Director Patient Access - Cancer Center

Job Description

Job Description

UNM Medical Group, Inc. is hiring for a Director of Patient Access to join our UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center. This opportunity is a full-time day shift opening located in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Minimum $94,372- Midpoint $120,274*

*Salary is determined based on years of total relevant experience.

*Salary is based on 1.0 FTE (full time equivalent) or 40 hours per week. Less than 40 hours/week will be prorated and adjusted to the appropriate FTE.

Summary:

Reporting to the University's Cancer Center's ("UNMCC") Chief Financial Officer, this position is the functional leader that provides managerial oversight and direction for the UNMCC associated staff, processes, procedures and technologies supporting patients efficiently accessing the UNMCC services at all clinic sites and the Clinical Trials Office ("CTO"). Directly manages the scheduling, reception, registration, insurance verification, discharge, medical records, transcription, call center, and mail room functions. Serves as the primary liaison with clinical staff for these functions. Directs training of, and support to supervised staff for all areas of responsibility. Additionally, this position works in close collaboration with the University Hospital's Adult Infusion Center and Tri-Core Laboratory operations to coordinate UNMCC patient access activities between the three entities.

Minimum Job Requirements of a Director Patient Access:

Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 7 years of experience that is directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified. Completed degree from an accredited institution and/or experience that is directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified may be interchangeable on a year for year basis. Verification of education and licensure will be required if selected for hire.

Duties and Responsibilities of a Director Patient Access:

1. Provides managerial oversight of the scheduling function for all UNMCC providers, including but not limited to: physicians, mid-levels and fellows in medical and radiation oncology in addition to supporting surgical and diagnostic sub-specialties. Collaborates with the Manager, Information Services - UNMCC, to ensure optimization of the scheduling functionality of the Clinic's practice management system via system design, system implementation and staff education.
2. Provides managerial oversight of the patient registration function ensuring the ongoing capture of accurate patient demographics and insurance responsibilities.
3. Provides managerial oversight of insurance verification, referral and prior authorization functions. Ensures that patients have obtained appropriate referrals and prior authorizations by third-party payers for UNMCC services to be provided and billed. Ensures continued communication and feedback to the Manager, Revenue Cycle regarding any adverse trends reflected in the prior authorization process.
4. Oversees collection of payer required co-insurance and co-payments. In collaboration with Manager, Revenue cycle, manages the process of patient financial responsibility collections and adheres to all requisite policies and procedures associated with the management of cash and patient payments.
5. Provides managerial oversight of the medical transcription and medical records functions. Ensures efficient and effective transcriptionist resources are regularly available to support rapid documentation of clinical encounters. Ensures compliance with all national and local laws and regulations regarding the safeguarding and maintenance of patient medical records and associated documentation. Oversees all processes associated with maintenance of the Center's electronic medical record systems in addition to procured third party and existing non-electronic patient records.
6. Oversees the Center's call center operations. Reviews technologies, processes and staffing of phone lines to optimize telecommunication efficiencies.
7. Responsible for the development and monitoring of the financial and operational budgets for the Patient Access function. Provides detailed variance analysis and ongoing key patient access performance metrics.
8. Works in collaboration with the Manager, Revenue Cycle to closely align all Patent Access processes and procedures with revenue cycle processes and procedures supporting full revenue collections.
9. Serves as the UNMCC's representative or primary contact on Health Sciences Center (`HSC`) and School of Medicine (`SOM`) committees relating to patient registration, scheduling, medical records, medical documentation and transcription matters.
10. Oversees the supervision of personnel, which includes work allocation, training, promotion and enforcement of internal procedures and controls, and problem resolution; evaluates performance and makes recommendations for personnel actions; motivates employees to achieve peak productivity and performance.
11. Keeps abreast of all updates to practice management software which impacts assigned areas of responsibility. As required, identifies and provides for staff training for all changes to practice management software functionalities. Develops and implements necessary changes to policies and procedures.
12. Establishes and implements short- and long-range organizational goals, objectives, strategic plans, policies, and operating procedures; monitors and evaluates programmatic and operational effectiveness, and effects changes required for improvement.
13. Regularly and proactively seeks out improvements in internal and external customer service and actively participates in quality and improvement initiatives associated with the patient access function.
14. Works in collaboration with patient navigators to support the special access needs of patients.
15. Complies with all University policies and procedures associated with assigned areas of responsibility
16. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Why Join UNM Medical Group, Inc.?

Since our creation in 2007, our dynamic organization has continued to grow and form strong partnerships within the UNM Health system. Modern Healthcare recognizes UNMMG in their Best Places to Work recognition for 2025 . We’ve earned the Platinum Level Family Friendly Business Award® from Family Friendly New Mexico. ASPIRE to incorporate the following values into all aspects of our culture and work: we always demonstrate an Attitude of Service with Positivity , Integrity and Respect as we strive for Excellence . We are dedicated to embracing and promoting diversity while fostering well-being across New Mexico through cultural humility and respect for everyone.

About UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center:

This position will be located at the University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center (UNMCCC). The Comprehensive Cancer Center (UNMCCC) is a statewide provider of cancer care and is influential in the cancer field throughout New Mexico and the nation. The Official Cancer Center of New Mexico, the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center, is the only academic healthcare facility dedicated to both cancer research and patient care. We are also the only cancer center in New Mexico designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and one of just 66 premier Net-designated centers nationwide. We employee over 200 research scientists and staff over 100 clinicians, and at any one time participate in around 300 clinical trials. Our clinic saw over 15,800 cancer patients from every county in New Mexico and more than 137,000 patient visits. We currently serve 65 percent of the adults and virtually all of the children in New Mexico newly diagnosed with cancer.

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary & Benefits : UNMMG provides a competitive salary along with a comprehensive benefits package.
• Insurance Coverage : Includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Additional Perks : Offers tuition reimbursement, generous paid time off, license and certification reimbursement program for eligible employees, and a 403b retirement plan for eligible employees.

Apply to our Director Patient Access opportunity with UNM Medical Group, Inc. today to learn more!