Process Optimization Specialist

Join us as we work to create a thriving ecosystem that delivers accessible, high-quality, and sustainable healthcare for all.

Job Title : Process Optimization Specialist

Position Summary :

We are seeking a highly motivated Process Optimization Specialist who excels at leveraging creative problem-solving skills to support, configure, and assist in designing sophisticated automation solutions. This role requires a deep passion for innovating internal processes, dissecting complex operational challenges, and shaping decision-making through compelling, data-driven narratives.

As an Associate on the Operations Team, you will play a critical role in optimizing workflows related to Prior Authorization processes. You’ll collaborate with stakeholders across Product, Business Operations, and Intelligent Automation to identify, quantify, prioritize, and execute opportunities that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure compliance with payer requirements.

Essential Functions (Duties and Responsibilities) :

• Create, maintain, and enhance workflows and directives specific to Prior Authorization processes.
• Monitor outcomes for workflows in production to ensure desired results are achieved.
• Proactively take corrective action when outcomes deviate from expectations.
• Develop navigation guides and documentation for web portals and tools to enable non-calling workflows.
• Collaborate with stakeholder teams to ensure work is delivered to the right user at the right time, at the lowest effective cost.
• Document new processes to meet minimum service commitments and proactively monitor risk.
• Act quickly when new process blockers are identified.
• Design creative solutions leveraging automation to streamline Prior Authorization tasks.
• Engage with shared services teams and payers to resolve urgent issues impacting operational processes.
• Maintain and prioritize a stakeholder request tracker for service or analysis requests.
• Align initiatives with company-wide and department-specific goals.
• Actively participate in Agile ceremonies.
• Represent and advocate in stakeholder discussions.
• Provide consultation to teams on Prior Authorization workflows and best practices.

Education & Experience Required :

Knowledge & Skills :

Expected Compensation

$59,000 - $101,000

The base salary range shown reflects the full range for this role from minimum to maximum. At athenahealth, base pay depends on multiple factors, including job-related experience, relevant knowledge and skills, how your qualifications compare to others in similar roles, and geographical market rates. Base pay is only one part of our competitive Total Rewards package - depending on role eligibility, we offer both short and long-term incentives by way of an annual discretionary bonus plan, variable compensation plan, and equity plans.

About athenahealth

Our vision : In an industry that becomes more complex by the day, we stand for simplicity. We offer IT solutions and expert services that eliminate the daily hurdles preventing healthcare providers from focusing entirely on their patients — powered by our vision to create a thriving ecosystem that delivers accessible, high-quality, and sustainable healthcare for all.

Our company culture : Our talented employees — or athenistas, as we call ourselves — spark the innovation and passion needed to accomplish our vision. We are a diverse group of dreamers and do-ers with unique knowledge, expertise, backgrounds, and perspectives. We unite as mission-driven problem-solvers with a deep desire to achieve our vision and make our time here count. Our award-winning culture is built around shared values of inclusiveness, accountability, and support.

Our DEI commitment : Our vision of accessible, high-quality, and sustainable healthcare for all requires addressing the inequities that stand in the way. That's one reason we prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion in every aspect of our business, from attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce to maintaining an inclusive environment for athenistas, our partners, customers and the communities where we work and serve.

What we can do for you :

Along with health and financial benefits, athenistas enjoy perks specific to each location, including commuter support, employee assistance programs, tuition assistance, employee resource groups, and collaborative workspaces — some offices even welcome dogs.

We also encourage a better work-life balance for athenistas with our flexibility. While we know in-office collaboration is critical to our vision, we recognize that not all work needs to be done within an office environment, full-time. With consistent communication and digital collaboration tools, athenahealth enables employees to find a balance that feels fulfilling and productive for each individual situation.

In addition to our traditional benefits and perks, we sponsor events throughout the year, including book clubs, external speakers, and hackathons. We provide athenistas with a company culture based on learning, the support of an engaged team, and an inclusive environment where all employees are valued.

Learn more about our culture and benefits here : athenahealth.com / careers