Clinical Performance Specialist

Position Title: Clinical Performance Specialist

Department: Clinical Performance

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Revision Date: June 2026

ORGANIZATION

Answer Health is a high performing, integrated physician network serving independent practices and providers across Western Michigan. We represent over 200 independent practices, providing tools, infrastructure, and support required to adapt to a rapidly changing health care environment.

We offer a wide range of value-added services designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of independent practices, including: payer contracting, contract support, quality improvement, utilization/ cost management, performance reporting, care management/coordination, referral management, group purchasing, practice promotion, recruitment/retention, and insurance.

AH Mission

“To help patients and independent medical practices thrive.”

AH Vision

“Answer Health is the premier practice choice ​for independent providers and their patients.”

AH Commitments AH Values

We make service our #1 priority = committed, passionate, responsive

We are forward thinking = progressive, creative, innovative

We are dependable = accurate, reliable, trustworthy

We are a team = collaborative, supportive, respectful

We are proud of our organization = dedicated, invested, engaged

JOB SUMMARY

The Answer Health Clinical Performance Specialist supports performance and practice transformation across Answer Health member practices. They serve as a resource and subject matter expert for network and payer incentive programs. In collaboration with data analysts, they develop actionable performance reports identifying the effectiveness of existing processes and improvement opportunities. In this role, they engage both operational and clinical leadership within practices to drive positive, sustainable changes and results related in support of providing the right care, at the right time, in the right place and for the right cost. A successful Clinical Performance Specialist demonstrates strong communication skills, a service-oriented mindset, and experience with diverse practice dynamics. This position offers an opportunity to work in a complex and adaptive environment, where your performance improvement skills will directly impact provider, practice, and organizational success.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The roles and responsibilities of this job support our organization's culture, mission, vision, values, and key strategies. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Work with partnered primary care and specialist practices on payer incentive programs, including quality, utilization/cost, patient experience, and performance reporting.

2. Provide both face-to-face and virtual interaction with practice contacts and leadership to support communication of network and payer initiatives.

3. Assist with practice workgroups, meetings, webinars related to process improvement work.

4. Contribute meaningfully to the Clinical Performance department’s performance improvement initiatives, activities, and reporting.

5. Support the development, implementation, and monitoring of evidence-based care pathways and clinical standards.

6. Coordinate with the Clinical Informatics team to provide analytical and technical support to Answer Health initiatives and projects.

7. Engage in payer and programs meetings in support of process and performance improvement.

Skills and abilities:

1. Ability to develop positive, longitudinal relationships with practice managers, clinicians, and work colleagues.

2. Ability to work autonomously, with strong time management, priority setting, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

3. Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.

4. Familiarity with third-party payer programs, for example, ACO, HEDIS, PCMH, PGIP, PIP, etc.

5. Working knowledge of HIPAA guidelines and protocols, and maintain confidentiality.

6. Ability to function effectively in a fluid, dynamic, and rapidly changing environment.

7. Competency in the use of a variety of computer hardware and software systems.

Physical Effort: The job includes limited physical demands, typical of the job that include regular walking, standing, stooping, bending, sitting, typing, use of phone, and some lifting of light-weight objects.

Mental & Visual Fatigue: Work may produce mental/visual fatigue. Detailed, interactive work requiring alertness and concentration for sustained periods of time; operation and full attention to a computer.

Answer Health is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to allow them to perform the essential functions of their position.

Required Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s Degree from an Accredited College or University in a healthcare related field or equivalent work experience in healthcare.

2. Minimum of three years of experience working on quality and process improvement initiatives with practice management and clinicians.

Preferred Qualifications:

· Previous experience working with an independent Physician Organization, a network of physicians, or a relevant role within a third-party payer.

· Experience working with/in electronic medical records and/or registry systems/population health tools.

Other:

All employees must ensure that services are provided in accordance with state and federal regulations, organizational policy, and accreditation and compliance requirements.

Employees are expected to demonstrate reliable attendance and are expected to demonstrate by attitude and action their recognition of the necessity of positive and professional interaction with co-workers and the critical importance of effective and respectful communication with co-workers, staff of other affiliates, customers, patients, and visitors.

All employees are expected to work as team members, helping others contribute to Answer Health's overall success. Satisfaction of these core expectations is considered an essential function of all positions at Answer Health.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• quality and process improvement: 3 years (Required)

Work Location: In person