market by analyzing, reviewing, forecasting, trending, and presenting information for operational and business planning. This position will organize and assist assigned provider groups and/or financial pools, as well as fellow account managers, in achieving short and long term operational/strategic business goals/ by developing, enhancing and maintaining operational information and models. They also develop and implement, in conjunction with the local Client Services Associate Director and/or Director, effective/strategic business solutions through research and analysis of data and business processes. The Senior Provider Engagement Specialist will develop and sustain a solid day-to-day relationship with stakeholders, the providers, and office staff to effectively implement business solutions developed by the Optum leadership team. The Senior Provider Engagement Specialist is accountable for overall performance and profitability for their assigned provider groups and/or financial pools.
Essential Job Functions
  • Analyze risk pool and/or provider group performance to determine areas of focus or improvement opportunities, to include performing analysis of financial statements and other metric-related report to determine areas of focus or improvement opportunities
  • Develops strategies and create action plans that align provider pools and groups with company initiatives, goals (revenue and expense) and quality outcomes
  • Drive processes and improvement initiatives that directly impact revenue, HEDIS/STAR measures and quality metrics, coding and documentation process and educational improvements
  • Use and analyze data to identify trends, patterns and opportunities for the business and clients, and collaborating and/or participating in discussions with colleagues and business partners to identify potential root cause of issues
  • Collaborates with internal clinical services teams, alongside Client Services leaders, to monitor utilization trends and risk pools to assist with developing strategic plans to improve performance
  • Assists provider groups with investigating standard and non-standard requests and problems, to include claims and member support services
  • Maintains effective support services by working effectively with the Director of Client Services, Regional Medical Director, Clinical Services team, Operations and other corporate departments
  • Demonstrate understanding of providers' business goals and strategies in order to facilitate the analysis and resolution of their issues
  • Performs all other related duties as assigned

If you are located in Roanoke, VA, you will have the flexibility to work remotely* as you take on some tough challenges. For all hires in the Minneapolis or Washington, D.C. area, you will be required to work in the office a minimum of four days per week.
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Data analysis required to support, compile and report key information
  • Drive processes and technology improvement initiatives that directly impact Revenue, HEDIS/STAR measures and Quality Metrics, using standard project methodology (requirements, design, test, etc.)
  • Use data to identify trends, patterns and opportunities for the business and clients. Develop business strategies in line with company strategic initiatives
  • Engage provider staff and providers in analysis and evaluation of functional models and process improvements; identify dependencies and priorities
  • Evaluate and drive processes, provider relationships and implementation plans
  • Produce, publish and distribute scheduled and ad-hoc client and operational reports relating to the development and performance of products
  • Collaborate with other Client Services leads to foster teamwork and build consistency throughout the market
  • Serves as a liaison to the health plan and all customers
  • Requires solid presentation skills, problem solving and ability to manage conflict and identify resolutions quickly
  • Have the ability to communicate well with physicians, staff and internal departments

You'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:
  • 5+ years of experience in a related medical field or health plan setting (network management, contracting and/or recruitment, provider relations or in medical practice)
  • Experience with Medicare health care operations including HEDIS, CMS reimbursement models, and Medicare Advantage
  • Experience developing long-term positive working relationships
  • Experience communicating and facilitating strategic meetings with groups of all sizes
  • Experience working independently, using good judgment and decision-making
  • Experience conducting performance evaluations to identify performance measures or indicators and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals
  • Experience resolving complete problems and evaluating options to implement solutions
  • Knowledge of state and federal laws relating to Medicare
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
  • Reliable transportation and ability and willingness to travel, both locally in assigned territory and non-locally, as determined by business need up to 70%
  • Permanent residence within a commutable distance to Roanoke, VA

Preferred Qualifications:
  • 3+ years of healthcare management experience
  • Experience acting as a mentor to others
  • Client Management experience

*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, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The salary for this role will range from $72,800 to $130,000 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.
At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone-of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income-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.
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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