Collections Specialist

Job Description

Collections Specialist

McCurtain Memorial Hospital (hereinafter “MMH”) is an integrated healthcare system committed to delivering McCurtain County and southeastern Oklahoma with high quality, accessible healthcare – everything from emergent care in our 24-hour emergency room to surgical services. MMH is a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital (hereinafter “CAH”) equipped to offer a wide range of services to both in-patients and out-patients. Our skilled physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers are here to provide quality, compassionate care.

This position description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications which may be required of the employee assigned to the position. Depending on the size of the facility the job duties may vary. Receipt of the job description does not imply nor create a promise of employment, nor an employment contract of any kind; my employment with the Company is at will.

McCurtain Memorial Hospital is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Collections Specialist to join our revenue cycle team. The Collections Specialist will primarily be responsible for managing patient accounts and ensuring timely collection of outstanding balances. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills, a patient-focused approach, and the ability to effectively resolve billing issues with patients in a healthcare setting.

• Review and manage patient accounts to identify outstanding balances and initiate collection efforts.
• Contact patients via phone or letter to follow up on unpaid balances, discuss payment options, and establish payment arrangements.
• Assist patients in understanding their bills, charges, and financial obligations, offering support with payment plans and financial assistance programs as needed.
• Resolve billing disputes, discrepancies, and issues related to patient accounts in a professional and empathetic manner.
• Prepare and send collection letters and payment reminders to patients with outstanding balances.
• Maintain detailed and accurate records of all communications with patients regarding collections activity.
• Work with patients to set up and manage payment plans, ensuring payments are made according to the agreed terms.
• Provide information to patients about financial assistance programs or available resources to help with their balances.
• Ensure compliance with hospital policies, healthcare regulations, and privacy laws (HIPAA) during all interactions with patients.
• Regularly update management on the status of outstanding accounts and assist in reporting on collection metrics.
• Assist with month-end reconciliation and reporting of patient accounts receivable.
• Collaborate with other hospital departments to resolve patient concerns and issues related to billing.
• Perform other duties related to collections and patient accounts as assigned.

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Healthcare Administration, or related field preferred.
• Basic computer skills and data entry skills required.
• Previous experience in patient collections within a hospital or healthcare environment and working with financial assistance programs and payment plans is highly preferred.
• Strong understanding of healthcare billing practices and patient financial responsibility.
• Familiarity with medical terminology, hospital charges, and healthcare billing systems
• Strong communication and negotiation skills with the ability to handle difficult situations in a professional and empathetic manner.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management skills.
• Knowledge of HIPAA and healthcare privacy regulations.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently to resolve patient account issues.

• Ability to sit for extended periods while using a computer and engaging in phone conversations.
• Ability to lift and move files or documents as needed (up to 25 pounds).

McCurtain Memorial Hospital is an equal opportunity employer. By your signature below, you acknowledge receipt and understanding of the job description above, and you understand that while the hospital makes every attempt to fully and adequately define this job role, it is not possible to fully detail the day-to-day flexibility and ever-changing tasks that come with this role. You further acknowledge and understand that acceptance of this job description does not constitute a contract between you and McCurtain Memorial Hospital, and that MMH is an at-will employer headquartered in the State of Oklahoma.