Job SummaryThe Ambulatory Practice Officer demonstrates leadership expertise to drive excellence in patient care, operational performance, and financial outcomes across primary care, behavioral health and specialty clinics owned by the hospital. This role is responsible for the overall management, direction, integration, and coordination of all ambulatory clinic activities, including onboarding new practices and practice growth or reduction.
In partnership with physician leadership and service line leaders, the Officer provides strategic and operational oversight to ensure alignment with organizational goals, regulatory standards, and community needs. The Officer fosters an environment that empowers interdisciplinary teams to achieve high-quality, patient-centered outcomes while promoting efficiency, growth, and innovation.
Key ResponsibilitiesOperational Leadership- Oversee daily operations across primary care, behavioral health and specialty clinics to ensure efficient, high-quality, patient-centered care
- Develop and standardize workflows, scheduling practices, and staffing models to improve access, throughput, and provider productivity
- Ensure appropriate staffing levels to maintain quality care while promoting efficiency and cost-effectiveness
- Oversee integration of newly acquired practices into the health system
Accreditation & Clinical Practice Compliance- Coordinate accreditation activities for physician practices (e.g., ACHC, AAAHC, NCQA, RHC or specialty-specific accrediting bodies).
- Maintain continuous survey readiness across all clinic locations.
- Ensure clinical and administrative policies align with evidence-based standards and accreditation requirements.
- Conduct internal compliance audits (HIPAA, OSHA, infection control, documentation standards).
- Partner with clinical leadership to implement and monitor corrective action plans.
Regulatory & State Compliance- Ensure compliance with applicable healthcare regulations including CMS guidelines, state medical board requirements, and scope-of-practice regulations.
- Track and manage provider licensure, DEA registrations, and state-specific requirements.
- Prepare and submit required reports, documentation, and regulatory filings.
- Monitor changes in healthcare laws affecting physician practices (billing, coding, telehealth, etc.).
- Support readiness for external audits (e.g., Medicare, Medicaid, commercial payors).
Payor Contracting & Managed Care- Assist the CFO in the negotiation, onboarding, and maintenance of contracts with commercial insurers, Medicare Advantage plans, and Medicaid managed care organizations.
- Maintain accurate records of provider participation status and contract terms.
- Collaborate with billing and revenue cycle teams to ensure proper implementation of reimbursement terms.
- Analyze payor performance, reimbursement trends, and identify discrepancies or underpayments.
- Serve as liaison between the practice and payors for operational and contractual matters.
Credentialing & Provider Alignment Support- Coordinate with credentialing teams to ensure providers are enrolled and active with all contracted payors.
- Ensure alignment between credentialing, contracting, and compliance requirements.
- Track payor enrollment status and resolve delays impacting reimbursement.
Documentation, Reporting & Audit Readiness- Maintain organized records of accreditation materials, compliance activities, and contracts.
- Develop reports for leadership on compliance metrics, contract performance, and risk areas.
- Ensure documentation meets audit standards and supports billing compliance.
Strategic Planning & Growth- Lead strategic and operational planning for ambulatory services in alignment with the organization's mission, vision, and long-term goals
- Partner with Physician Leadership in a dyad leadership model to establish KPIs and standardize evidence-based practices across clinics
- Identify opportunities for program development, service expansion, and market growth
- Support provider recruitment, onboarding, and engagement
Financial Management- Develop and manage clinic budgets, ensuring financial sustainability and performance
- Monitor key financial indicators, including:
- Visit volumes
- Provider productivity
- Timeliness of provider chart completion
- Revenue cycle performance
- Cost management
- Staffing matrixes and industry benchmark
- Implement strategies to optimize reimbursement, control expenses, and improve profitability
Quality, and Patient Experience- Partner with clinical leadership to monitor and improve quality metrics and patient outcomes
- Promote a culture of safety, evidence-based practice, and continuous improvement
- Drive initiatives to enhance patient satisfaction, access, and continuity of care
- Quality Dashboards for providers and staff
- Provide education for the providers and staff regarding quality measures
- Maximize utilization of EMR system to best support quality patient care
Collaboration & Leadership- Serve as the primary administrative liaison between clinics, physician leadership, executive leadership, and support departments
- Foster strong relationships with physicians, APPs, nursing leaders, and administrative teams
- Collaborate across primary care and specialty services to ensure continuity of care and care coordination
- Lead interdisciplinary teams to achieve organizational and clinical excellence
- Co-lead committees, projects, and initiatives that advance system-wide priorities
Data & Performance Management- Utilize data analytics to evaluate clinic performance and drive decision-making
- Develop dashboards, KPIs, and reporting structures
- Present performance updates and strategic recommendations to leadership
- Use data to identify trends, improve outcomes, and enhance operational efficiency
- Explore and implement innovative solutions, including AI-driven tools, where appropriate
Minimum Job Requirements- Master's degree (MHA, MBS, MPH, or related)
- Ten (10) years of progressive leadership experience in healthcare
- Experience in medical practice management with oversight of:
- Staff supervision
- Multi-site or multi-functional operations
- Experience in both primary care and specialty clinic environments
- Rural Health Clinic, Provider-Based Clinics, and/or FQHC experience
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities- Proactive, results-oriented approach to management, sound problem-solving, and decision-making ability, well-developed interpersonal skills to interact in sensitive and/or complex situations with a variety of people.
- Ability to promote teamwork and build effective relationships and proven ability to collaborate effectively with physician leadership.
- Very high level of communication skills to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
- Ability to foster cooperative and effective working relationships with the management team, Board of Directors, business/community associates and the community at large.
- Ability to attend meetings, seminars and/or conferences on behalf of the corporation.
- Knowledge of policies, governmental regulations and business practices pertinent to the department.
- Excellent time management, and organizational skills.
- Ability to negotiate effective working relationships and develop positive resolution to conflict.
- Highly developed computer skills to include proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn and proficiently perform computer applications related to department operations and job function.
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Excellent management skills.
- Strong organizational, financial, leadership and administrative skills to manage multiple issues simultaneously combined with ability to effectively prioritize.
- Ability to effectively perform job functions under periods of extreme stress, meeting deadlines and producing positive outcomes.
- High degree of accuracy with concentration and close attention to detail.
- Commitment of 24-hour accountability.
- Ability to be discreet and protect the integrity of any confidential matter or information encountered during the performance of job duties.
Working Conditions- Typical office environment with prolonged sitting and occasional standing and walking.
- Work may be subject to interruptions and occasional high stress levels.
- Works with highly confidential information which may be proprietary or protected health information.
- Ability to work hours significantly beyond the normal work week.
- May attend special functions and meetings at various locations within Marion Health and community.
- Occasional overnight stays.
Physical and Mental Activities, Tools and Equipment- Prolonged use of computer and standard office equipment.
- Repetitive wrist, finger and hand movements.
- Extreme concentration and attention to detail.
- Lifting standard office supplies or equipment.
- Lifting, Pushing, pulling, walking, sitting, reaching, bending, kneeling or stooping to perform duties in a safe manner.
