What are the responsibilities and job description for the Collections Specialist position at CMU Health?
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:
The Collection Specialist works in direct support of one or more clinical programs in the management and oversight of responsibilities related to patient receivables including the following: verification of insurance information, implementation and oversight of patient payment plans, processes related to patient statements and assignment of accounts to third party collection agency.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Reviews accounts identified as Self Pay to ensure patients have no billable insurance plan.
- Collects delinquent accounts, establishes payment arrangements with patients, and follows up to ensure that delinquent accounts are being paid.
- Evaluates delinquent accounts and initiates collection processes in accordance with organizational guidelines.
- Point of contact with the collection-agency regarding collection account referrals, payment receipts and processing and identification of legal cases.
- Initiates payment claims against estates. Checks deaths monthly to see if a patient has an unpaid balance.
- Handles bankruptcy accounts. Collects all accounts written off to bad debt, and files a copy with the bankruptcy office. Advises the bankruptcy office of paid-out accounts, if any.
- Handles all purge-off accounts and reports them to collection agencies.
- Assist patients, or guarantors, with financial obligations including self-pay discounts, financial assistance qualifications, payment plans and cost of care.
- Working relationship with clinical departments, and front desk leadership, on delinquent accounts.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
- None
WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Periods of time spent sitting at a desk performing work, often involving a computer, keyboard, and eye strain.
- General office working environment which can become very busy with frequent interruptions requiring mental focus and concentration.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Three years’ medical billing and collection experience preferred.
- Experience managing patient collections.
- Clerical and office support work coupled with keyboarding, and computer proficiency.
