Physician Advisor / Utilization Management (UM) Medical Director

Location: Torrance, CA

Schedule: Monday–Friday | 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Work Setting: 100% On-Site

Travel: None

Employment Type: Full-Time (0.8, 0.9, or 1.0 FTE options available)

Compensation: $325,000–$380,000 annually + up to 12% performance bonus + potential sign-on bonus

 

About the Opportunity

A leading Southern California health system is seeking a Physician Advisor / Utilization Management (UM) Medical Director to join an established executive leadership team dedicated to advancing high-value, patient-centered care.

 

This highly visible leadership role partners closely with physician leadership, Care Management, and executive leaders—including the Chief Medical Officer, Chief Nursing Officer, and Chief Financial Officer—to improve clinical quality, optimize resource utilization, and strengthen organizational performance while maintaining exceptional patient outcomes.

This position is ideal for a collaborative physician leader who enjoys operational excellence, interdisciplinary partnership, and making a measurable impact across the hospital.

 

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the physician leader for Utilization Management (UM) and physician advisory services.
• Conduct utilization management reviews and peer-to-peer insurance appeals.
• Provide clinical guidance on admission status determinations, denial prevention, and denial management.
• Partner with Care Management to resolve discharge barriers and improve patient throughput.
• Attend daily 8:30 AM leadership huddles and 10:00 AM multidisciplinary rounds.
• Maintain an active presence throughout the hospital by collaborating with clinical teams across departments.
• Support Clinical Documentation Integrity (CDI) initiatives and regulatory compliance.
• Identify opportunities related to patient safety, quality improvement, resource utilization, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
• Educate and mentor physicians on utilization management best practices and successful peer-to-peer review strategies.
• Oversee utilization management activities for approximately 18,000 annual admissions across two hospital campuses.

 

Qualifications

Required

• MD or DO from an accredited medical school.
• Board Certified physician.
• Active California medical license or eligibility for licensure.
• Minimum of 3 years of physician leadership or medical group management experience.
• Strong knowledge of Utilization Management and Utilization Review.
• Understanding of Clinical Documentation Integrity (CDI) workflows.
• Knowledge of healthcare regulations, reimbursement, and operational performance.
• Ability to build strong relationships with physicians, executive leadership, and hospital administration.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

 

Preferred

• Hospital Medicine/Hospitalist background strongly preferred, though physicians from all specialties are encouraged to apply.
• Experience serving as a Physician Advisor or Utilization Management Medical Director.

 

Ideal Candidate

We're looking for a physician leader who:

• Is collaborative, approachable, and relationship-focused.
• Thrives in an operational leadership role.
• Enjoys being visible and engaged throughout the hospital.
• Takes a hands-on approach to solving complex clinical and operational challenges.
• Can effectively balance quality care, compliance, and financial stewardship.

 

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary: $325,000–$380,000
• Up to 12% annual performance bonus
• Potential sign-on bonus
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• CME allowance
• Full benefits package

 

Additional Highlights

• Stable Monday–Friday schedule with no travel required.
• 100% on-site leadership position in Torrance, California.
• Optional opportunity to maintain limited clinical practice while serving in the leadership role.
• Join a highly respected executive team committed to collaboration, physician engagement, and continuous improvement.

^*We will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO), Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers (ULAC), The San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance (FCO), and the California Fair Chance Act (CFCA).

^*As a job position within our Care Management division, a successful completion of a background check may be required as a condition of employment. This requirement is directly related to essential job functions including but not limited to: accessing financial and confidential information, access and handling of patient medical records, providing medical care inside a patient’s residential address, driving, prescription and other drug access and administration, and working with vulnerable populations, such as, minors, elderly and those with physical or mental disabilities. Due to these job duties, this position has a significant impact on the business operations and reputation, as well as the safety and well-being of individuals who may be cared for as part of the job position or who may interact with staff or clients.