AMCNO meets with UnitedHealthcare representatives to discuss rollout of Provider Advocate Program in Cleveland

Recently, AMCNO physician leadership and staff met with representatives from UnitedHealth Care (UHC) to discuss the imminent rollout of their Provider Advocate Program here in Northeastern Ohio. UHC has adopted a more decentralized approach to customer service, and they are currently implementing local Provider Advocates around the state of Ohio. Provider Advocates are currently working in the Cincinnati and Dayton areas. Expansion of provider advocates in the Cleveland area is expected in the next few months. In addition to troubleshooting difficult claim issues, Provider Advocates are charged with providing education and training on plan processes in order to assist the physician in understanding new advancements to plan programs, better understanding of billing and claim procedures and new and provider service enhancements in development. 

As UnitedHealthcare rolls out the new Provider Advocacy Program, physician offices in Ohio can expect to see a Physician Advocate visiting the office to ask, “What can I do to help?” Provider Advocates will work primarily with the practice manager to assist with reducing administrative burden, but will be available to anyone in the office who needs assistance or training. 

UHC is working to build a clinical and business relationship with physicians and their staffs to facilitate optimal health status for its’ members. Through this relationship they plan to help with resolution of outstanding claims issues; training staff to utilize United’s on-line tools to streamline administrative tasks; educating new providers on billing and reimbursement practices; and conducting periodic training programs. UHC’s goal is to build relationships and drive simplicity in their interactions with physician offices - promoting timely, accurate and fair payment. Watch for updates from the AMCNO on this program in the near future.