Patient Accounts Specialist

Position Summary

The Patient Accounts Specialist supports patients in understanding their financial responsibilities, sets up payment arrangements, and manages outstanding balances. This role works closely with billing and front-desk staff to ensure accurate information, timely collections, and an overall positive patient experience.

Key Responsibilities

Patient Financial Counseling

• Review insurance benefits and expected out-of-pocket costs with patients.
• Provide procedure cost estimates and explain deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
• Assist uninsured or underinsured patients with payment options.

In-House Collections

• Monitor accounts with outstanding balances and perform outreach (calls, emails, statements).
• Set up and maintain payment plans according to practice policy.
• Follow up on cosmetic balances, no-show fees, and other non-insurance charges.
• Document all collection efforts accurately in the practice management system.

Billing & Insurance Coordination

• Resolve claim issues affecting patient balances.
• Explain EOBs to patients and clarify reasons for outstanding amounts.
• Verify insurance as needed to confirm patient responsibility.
• Obtain prior authorization as-needed for scheduled procedures

Customer Service

• Provide empathetic, professional communication regarding sensitive financial matters.
• Address questions about statements, charges, and insurance discrepancies.

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Experience in medical billing, patient financial services, or collections
• Strong knowledge of insurance terminology
• Excellent communication and customer-service skills
• High attention to detail and accurate documentation

Preferred:

• Experience in dermatology or specialty outpatient settings
• Familiarity with EMR/practice management systems
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) is a plus