What are the responsibilities and job description for the Collections Representative position at Advocate Aurora Health?
Major Responsibilities:
- Responsible for continued follow-up on all assigned accounts in order to obtain high cash flow until the account is either paid/resolved, the work standard complete and the account can be referred to a collection agency or is deemed uncollectable.
- Contacts patients, employer, insurance companies and government agencies either by telephone or mail in order to expedite payment.
- Establishes effective working relationship with patients, collection agencies, vendors and internal departments to effectively resolve account issues.
- Handles patient, internal department, third party agency, vendor requests/inquiries and complaints in regards to bad debt collection process. Resolves patient complaints concerning billing and collection functions using good human relations skills and sound credit procedures.
- Interprets insurance verification, billing, follow-up, collection and legal information provided for each patient account to accurately resolve patient questions and account issues. Effectively documents all accounts in regard to why the account has been opened, process documentation and actions taken to resolve outstanding issues.
- Handles the accounting of settlement offers, vendor remits, and cash posting issues related to bad debt accounts. Responsible for learning, understanding, and performing actions in all patient billing systems, both past and present, to assure proper handling of all bad debt accounts.
- Maintains the lowest possible ratio of bad debt expense write-off by employing good collection methods.
- Maintains and reconciles records of placements to third party agencies. Reconciles differences between bad debt balances and third party records.
- Watches for trends in agency or patient billing issues and alerts management.
Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:
- None Required.
Education Required:
- High School Graduate.
Experience Required:
- Typically requires 2 years of experience in insurance processing, collections, or customer service.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, as well as the ability to quickly learn new systems and processes.
- Excellent oral and written communications skills.
- Proven negotiation skills.
- Ability to quickly review information and make decisions.
- Flexibility to work special projects and new job assignments as business needs dictate.
- Medical insurance billing, account, and/or legal process knowledge.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
- Must be able to sit the majority of the workday.
- Occasionally lifts up to 10 lbs. when moving/lifting manuals and binders.
- Exposed to a normal office environment.
- Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.
This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.
