PET Patient Access Director

Job Title: PET Patient Access Director

Manager: VP of PET/CT

Shields Health is a family-owned, Massachusetts-based leader in healthcare services, delivering top-tier patient care with cutting-edge technology for over 50 years. We are proud to be one of the most trusted names in the industry, offering a collaborative, supportive, and rewarding work environment. At Shields, you're not just joining a company—you're becoming part of a team that values culture, innovation, inclusivity, and career growth.

Your Mission 

The PET Patient Access Director is responsible for overseeing all pre-clinical components of the PET patient experience. This includes managing the scheduling of commercial and research scans, securing insurance clearance, handling pre-authorization for exams, and collecting necessary documentation and prior imaging. The role also requires public speaking, supporting research initiatives, contributing to service transformations, and addressing customer service inquiries.

Your Role as a PET Patient Access Director

•    Lead and manage the PET Scheduling department's operations.

•    Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) on PET scheduling, ensuring optimal coordination of patient preparation and exams. Use metrics to drive performance and efficiency.

•    Act as an SME in insurance clearance and the Patient Access System (PAS).

•    Motivate agents to achieve performance targets and departmental goals.

•    Develop, implement, and regularly review PET Scheduling policies and procedures.

•    Understand departmental and customer needs, creating programs and workflows that align with these priorities.

•    Oversee the scheduling of radiopharmaceuticals for clinical and research purposes.

•    Collaborate with the scheduling and sales teams to meet the needs of referring physicians, including for specific research studies.

•    Provide leadership and guidance to the Call Center Manager, PET Representative Lead, and team members.

•    Partner with the PET medical director or other clinical resources to ensure thorough case reviews and provide physician education on services when needed.

•    Contribute to PET program development by creating presentations and educational materials.

•    Assist in the preparation and transition of new PET locations from Development to Operations, working closely with partners and internal resources during startup, as assigned by program leadership.

•    Support the Regional PET Representative Manager in team leadership.

•    Handle escalated incidents and concerns beyond the Regional PET Representative Manager’s scope.

•    Assist with PET business revenue management, ensuring accurate ordering and reconciliation of isotopes.

•    Oversee the onboarding and training of new hires, ensuring smooth transitions, competency development, and adherence to departmental standards.

What You Bring to the Team

•    Bachelor’s degree in business or a related field 

•    Management Skills: Proven ability to effectively manage teams, delegate tasks, and provide training and resources. Strong prioritization and organizational skills for optimal performance.

•    Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to articulate business strategies, provide clear direction, and foster positive relationships with team members. Experienced in training and mentoring new employees.

•    Strategic Decision-Making: Demonstrated ability to make critical decisions that impact the department. Skilled in evaluating objectives, assessing risks, and making informed decisions to improve processes or address talent gaps.

•    Analytical Skills: Strong ability to analyze data and extract meaningful insights. Capable of developing creative solutions to challenges based on data-driven analysis.

•    Agility: Comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with adaptability to changing circumstances.

•    Experience in the PET imaging market or hospital radiology is required.

•    Experience in new business development, location startups, and business growth is preferred.

•    Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods and use a computer.

•    Must be able to travel independently between locations.

•    This position requires frequent interactions with employees at all organizational levels, as well as external partners and stakeholders.

Note: This job description is not intended to cover every aspect of the role. The incumbent may be asked to perform tasks of equal or lower classification, or additional duties for training or development, as required.

The essential functions of this role can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.