Patient Accounts Specialist

Northwest Orthopaedic Specialists is adding another Patient Accounts Specialist to our growing team.  The Patient Account Specialist conducts collection of accounts receivable and past due accounts. The Patients Accounts Specialist is responsible for promptly and efficiently responding to requests for cost estimates on minor and major surgical procedures as well as ensuring accurate collection of payment prior to scheduled appointment. The Patients Accounts Specialist processes account inquiries from patients, takes appropriate action to resolve inquiries, and works with patients to secure payment on outstanding account balances.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Review status of delinquent accounts that appear on the monthly aging report and initiate collection action to resolve unpaid balances in accordance with department policies and procedures.
2. Create cost estimates for minor and major surgical procedures based on available insurance plan and benefits information and work with patients and guarantors to secure payment in accordance with department policies and procedures.
3. Make outbound and handle incoming calls related to outstanding balances, delinquent accounts, cost estimates, account adjustments, small balance write off, customer reconciliations, processing credits, posting, etc.
4. Work both internal and external collections processes according to organizational policy.
5. Identify problem accounts and escalate as appropriate.
6. Create a positive patient experience through listening, ensuring timely resolution and handling patients with a professional attitude.
7. Identify and resolve any overpayments and/or duplicate payments. Process refund requests in accordance with policies and procedures.
8. Available to attend court hearings as required by 3rd party collection vendor.
9. Escalate patient complaints to the appropriate individual or department based on the nature of the complaint.
10. Meet and maintain established department performance metrics for quality and production.
11. Maintains strictest confidentiality and adheres to all HIPPA guidelines/regulations.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Communication- Communicates clearly, concisely, and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
• Interpersonal Skills- Able to work effectively with other employees, patients and external parties.
• PC Skills- demonstrates proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, knowledge of modern office equipment and EMR applications.
• Collections - Knowledge of current collection laws and bankruptcy laws/guidelines.
• Policies and Procedures- Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of organizational policies, procedures and systems.
• Basic Skills- Demonstrates ability to organize, perform and track multiple tasks accurately; ability to manage multiple demands in an efficient manner; able to work independently as well as collaboratively as a team player; demonstrates analytical and problem solving skills; and able to perform basic reconciliation and balancing.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Experience & Training: To perform this job successfully, an individual must meet the minimum qualifications listed below.  These qualifications are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required to perform this job.

Required—

• High School Graduate or GED
• At least one year of prior medical billing, coding, collections, or surgery estimating experience.
• Healthcare information systems, such as electronic health record and practice management systems experience.

Preferred—

• Certified Professional Biller (CPB) certification with AAPC.
• Some collections experience.

BENEFITS:

NWOS offers a robust benefits package to our employees and their families. Our benefit plans include:

• Medical Insurance 
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Basic Life & ADD Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Short Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Life & ADD Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Employee Assistance Program
• Voluntary AFLAC Options
• 401k Employer Match
• 401k Profit Sharing
• PTO
• 7 paid holidays

Wage Range: $17.03 to $26.40

Related: Billing, Collection, Customer Service

Salary : $17 - $26