Patient Collections

Description

Requirements

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

· Takes payments by collecting patient balances due

· Handles and routes inbound patient collection calls as assigned in a professional and courteous manner.

· Answers billing inquiries from patients and practice staff.

· Batches and sends patient statements both electronically and paper.

· Works returned mail.

· Uses worklist reports to determine a follow-up schedule for contacting patients regarding outstanding accounts.

· Prepares patient collection letters.

· Arranges for debt repayment and/or establishes repayment schedules, based on customer’s financial situations.

· Reviews and responds to all bankruptcy notices and court requirements.

· Maintains documentation of accounts to be placed with collection agency.

· Perform various administrative functions for assigned accounts, such as recording address changes and purging the records of deceased customers. 

· Maintains advanced knowledge of physician billing and accounts receivable systems.

· Meets department production standards consistently as defined by department management.

· Maintains working knowledge of the EMR and clearinghouse systems along with any technology needed for the position.

· Meets department production standards consistently as defined by management.

· Other duties as assigned and/or requested by your supervisor or management.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: 

· Excellent working knowledge of bill collection strategies, insurance payers, and the A/R revenue billing lifecycle.

· Knowledge of reimbursement methodologies and procedures associated with each payer type including: HMO, POS, PPO, Indemnity.

· Knowledge of arithmetic and mathematical applications.

· Knowledge of CPT, ICD-9, and ICD-10 codes.

· Knowledge of Medicare Parts A and B insurance and reimbursement procedures.

· Knowledge of office policies and procedures to accurately answer questions from staff, physicians, and patients.

· Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, Microsoft Office, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

· Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

· Knowledge and correct usage of medical terminology.

· Ability to navigate and effectively use EMR, practice management system, and clearinghouse. Knowledge and experience with Epic EMR system is preferred.

· Ability to reach and understand explanation of benefits statements.

· Ability to council patients financially regarding outstanding charges & effectively resolve issues at the highest level of customer service.

· Ability to research and analyze data, draw conclusions, and resolve issues; read, interpret, and apply policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.

· Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.

· Ability to effectively and clearly communicate in writing, over the telephone, and in person with physicians, office staff, and patients.

· Ability to work as part of a team and promote a positive work environment.

· Ability to listen and understand information and ideas and adjust actions accordingly while exercising independent judgement.

· Ability to comply with all facility policies, procedures, and practices, and follow directions from supervisor.

· Ability to maintain professional attire and report to work on time/as scheduled.

· Ability to complete continued education/training requirements as requested.

· Ability to represent the organization in a positive and professional manner at all times / Ability to communicate the mission, ethics and goals of the organization.

· Ability to apply feedback, participate in performance improvement, and continuous quality improvement activities.

· Skilled in reviewing health care delivery against established guidelines for accurate and timely payment posting.

· Skilled in organization, attention to detail, and task prioritization.

· Skilled in ability to exercise independent judgement and ability to proactively look for ways to help people.

· Skilled in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

· Skilled in understanding patient needs to provide exceptional customer service.

Education and Experience:

· High school diploma or GED required, associate's degree or higher preferred.

· 2-3 years of experience in Physician Billing Revenue Cycle and Central Business Office setting.

· Experience and understanding of different payer types and EOBs.

· 2-3 years of experience working in patient collections.