Kanisha Aikin
KATY,TX
Summary
Dynamic Clinical Leader and award-winning healthcare strategist with a proven track record in optimizing operations, driving digital transformation, and advancing patient-centered care. Recognized for excellence in clinical leadership and innovation through the 2025 SAGES of Clinical Services Award. Skilled in leveraging technology, data analytics, and cross-functional collaboration to streamline workflows, reduce costs, and improve outcomes. Passionate about bridging clinical expertise with emerging technologies to shape the future of healthcare delivery.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Health Services Consultant
Optum, UnitedHealth Group
Houston
06.2022 - Current
- Support pre-service quality program oversight for SNF, IRF, and LTAC settings through prior authorization and clinical review processes.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to support new contract implementations and workflow optimization.
- Implemented automated systems and digital health platforms to optimize prior authorization workflows, improving turnaround time by 18% and supporting AI-driven decision-making.
- Reduced acute care length of stay (LOS) by 13% through targeted enhancements in prior authorization workflows.
- Follow Job Aids and hierarchy trees to accurately identify and apply correct policies during prior authorization processes.
- Adapted strategies and processes to meet evolving business needs, ensuring continued success in dynamic, high-pressure environments.
- Contributed to the rollout and optimization of enhanced prior authorization workflows.
- Developed and presented data-driven insights stakeholders and leadership teams.
Physical Therapist III
Memorial Hermann Rehabilitation Hospital - Katy
Katy, TX
01.2011 - 06.2022
- Served on leadership teams to design and implement staff training and orientation programs, ensuring consistent, high-quality clinical practices aligned with organizational goals and compliance standards.
- Supported the use of digital platforms and automated systems to streamline clinical workflows and enhance patient care coordination.
- Contributed to the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of service offerings, aligning care delivery with patient needs, clinical best practices, and organizational goals.
- Facilitated knowledge transfer and operational alignment across clinical and administrative teams, supporting scalable onboarding and performance excellence.
- Strategically optimized therapy interventions to enhance patient recovery timelines, improving cost-efficiency and aligning with value-based care initiatives.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams and executive leadership to ensure cohesive patient care delivery, acting as a liaison between clinical operations and strategic decision-makers.
- Conducted regular data analysis to identify cost drivers and inefficiencies, implementing strategies that improved patient outcomes while reducing healthcare expenditures.
Education
Masters of Healthcare Administration -
Capella University
09.2025 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Health Information Management Systems
Southwest Texas State University
San Marcos, TX2003
Master of Science - Physical Therapy
Texas State University - San Marcos
San Marcos, TX2006
Skills
- Clinical Relationship Development
- Policy Interpretation & Compliance
- Pre-Service Review
- Healthcare Project Management
- Healthcare Data Analysis
- Cross-functional Team Leadership
- Strategic Advancement & Execution
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Healthcare Operations Management
- Clinical criteria interpretation (InterQual)
- Automated Database Management Systems
- Clinical Criteria Navigation
Accomplishments
2025 SAGES of clinical services award - Honored for exceptional leadership and innovation in clinical service delivery. This recognition is awarded to clinicians who exemplify the core values of integrity, compassion, inclusion, relationships, innovation, and performance.
Certification
McKinsey Leadership Essentials Program (2025) – UHG Office of Inclusion and Belonging & Enterprise Talent Office
Social Responsibility
- Girl Scout Troop Leader
- Dyslexia & Neuro-diversity Advocate
- Houston Foodbank Volunteer
- Bread of Life Volunteer
Growth Mindset
Organizations:
- SHADES in technology member
- Connected Cities - Houston Co-Lead
- Women of Color Collective Advisory Board Leader
- Leadership Mentoring Circle Steering Committee
- Women LEAD ERG Member
- Black Experience ERG member
- Disability Inclusion ERG Member