Imaging Access Supervisor

Pay Range:$29.11 - $40.85 The Supervisor of Imaging Access oversees all operational workflows related to imaging scheduling, imaging authorizations, referral management, and pre-service financial clearance across SEARHC’s imaging services. This leader ensures timely access to diagnostic imaging while maintaining compliance with payor requirements, internal policies, and regulatory standards. The Supervisor directly supervises imaging access staff, manages high-volume worklists and partners closely with clinical imaging teams, Revenue Integrity, and Revenue Cycle Leadership.


The role carries responsibility for staff performance, service delivery standards, escalation management, training, and continuous workflow improvement. The Supervisor also coordinates PAD account checks, supports team alignment, and drives systemwide consistency in imaging access practices.

SEARHC is a non-profit health consortium which serves the health interests of the residents of Southeast Alaska. We see our employees as our strongest assets. It is our priority to further their development and our organization by aiding in their professional advancement.

Working at SEARHC is more than a job, it’s a fulfilling career. We offer generous benefits, including retirement, paid time off, paid parental leave, health insurance, dental, and vision benefits, life insurance and long and short-term disability, and more.

Key Essential Functions and Accountabilities of the Job

Leadership & Staff Management

· Supervise and support Imaging Access staff, including schedulers, authorization specialists, and lead staff.

· Oversee daily assignment of worklists, ensure appropriate workload distribution, and monitor real-time operations for delays or access barriers.

· Conduct performance evaluations, coaching, corrective actions (when necessary), and ongoing skill development.

· Monitor attendance, productivity, and adherence to workflow standards.

Imaging Scheduling Oversight

· Ensure timely and accurate scheduling of all imaging modalities (MRI, CT, Ultrasound, Mammography, X-ray, and specialty studies).

· Validate order completeness, clinical indications, modality preparation requirements, and proper exam routing.

· Partner with Imaging departments to optimize schedule utilization, reduce gaps, and coordinate urgent/add-on demand when needed.

Authorization & Payor Compliance Management

· Oversee all imaging prior authorizations across commercial and federal payors with emphasis on VA and TRICARE worklists and requirements.

· Ensure compliance with payor guidelines, documentation standards, medical necessity requirements, and service location specificity.

· Monitor turnaround times, first-pass success rates, and authorization-related denial trends.

· Escalate or coordinate with providers when additional clinical documentation is needed.

Training & Continuous Improvement

· Maintain and update SOPs, training materials, competency checklists, and workflow maps for imaging scheduling and authorization processes.

· Lead continuous improvement activities to improve throughput, reduce denials, and shorten referral-to-appointment cycle times.

· Track and report KPIs (e.g., authorization TAT, first-pass auth rate, avoidable-auth routing, denial rate, % correct service location, veteran access cycle time).

· Identify process gaps; lead improvement huddles and contribute to system and template enhancements (e.g., referral forms, schedule checks, canned text).

PAD Account Checks & Financial Clearance

· Oversee and assist with PAD account checks in tandem with the Imaging Lead, Central Authorization Supervisor, billing vendors: verifying coverage, benefit plan accuracy, demographic integrity, order correctness, and payor-specific requirements prior to scheduling.

· Partner with the Supervisor or Revenue Integrity on recurring coverage issues, billing defects, and denial prevention initiatives.

Workflow Optimization & Compliance

· Maintain and update SOPs, training materials, competency checklists, and workflow maps for imaging scheduling and authorization processes.

· Lead Kaizen/continuous improvement activities to improve throughput, reduce denials, and shorten referral-to-appointment cycle times.

Communication & Stakeholder Coordination · Serve as the key operational contact for Providers, Imaging managers, Care Teams, UR, Revenue Integrity, and external partners. · Provide clear, timely communications to patients regarding prep instructions, appointment details, and payor requirements. · Manage escalations from staff, clinics, and imaging departments to ensure rapid resolution.

Data, Reporting & Metrics · Track and report operational KPIs, such as: o Authorization TAT o First-pass auth approval rate o Imaging schedule utilization o VA/TRICARE worklist completion rates o Avoidable denials tied to access workflows o Referral routing accuracy · Use data to identify training needs, staffing adjustments, and process improvements.

Documentation, Privacy & Compliance · Ensure accurate documentation in the EHR, referral/authorization systems, and payer portals; maintain HIPAA and organizational privacy/security standards. · Follow payer policy changes and SEARHC guidelines; escalate potential compliance risks promptly.

Additional Details:

Education, Certifications, and Licenses Required

· Required: High School Diploma or equivalent.

· Associate or bachelor’s degree preferred.

Experience Required

· EHR in a hospital or multi-clinic setting experience.

· 1+ years in scheduling, or medical insurance authorization; or 2 years previous experience in customer service.

· Preferred: Leadership experience.

Core Competencies

· Leadership & Coaching: Builds team capability, provides effective feedback, and promotes a high-performance environment.

· Operational Excellence: Oversees high-volume workflows with accuracy and efficiency.

· Systems Thinking: Works across departments to reduce fragmentation and streamline access to care.

· Analytical Skills: Uses data and trends to manage staff performance and improve outcomes.

· Patient-Centered Service: Ensures compassionate, clear communication and timely access to care.

· Conflict Resolution: Addresses escalations with professionalism and diplomacy.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

· Understanding of insurance plans, prior authorization processes, and medical terminology.

· Knowledge of Patient Access, Customer Service, Referrals, Authorizations.

· Maintain up to date education and knowledge of Revenue Cycle Operations.

· Proficient using a keyboard and 10 key.

· Proficient in EHR systems and Microsoft Office applications.

· Highly motivated, self-starter.

· Attention to detail and accuracy.

· Strong organizational skills.

· Strong organizational and communication skills.

· Problem solving and decision-making skills.

· Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.

· Ability to collaborate within cross-functional teams.

Computer Skills:

· Proficient computer skills

· Proficient in Microsoft Office Products including Word,

Excel, and PowerPoint Other Qualifications:

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

· Strong organizational & time management abilities · Teamwork · Proficient in EHR systems

Position Information:

Work Shift:Exempt

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!