What are the responsibilities and job description for the Cost Estimate I position at Physicians East?
Job Title: Cost Estimates I
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
About us
Physicians East, P.A.is a team of skilled healthcare professionals united to meet the challenge of delivering quality, cost-efficient, comprehensive healthcare to the people of Eastern North Carolina.
Location & commitments
FT/PT/Temp/PRN role based at our Greenville (other) location, Monday-Friday, 8a.m. – 5 p.m.
Overtime may be required to ensure patients are taken care, tasks are completed, and calls are returned in a timely manner.
Weekend work is rare but can occasionally be necessary.
Supervision Received: Reports to Operations Supervisor
Supervision Exercised: None.
Typical Physical Demands: Work requires sitting for long periods of time, some stooping, bending, and stretching may be required. Requires manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, type a minimum of 40-wpm, telephone, fax machine and any other office equipment as necessary. Work is performed in a high-volume office environment. Involves frequent communication with patients, staff members and other medical facilities.
Typical Working Conditions:
Work is performed in a high-volume office environment, which can be stressful at times. Involves frequent communication with patients, staff members and other medical facilities.
About the role
Responsible for the research, investigation, and resolution of outstanding medical patient accounts receivable. Responsible for communications with the ability to resolve patient inquiries and negotiate payment plans; distribute and monitor calls requiring additional research and receiving payment. Maintain assigned accounts receivables at appropriate levels. Contact patients and insurance carriers on delinquent accounts.
Responsibilities
(This list may not include all the duties assigned.)
- Contacting patients by telephone to secure acceptable payments, payment arrangements, and or obtaining necessary medical billing insurance information.
- Answer incoming calls promptly and courteously.
- Relay messages to staff using phone notes in Centricity
- Track and monitor outstanding accounts receivable balances for determination of next steps in the medical collections process.
- Collecting co-payments by phone that may not have been obtained at the time of service.
- Review prior authorization status and benefits in order contact patients and collect payment for surgery and diagnostic procedures, prior to the appointment date.
- Communicate with scheduling department when appointments need to be rescheduled due to non-payment.
- Provide clear communication and excellent customer service on collection issues to patients, and internal business associates (physicians, office staff, management, etc.).
- Updating the practice management billing system to identify actions that have been taken on the account.
- Adhering to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and all applicable HIPAA, state/National laws governing the collection of outstanding medical accounts receivable.
- Processing patient financial assistance discount applications, using established Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- Negotiate and advise on collection of overdue bills and take appropriate action to recover overdue payments
- Responsible for developing, implementing, maintaining, and managing organization policies on collection practices
- Completes work request timely and in accordance with instruction and production goals.
- Performs all the tasks necessary to maintain current and accurate account information in each of the appropriate systems (i.e., entering notes, claims on hold).
- Brings problems and troubling accounts, as well as related questions, to his/her immediate supervisor’s attention daily.
- Work with supervisor to resolve patient complaints/disputes regarding billing.
- Responsible for individual till including cash, checks and credit cards and balancing funds with encounter tickets and transactions entered.
- Perform other duties/projects as assigned by management
Candidate requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent; 2-year degree preferred.
- At least 2-3 years of relevant experience in medical office setting.
- Clear, professional communication skills, specifically telephone voice and technique.
- Customer service oriented.
- Must display a high level of confidentiality integrity and initiative.
- Experience with an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) and practice management system is required. Proficiency utilizing Microsoft Office suite of products
- Knowledge of Medicare/Medicaid and major insurance carriers preferred.
- Working knowledge of ICD-9 / CPT medical coding and billing, and medical terminology preferred.
- Strong analytical and research skills.
- Ability to submit appeals with supportive medical documentation.
- Ability to apply correct deductible, co-insurance, co-payment.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Physicians, patients, employees, and the public.
- Must be well organized and detail oriented.
Affirmative Action/EEO statement
Physicians East, P.A.is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, religion, creed, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity, which includes status as a transgender individual), national origin or ancestry, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information (including family medical history), physical or mental disability, or other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodation will be made for persons with disabilities during the application process and/or at the time of employment. Requests for accommodation should be made to the Human Resources Department as early as possible in the application/employment process. Contact HR Office at 252-413-6368 or email careers@physicianseast.com
Disclaimer
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
