Manager, Patient Access Operations

MML US Inc•San Diego, CA

7h•$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 is a player/coach role: you will lead and develop the team and maintain direct responsibility for patient access activities and cases as needed, helping ensure patients move efficiently from initial intake through authorization with accuracy, urgency, and consistent follow-through.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of related experience, or an advanced degree with relevant experience, or equivalent work experience
Experience in patient access, prior authorization, reimbursement, utilization review, or a related healthcare setting (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
Demonstrated ability to coach and develop others while balancing people leadership with hands-on case and workflow responsibilities
Strong problem-solving skills, with the 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 skills, 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 preferred

Responsibilities

Provide day-to-day leadership, coaching, and performance management for the patient access team
Work closely 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