What are the responsibilities and job description for the Patient Accounts Specialist position at Orthopaedic Associates?
Job Overview:
The Patient Account Specialist is a crucial role within the healthcare industry, responsible for managing and maintaining accurate patient accounts and ensuring timely and efficient billing and collections processes. This role requires exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and strong communication abilities to interact with patients, insurance companies, and internal stakeholders. The Patient Account Specialist plays a vital role in maintaining financial stability for healthcare organizations while providing excellent customer service to patients.
Key Responsibilities:
Patient Account Management:
- Maintain patient accounts in the billing system, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information.
- Verify patient demographics, insurance coverage, and eligibility to ensure accurate billing and reimbursement.
- Review patient accounts for balances, credits, over adjustments, errors, or discrepancies and take appropriate actions to resolve them.
- Handle confidential patient information in compliance with HIPAA regulations.
Patient Inquiries and Customer Service:
- Respond to patient inquiries, concerns, and complaints related to billing, insurance, and account balances.
- Provide clear and accurate explanations of insurance coverage, claims, and financial responsibilities to patients.
- Assist patients in setting up payment plans, and resolving billing disputes.
- Maintain a high level of professionalism and empathy when interacting with patients, exhibiting exceptional customer service skills.
Qualifications and Skills:
- High school diploma or equivalent; associate or bachelor's degree in healthcare administration or related field is a plus.
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage large volumes of data accurately.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills to investigate and resolve orthopaedic billing issues.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills to interact with patients, insurance companies, and internal stakeholders.
- Familiarity with HIPAA regulations and ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
- Ability to multitask, prioritize workload, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
