NOTE: There are no standard definitions for position titles in the industry. Our position descriptions are intended to be all encompassing. The more specific the position description, the less applicable it becomes to all participating practices and influences the amount of data reported. Please read the description and select the position title that most closely reflects the responsibilities of the employee.
Associate/Assistant Medical Director
- Position requires candidate to be a licensed physician;
- Time is devoted to both administrative duties and the delivery of healthcare services; and
- Typically assists the medical director in all respects, from the administration of medical care and clinical services to utilization review and medical protocol development. If there are multiple associate/assistant medical directors, the functional areas of medical administration are usually divided up among physicians with this position title.
Chief Medical Officer (CMO)
- Elected by the medical staff and acts as a liaison between the medical staff and administration;
- Ensures that projects and policies are completed in a timely manner;
- Principle duty is to ensure that the executive decisions are carried out and oversee that staff members follow these guidelines; and
- Required to be a licensed physician.
Medical Director
- Position requires candidate to be a licensed physician;
- The senior medical administrative position within a medical practice;
- Physician’s time is devoted to both administrative duties and the delivery of healthcare services;
- In larger organizations, there may be more than one medical director;
- Responsible for all activities related to the delivery of medical care and clinical services such as cost management, utilization review, quality assurance, and medical protocol development; and
- Typically oversees the activities of group physicians, including the recruiting and credentialing processes.
Physician CEO/President
- Position requires candidate to be a licensed physician;
- Usually found in larger practices or in some form of an integrated system or network, such as physician hospital organization (PHO) or management services organization (MSO);
- Since administrative duties are substantial, the delivery of healthcare services is minimal;
- Develops and monitors organizational policy with other management personnel and board of directors;
- Responsible for the overall operation of the organization, including patient care and contract relations;
- Oversees activities related to the growth and expansion of the organization;
- Plays a major role in the organization’s strategic process; and
- Typically serves as the liaison between the organization, the community, and the board of directors.