Behavioral Health Medical Director – Psychiatrist - Louisiana Market

Elevance Health•Metairie, LA

2d•Remote

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Medical Director focuses on utilization management within a behavioral health Medicaid program. Responsibilities include collaborating with care management teams, consulting with providers, and reviewing cases to determine medical necessity using established criteria. Work involves chart reviews, documentation, and peer-to-peer discussions when needed. Additional responsibilities may include participation in quality initiatives and other program-related projects. This role enables associates to work virtually full-time, with the exception of required in-person training sessions, providing maximum flexibility and autonomy. This approach promotes productivity, supports work-life integration, and ensures essential face-to-face onboarding and skill development. Please note that per our policy on hybrid/virtual work, candidates not within a reasonable commuting distance from the posting location(s) will not be considered for employment, unless an accommodation is granted as required by law. Ideal candidates will live in Louisiana but not required. Alternate locations may be considered.

Requirements

Requires MD or DO and Board certification approved by one of the following certifying boards is required, where applicable to duties being performed, American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) or American Osteopathic Association (AOA).
Must possess an active unrestricted medical license to practice medicine or a health profession.
Unless expressly allowed by state or federal law, or regulation, must be located in a state or territory of the United States when conducting utilization review or an appeals consideration and cannot be located on a US military base, vessel or any embassy located in or outside of the US.
Minimum of 10 years of clinical experience; or any combination of education and experience, which would provide an equivalent background.
For Health Solutions and Carelon organizations (including behavioral health) only, minimum of 5 years of experience providing health care is required.
Additional experience may be required by State contracts or regulations if the Medical Director is filing a role required by a State agency.

Nice To Haves

Ability to obtain a Louisiana medical license.
Child and Adolescent board certification or meaningful experience preferred.
Background in applied behavior analysis (ABA) or openness to expanding into ABA work preferred.

Responsibilities

Supports clinicians to ensure timely and consistent responses to members and providers.
Provides guidance for clinical operational aspects of a program.
Conducts peer-to-peer clinical reviews with attending physicians or other providers to discuss review determinations, and patients’ office visits with providers and external physicians.
May conduct peer-to-peer clinical appeal case reviews with attending physicians or other ordering providers to discuss review determinations.
Serves as a resource and consultant for other areas of the company.
May be required to represent the company to external entities and/or serve on internal and/or external committees.
May chair company committees.
Interprets medical policies and clinical guidelines.
May develop and propose new medical policies based on changes in healthcare.
Leads, develops, directs, and implements clinical and non-clinical activities that impact health care quality cost and outcomes.
Identifies and develops opportunities for innovation to increase effectiveness and quality.