Director - Ambulatory Access Operations

JOB SUMMARY

This paragraph summarizes the general nature, level and purpose of the job.

The Director of Ambulatory Access Operations is vital to the ambulatory ecosystem at SMCH/PCHA. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Ambulatory Access, SMCH/Vice President of Patient Access Services, PCHA, the Director is responsible for the comprehensive oversight of ambulatory access operations across all SMCH sites and offering support to PCHA. The role ensures seamless patient access and coordination, engaging all patient touchpoints related to access to establish integrated care. The Director influences enterprise-wide strategies, focusing on operational performance, scalability, innovation, and alignment with digital, clinical, and population health initiatives while fostering collaboration across departments, operations, IT, finance, clinical divisions, and external partners to achieve organizational goals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The essential functions listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification. They are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Employees must abide by all Joint Commission Requirements including but not limited to sensitivity to cultural diversity, patient care, patient rights and ethical treatment, safety and security of physical environments, emergency management, teamwork, respect for others, participation in ongoing education and training, communication and adherence to safety and quality programs, sustaining compliance with National Patient Safety Goals, and licensure and health screenings.

Must perform all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the hospital's policies and procedures, including its Service Standards and its Code of Conduct.

• Leadership and Strategy: Collaborate with the Associate Chief Medical Officer for Ambulatory Services, Nursing leadership, and Stanford School of Medicine to enhance patient access and care coordination.
• Support and expand community partnerships through strategic initiatives as directed by the Vice President.
• Actively promote health equity and population health initiatives, nurturing strong physician and advanced practice provider relationships.
• Operations Management: Oversee patient scheduling, surgical scheduling, digital access, referral management, clinical navigation, and policy development.
• Ensure enforcement of standards and service level agreements, aiming for optimal patient access and service delivery.
• Vendor Relations and Team Leadership: Establish and manage strategic relationships with third-party vendors including call centers and virtual assistants to enhance patient engagement.
• Lead and mentor teams to become strategic, responsive, and accountable, fostering a culture of excellence and consensus-building.
• Performance Measurement: Measure, analyze, and drive key performance indicators related to patient access operations using data insights.
• Engage partners across the organization to identify barriers to patient access and implement data-driven improvements, ensuring continuity between ambulatory and inpatient experiences.
• Financial Oversight: Manage budget development and provide oversight for fiscal responsibility in ambulatory access services.
• Support revenue cycle management to enhance financial efficiency, reduce denials, and foster growth through strategic business initiatives.
• Technological Integration: Develop digital health strategies in partnership with the Executive Director of Ambulatory Access Optimization and Innovation to enhance access and patient experiences.
• Implement, maintain, and advance technological solutions including electronic medical record systems, AI access, and CRM platforms to ensure high user satisfaction.
• Committee Participation: Actively participate in committees related to patient access, performance improvement, healthcare compliance, strategic planning, and budgeting.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned/necessary.