What are the responsibilities and job description for the Patient Account Specialist, Patient Financial Services position at Northwestern Medical Center?
Patient Account Specialist
JOB SUMMARY:
Under general supervision of the Revenue Cycle Manager, the Patient Account Specialist is responsible for all activities related to the transfer of patient accounts to the extended business office. Exercises tact and diplomacy to ensure good patient relations, projects a creditable and professional image of Northwestern Medical Center and Patient Financial Services. Displays sensitivity to patient concerns, and confidential financial information. Performs activities in compliance with hospital policies and state and federal collection, consumer protection and privacy regulations.
PRE-REQUISITES:
Education: High School Diploma or GED required. Associates Degree preferred
Experience: 2 years business office experience preferred. Attention to detail and excellent customer service essential
Special Skills: Excellent interpersonal, communication (written and oral), and negotiating skills are essential. Must be articulate and able to listen and relate to patients with compassion and empathy. Independent work habits and excellent judgement are important, requires strong analytical and organizational skills.
RELATIONSHIPS:
- Reports To:
- Revenue Cycle Manager
- Supervises:
- Other Contacts:
- Patients, Guarantors, Families, Patient Financial Service Staff, All Hospital departments, collection agencies, attorneys for patient and hospital, credit bureau.
SCOPE:
- Machinery or Equipment Used:
- Computer and basic office equipment.
- Physical Demands:
- Sitting for long periods of time, standing and walking, occasionally lifting, manual dexterity and mobility.
- Working Conditions:
- Medical office environment.
- Required Protective Equipment: as the situation dictates
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Responsible for the reconciliation and transfer of patient account balances to our extended business office, and our bad debt collector, including the resolution of credit balance accounts.
Acts as a conduit to our patients for our financial assistance program.
Aids our uninsured or underinsured population in acquiring health insurance.
Provides service estimates to patients as requested.
Exercises tact and diplomacy and works to maintain a professional, efficient and courteous response to all inquiries.
Attends all department meeting and is prepared to report current issues in those meetings; communicates effectively and efficiently in team meetings.
Actively seeks to improve knowledge and experience in healthcare billing and reform.
Meets productivity and performance standards as set by the department manager.
Follows all policies and procedures of the department and takes an active role in process improvement within the department.
Works effectively with patients as assigned in the timely resolution of accounts.
