Patient Accounts Specialist

Description

Position Information

$15-18 per hour

Full-time (40 hours per week)

10 Paid Holidays off per Year

PTO - 4 Weeks Accrued per Year

401K Match up to 4%

Health Benefits Start Day 1 (Medical/Dental/Vision/Etc.)

Position Summary 

The Patient Accounts Specialist provides medical office tasks that include, accounts receivable, collections, financial assistance, and insurance denials, in accordance with the Heartland Health Services’ (HHS) mission, strategic goals, federal and state laws and regulations, performance and outcome objectives, and accreditation standards. 

Essential Functions

• Reviews and corrects all insurance denials. 
• Assists patients with billing concerns. 
• Works assigned work queues. 
• Updates all patient demographic and insurance information in practice management system as needed. 
• Keeps apprised of insurance changes and billing codes. 
• Maintains competency in the areas of billing, follow up, and collection procedures. 
• Follows department protocol for reconciling accounts. 
• Follows up with third party payers of denied, underpaid claims. 
• Documents, in practice management system, results of collection efforts. 
• Accesses and downloads electronic remittances as needed from various sites. 
• Advises manager of problems, issues and questions that arise and may affect the operation of department and additional sites.  
• Participates in orientation and training of any newly hired billing staff and externs as requested by supervisor. 
• Develops and maintains a positive working relationship with department personnel and outside agencies. 
• Works all Financial Assistance applications, self-pay accounts and works with collection agency if assigned with responsibility. Reviews financial assistance data in patient account and applies appropriate discount amounts. Only when assigned responsibility.  
• Other duties as assigned. 
• Supports clinic compliance with all applicable federal, state, local, and HHS rules, regulations, protocols, and procedures governing the clinical provision of medical services as well as those relating to, but not limited to, workplace safety, public health, and confidentiality. 
• Supports and is involved in HHS’s continuous quality improvement efforts designed to improve patient outcomes.  
• Works in consultation with clinical teams, direct clinical support staff, and indirect clinical support staff to develop and implement policies and procedures that maximize patient-centered communication and services. 
• Maintains and assures confidentiality of patient information in accordance with HHS’s policies.  
• Reports building/equipment problems through the appropriate channels. 
• Performs any clerical duty or department related task as assigned by supervisor in a continuously changing medical practice. 
• Attends all staff meetings, department meetings, and any other meetings as required.  

Requirements

Job Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required. 
• Professional coding certification preferred (e.g., CPC/AAPC, CCS/AHIMA, CBCS/NHA, etc.). 
• Ability to read, write and perform mathematical calculations at a level generally acquired through high school. 
• Requires touch typing and computer skills. 
• Understanding of CPT, ICD-10 coding, medical terminology preferred. 
• Requires analytical ability to organize and prioritize workload and review patient accounts for unpaid charges. 
• Requires interpersonal skills to deal effectively with patients and third-party payers when attempting to collect unpaid balances. 
• Knowledge of accounts receivable process.