Alec Ward Email & Phone Number

Boston, MA, US

Tampa, Florida, US

• Negotiate complex contracts with Physician Networks, behavioral health providers, and health Systems, focusing on unit cost competitiveness and affordability to support total cost of care and line of business objectives.
• Perform complex financial analyses to identify medical cost improvement opportunities, develop strategies to reach financial goals, and execute contracting strategies to meet goals and objectives.
• Oversee contracting and network development staff and external consultants in developing provider networks for new and expansion markets.
• Responsible for developing and implementing business strategies for all provider businesses in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, including professional, specialty, and large, fully integrated hospital care systems within.
• Oversee and engage in managed care provider contracting activities to ensure efficiency and maintain compliance with the business unit’s policies and standards, government laws, and regulations. This included leading.
• Manage unit cost budgets, target setting, and performance.

Eden Prairie, MN, US

• Review and analyze provider contract proposals. Negotiate contract language and financial components of provider agreements.
• Manage the ongoing renegotiation of provider contracts to maintain competitive rate increases and amend contract terms to conform to Optum Standards and CDO’s business strategy, legal and regulatory requirements, and.
• Serve as the strategic owner for designated payer accounts and payer relations, fostering and sustaining strong relationships and serving as a reliable partner.
• Acted as the company spokesperson for Joint Operating Committee meetings with external stakeholders for clients, where I presented current initiatives to c-suite executives.
• Presented data analytics of all Provider Network-related issues: appeals, retention, negotiations, and cost-saving measures.
• Led and managed large-scale initiatives and cross-organizational projects effectively.

Eden Prairie, MN, US

• Dual role, leading the northeast region's Provider Relations and Network Contracting.
• Developed and conducted full-scale training for Provider Relations and Provider Contracting team members.
• Responsible for regional and network development and management of behavioral health plans, including lead vendor management.
• Own and drive strategic and operational priorities for network providers, leading and bringing in support from internal corporate departments as necessary.
• Lead implementation of new accounts/partnerships by identifying provider account management needs, and meeting network provider needs.
• Conduct internal and external Stakeholder meetings.

Saint Louis, MO, US

• Responsible for building and maintaining Provider networks that promote quality customer outcomes. Develop and implement activities for the recruitment, contracting and retention of effective providers to promote.
• Meet with contracted providers to establish long-term relationships, resolve operational issues, and collaborate regarding effective treatment modalities and outcomes.
• Developed market-specific provider network business plans, strategies, and goals, retaining existing provider base.
• Evaluate and negotiate contracts in compliance with company contract templates and reimbursement structure standards.
• Analyze Provider performance and profiling for intervention data.
• Analyzed provider appeals and Grievance data and presented it to senior leadership committees.

Boston, Massachusetts, US

• Negotiated savings of $2MM+ over three consecutive years.
• Implemented strategic contracting initiatives for large hospital systems
• Implemented National agreements with telehealth Providers.
• Partner with Physician and Provider Relations to identify, form relationships, and implement telehealth programs at outreach sites
• Participate in monthly and quarterly operating reports with Division and corporate leaders.
• Work with provider groups and vendor partners to report quality metrics and data consistently and accurately.

Bloomfield, CT, US

• Conduct full process cycle of negotiations and draft individual and group contracts.
• Research problems and negotiate with internal/external partners/customers to resolve highly complex and escalated and sensitive issues.
• Identify, develop, and oversee analyses, models, and tools for informed performance views.
• Collaborated with contracting and network development leadership to develop strategies for reducing costs, standardizing reimbursement methods, and maintaining competitive provider networks.
• Responds to provider inquiries, concerns, complaints, appeals, and grievances.
• Initiates and maintains effective channels of communication with providers and related office staff.

Healthcare Administration

Bachelor'S Degree, Creative Writing

Bachelor’S Degree, Communications / Writing

International/Global Studies

Master’S Degree, Health/Health Care Administration/Management