Behavioral Health Front Desk/ Insurance Authorization Specialist

Position Summary:

The Behavioral Health Insurance Authorization Specialist & Front Desk Coordinator is a key member of our team, responsible for managing the insurance authorization process for behavioral health services, as well as handling essential front desk duties. This role requires strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to providing outstanding patient care. The ideal candidate will efficiently schedule appointments, verify insurance benefits, resolve insurance issues, maintain accurate records in our EMR system, and assist with payment collections.

Key Responsibilities:

Insurance Authorization:

• Verify insurance coverage for behavioral health services, ensuring accuracy of patient benefits and eligibility.
• Submit and track prior authorization requests to insurance companies, ensuring timely approvals for mental health and substance abuse services.
• Follow up on pending authorizations and work with insurance companies to resolve any denials or delays.
• Appeal denied authorizations by providing supporting documentation, working closely with healthcare providers.
• Maintain clear, accurate, and organized records of all insurance authorizations, approvals, and denials.
• Communicate with patients, providers, and insurance companies to keep them informed about the authorization status.

Front Desk Duties:

• Appointment Scheduling: Manage patient appointments by scheduling, rescheduling, and confirming appointments using our EMR system.
• Verification of Benefits: Perform verification of insurance benefits with patients prior to appointments, informing them of their coverage, co-payments, and any out-of-pocket costs.
• Insurance Problem Resolution: Assist patients in resolving insurance-related issues, including claims discrepancies, coverage questions, and authorization concerns.
• EMR Database Management: Accurately input patient information, insurance details, and authorization data into the Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system, ensuring records are kept up to date.
• Payment Collection: Collect and process co-payments, outstanding balances, and other payments at the time of service. Provide payment receipts and answer patient billing inquiries.
• Input Authorizations: Enter and update prior authorizations in the EMR system to ensure accurate billing and provider scheduling.
• Patient Check-In and Check-Out: Greet patients in a friendly and professional manner, ensuring smooth check-in and check-out processes.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent; Associate’s degree preferred.
• 1-2 years of experience in medical insurance authorization or billing (experience in behavioral health preferred).
• Familiarity with insurance verification, authorizations, and appeals processes.
• Proficiency in using Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems and insurance portals.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with behavioral health or mental health services.
• Knowledge of insurance policies, coding, and medical terminology.
• Experience with scheduling and patient-facing roles in a healthcare setting.

Work Environment: This position involves working in a healthcare office environment, interacting with patients, providers, and insurance representatives. The role may require sitting for extended periods, using a computer and phone.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.53 - $21.30 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Experience:

• Behavioral Health Prior Authorization: 1 year (Preferred)

Language:

• Spanish or any other languages (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• White Plains, MD 20695 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $21 - $21