Patient Account Representative- IL- Clinic Finance

Summary

The Patient Account Representative is one of a team of Patient Account Representatives who are responsible for performing a variety of front office procedures.  The position reports to the Assistant Manager of Patient Accounts for the Midwestern University Dental Medicine Clinic.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Greet and direct patients and visitors
• Perform registration/check-in processes, including but not limited to performing data entry activities, providing patients with appropriate information and intake forms, and obtaining necessary signatures.
• Calculate and collect patient liability according to verification of insurance benefits and expected reimbursement.
• Explain and provide financial policies and available resources for alternative payment arrangements to patients and their families.
• Enter payments in the practice management system and perform daily payment reconciliation in a timely and accurate manner, including balancing of the cash drawer.
• Answering phones, including scheduling appointments, taking messages, routing calls to departments, and answering general inquiries.
• Schedule appointments accurately and complete pre-registration processes, including insurance verification and identification of POS collection amounts.
• Make appointments from calls and orders work queues
• Reschedule and cancel appointments and communicate as needed with patients/families and providers/clinics.
• Coordinate multiple appointments
• Provide positive patient interactions when speaking with patients, care providers, and others while on phones and in the clinic.
• Provide instructions prior to the appointment as directed by the service department
• Provide directions/maps, and parking instructions
• Secure demographics, guardian and emergency contacts, guarantor, and insurance coverage information.
• Verify insurance eligibility and benefits when necessary.
• Update demographics when patient information changes.
• Request and enter referral information when necessary.
• Notify patients of co-payments, deductibles, and co-insurance, and collect outstanding balances during the scheduling process when appropriate.
• Follow state and federal regulations related to healthcare.
• Must successfully complete cross-training in at least one additional Midwestern University clinic to support operational flexibility and patient service needs.
• Other duties may be assigned

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Must be able to work in a constant state of alertness and a safe manner and have regular, predictable, in-person attendance.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Other Qualifications

• The position requires strict compliance with all policies and procedures
• This position requires a significant amount of interaction with the public and many internal customers and therefore, the individual must be able to develop positive rapport effectively

Education and/or Experience              

High school diploma or GED and a minimum of 2 years’ experience working in a healthcare setting required.  Previous experience working in a dental environment is highly desired.   Experience working in a team environment with a high focus on customer service and the ability to maintain a professional demeanor, be detail-oriented, and promote a welcoming atmosphere is essential.

Computer Skills                                               

Computer proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).  The individual must have the ability to learn the medical practice dental software management system.

Language Skills                                                

Intermediate skills:  Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.  Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.  Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization. Bilingual (Spanish) a plus.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, and hear.  The employee must regularly use their hands to handle or feel and reach with their hands and arms.  The employee is regularly required to stand and walk.  The employee must frequently lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and regularly lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. 

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Midwestern University is a private, not-for-profit organization that provides graduate and post-graduate education in the health sciences. The University has two campuses, one in Downers Grove, Illinois, and the other in Glendale, Arizona. More than 6,000 full-time students are enrolled in graduate programs in osteopathic medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nurse anesthesia, cardiovascular perfusion, podiatry, optometry, clinical psychology, speech language pathology, biomedical sciences, and veterinary medicine. Over 500 full-time faculty members and 400 staff members are dedicated to the education and development of our students in an environment that encourages learning, respect for all members of the health care team, service, interdisciplinary scholarly activity, and personal growth.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance plans as well as life insurance, short/long-term disability and pet insurance.  We offer flexible spending accounts, including healthcare reimbursement and child/dependent care account.  We offer a work-life balance with a competitive time off package including paid holidays, sick/flex days, personal days, and vacation days.  We offer a 403(b) retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, child care subsidy reimbursement program, identity theft protection, and an employee assistance program.  Wellness is important to us, and we offer a wellness facility on-site with a fully equipped fitness facility. 

Midwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not discriminate against an employee or applicant based upon race; color; religion; creed; national origin or ancestry; ethnicity; sex (including pregnancy); gender (including gender expressions, gender identity; and sexual orientation); marital status; age; disability; citizenship; past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services; genetic information; or any other protected class, in accord with all federal, state and local laws and regulations. Midwestern University complies with the Smoke-Free Arizona Act (A.R.S. 36-601.01) and the Smoke Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82/).  Midwestern University complies with the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 and Arizona Equal Pay Acts.