Manager, Patient Access Operations

MML US•San Diego, CA

5d•$90,000 - $115,000•Remote

About The Position

The Manager, Patient Access Operations is a hands-on people leader responsible for the day-to-day leadership, coaching, and performance of the Prior Authorization Specialist, Benefit Verification, and Intake Coordinator team while remaining actively involved in patient access operations. This player/coach leads and develops the team and maintains direct responsibility for patient access activities and cases as needed, helping patients move efficiently from initial intake through authorization with accuracy, urgency, and consistent follow-through. The role is based at the main office in San Diego, California, with quarterly travel required; remote candidates will be considered. Mainstay Medical is a medical device company focused on marketing ReActiv8®, an implantable neurostimulation system for people with disabling chronic mechanical low back pain. The company is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, and has subsidiaries in Ireland, the United States, Australia, and Germany. The salary range is $90,000 to $115,000 per year. Base pay depends on factors including job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Total compensation includes medical, dental, vision, financial, and other benefits, as well as equity. Mainstay Medical is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of related experience, an advanced degree with relevant experience, or equivalent work experience.
Experience in patient access, prior authorization, reimbursement, utilization review, or a related healthcare setting such as a medical office, hospital, or payer environment.
Strong understanding of prior authorization requirements, payer processes, coverage criteria, documentation standards, and health insurance industry practices.
Experience with Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, Workers’ Compensation, and Commercial Insurance.
Ability to coach and develop others while balancing people leadership with hands-on case and workflow responsibilities.
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to identify solutions to operational challenges and process impediments.
Ability to collaborate across functions and appropriately escalate complex issues.
Superior oral and written communication, excellent organizational skills, and attention to detail.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience with platforms such as Salesforce, Availity, eFax systems, and basic database management programs.
Caring, empathetic, and patient-centric approach in all interactions.

Nice To Haves

Prior supervisory, team lead, coaching, training, or other people-leadership experience.

Responsibilities

Provide day-to-day leadership, coaching, and performance management for the patient access team.
Work with Case Managers and internal reimbursement and market access partners to provide operational leadership, prioritize workload, resolve barriers, and support complex cases.
Ensure consistent execution of established workflows and processes.
Serve as a subject-matter resource for payer requirements, prior authorization processes, and patient access operations.
Maintain direct responsibility for patient access activities and cases as needed.
Identify operational trends, improve efficiency, and reinforce accountability.
Help build scalable processes that reduce avoidable delays, preventable denials, and administrative burden on physician offices and field sales teams.