Job Search Status
Not actively lookingDesired Job Title
Managed CarePayer StrategistLocation Preference
RemoteHybridLocation: Raleigh, NC
Open to relocation: No
Hi, I’m
Colleen Thedieck
Creedmoor,NC
Work Preference
Summary
Strategic healthcare executive with extensive experience in managed care, provider contracting, and value-based payment models. Proven ability to lead teams, negotiate high-impact contracts, and drive financial and operational efficiencies. Adept at leveraging AI tools, process automation, and payer relationship management to optimize reimbursement strategies and improve care delivery models.
Results-driven leader with strong background in strategic management and organizational growth. Skilled in developing and implementing effective business strategies, optimizing processes, and driving team performance. Known for adaptability, effective collaboration, and delivering measurable outcomes in dynamic environments. Strong communication and problem-solving abilities, coupled with focus on fostering productive and positive team culture.
Overview
15
years of professional experience
Work History
WakeMed Health & Hospitals
Director, Managed Care
12.2023 - Current
Job overview
- Established & Led High-Performing Team: Recruited and developed a two-member managed care team within 8 months, enhancing contract management and payer negotiations
- Introduced AI-driven analytics tools to identify payment discrepancies, streamline claim settlements, and optimize reimbursement cycles
- Recovered $600K+ in Previously Written-Off Revenue: Recouped over $600K in settlements from payors by conducting a deep-dive root cause analysis and renegotiating underpaid claims
- Took a 'fresh start' approach to payer relations, improving contract transparency and strengthening long-term partnerships
- Optimized Interdepartmental Communication & Efficiency: Developed a SharePoint portal housing SOPs, contract templates, and key resources, reducing confusion and empowering independent decision-making
- Redesigned workflows to cut 10+ hours of unnecessary meetings per week, reallocating time toward strategic initiatives
Vaya Health
Physical Health Contract Manager, Managed Care
05.2023 - 12.2023
Job overview
- Spearheaded a statewide contracting strategy to achieve 100% county network status before the 2024 Tailored Plan launch
- Negotiated and finalized 55% hospital participation in the Tailored Plan by streamlining LOI processes and optimizing provider engagement strategies
BlueCross NC
Principal Provider Contracting Analyst
04.2019 - 03.2023
Job overview
- Executed BlueCross NC’s first non-cumulative reimbursement contract for the state’s largest ambulatory surgery provider, Surgical Care Associates
- Led contracting and reimbursement negotiations, focusing on value-based care adoption and financial sustainability
UnitedHealthcare
Senior Contract Manager
06.2010 - 03.2019
Job overview
- Designed a national strategy using Triple Aim principles to reimburse healthcare systems based on their ability to improve quality of care
- Negotiated provider agreements that aligned financial incentives with patient outcomes, driving value-based contract adoption
Education
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Master of Healthcare Administration
01.2008
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
B.S. from Public Health Administration
01.2004
Skills
- Managed Care & Provider Contracting
- Value-Based Payment Models
- AI & Process Automation for Healthcare
- Payer Relations & Negotiations
- Revenue Recovery & Reimbursement Strategy
- Healthcare Finance & Budgeting
- Workflow Optimization & SharePoint Development
- Cross-Functional Team Leadership
- Relationship building
- Decision-making
- Strategic planning
- Verbal and written communication
Next Steps
- A specific formatting style recommendation?
- A customized summary tailored to a target job?
- Help with cover letter writing?
Timeline
Director, Managed Care
WakeMed Health & Hospitals
12.2023 - Current
Physical Health Contract Manager, Managed Care
Vaya Health
05.2023 - 12.2023
Principal Provider Contracting Analyst
BlueCross NC
04.2019 - 03.2023
Senior Contract Manager
UnitedHealthcare
06.2010 - 03.2019
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
B.S. from Public Health Administration
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Master of Healthcare Administration