Andrea Tietjen, CPA, MBA, Assistant Vice President of Transplant Administrative Services at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center’s Renal and Pancreas Division, saw an opportunity to bridge crucial gaps in the transplant community. Recognizing the need for deeper collaboration between transplant programs and payers, Tietjen spearheaded the revitalization of the Transplant Payer Collaborative under the Organ Donation and Transplantation Alliance (The Alliance).
Tietjen, widely respected in the transplant community and recently concluding her four-year tenure on the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) Board, continues to take on leadership roles that advance dialogue and collaboration across the field. She now serves on The Alliance Board of Directors and will co-chair the 2026 National Collaboration Forum on Transplant and Donation Management, bringing together leaders from across the donation and transplantation continuum to address emerging operational, policy, and system challenges.
“We need open dialogue and joint effort with payers,” says Tietjen. “Transplant programs cannot expand their impact if we operate in isolation. Understanding payer perspectives helps all to align goals around patient-centric solutions.”
Bridging Understanding Between Transplant Programs and Payers
Under Tietjen’s leadership, the Collaborative – guided by a seven-member Steering Committee – aims to create meaningful dialogue between transplant programs and key insurers such as Cigna, United, Aetna, Horizon, and Kaiser. This vision ensures equitable care by advocating strongly for underserved communities and smaller hospitals. “Every program, regardless of size, deserves the tools and support to effectively negotiate and communicate with payers,” says Tietjen. “Otherwise, we unintentionally create barriers that limit patient access.”
Tietjen recently organized and moderated an inaugural Conversation Series webinar, “Understanding the Payer Perspective: Center of Excellence Designation and Selection,” attracting over 200 transplant professionals eager to better navigate payer relationships. Featuring Dr. Dirk Slaker, the session offered rare insights into the payer landscape, equipping attendees with practical strategies to advocate for their patients and programs.
“We are all advocating for the same finite resources,” says Tietjen. “Transplant programs must clearly articulate patient needs, especially as new technologies and therapies intensify competition for healthcare funding. Clear communication helps programs to prioritize patients suffering from end-stage organ failure, ensuring continued access to lifesaving care.”
Importance of Multidisciplinary Leadership
Tietjen’s influential role extends beyond the Collaborative. She is actively engaged in numerous leadership positions, including serving as Chair of several American Society of Transplantation committees and workgroups. At Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, her role encompasses finance, billing, quality, data analytics, social work, and research. Partnering closely with her clinical counterpart, Marie Morgievich, MSN, Tietjen prides herself on staying actively involved in daily operations. “Being hands-on allows us to truly understand the needs of our patients and staff. It makes us effective leaders and advocates,” says Tietjen.
Tietjen credits her upbringing in Kearny, New Jersey, for shaping her adventurous and collaborative spirit. Growing up within sight of Manhattan’s skyline sparked her lifelong passion for exploration and learning. Encouraged by her parents’ practical advice to pursue meaningful careers, Tietjen flourished at Rutgers University, establishing the foundation for her impactful career in healthcare administration.
Her mentor, the late Dr. Shamkant Mulgaonkar, profoundly influenced her professional path. Recognized nationally for his transformative contributions to transplantation, Dr. Mulgaonkar introduced Tietjen to the dynamic intersection of healthcare and finance. “He saw the importance of multidisciplinary leadership – clinical, psychosocial, and financial,” says Tietjen. “Applying my accounting background to improve patient care has been profoundly rewarding and something I never anticipated.”
Continuous Learning with Strong Bonds
Tietjen’s neighborhood embodies a nostalgic sense of community, where lifelong friendships thrive. Committed to personal growth, she dedicates each year to learning a new skill, from languages to creative arts, exemplifying her belief in staying engaged and intellectually curious. Rather than make New Year’s resolutions, she challenges herself to learn something new. This year, she has committed to revitalizing her Spanish with Duolingo.
Family remains central to Tietjen’s life, especially evident in her passion for cooking cherished Italian recipes passed down from her grandmother. “Gathering my family around favorite dishes brings me immense joy,” says Tietjen. “It’s a beautiful reminder of our traditions and the strong bonds we’ve built together.”
