What are the responsibilities and job description for the Revenue Appeals & Denials Specialist position at OrthoArkansas?
KICK for the GOAL
OrthoArkansas' core values
KINDNESS
People are happier after interactions with you because you are kind and pleasant.
INTEGRITY
Always doing the right thing, especially when no one is looking.
CONSCIENTIOUSNESS
Strive for excellence in all that you do, paying special attention to the details that make a difference in patient care and teamwork.
KNOWLEDGE
Be a lifelong learner.
Position Overview:
The Revenue Appeals and Denials Specialist at OrthoArkansas plays a critical role in protecting and maximizing reimbursement by resolving denied, underpaid, and outstanding insurance claims. This position is responsible for investigating claim denials, preparing appeals, recovering lost revenue, and identifying reimbursement trends that impact organizational performance. The ideal candidate possesses strong analytical skills, a thorough understanding of insurance reimbursement methodologies, and experience navigating complex payer requirements. This individual will work collaboratively with providers, coders, financial counselors, and leadership to ensure timely and accurate claim resolution while supporting the overall financial health of the organization.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage payer-specific denial and accounts receivable work queues, processing approximately 70 claims daily.
- Investigate unpaid, denied, and underpaid claims to secure appropriate reimbursement.
- Research denial reasons and determine the appropriate corrective action.
- Identify and resolve claim issues related to coding, authorizations, eligibility, medical necessity, bundling edits, and payer-specific requirements.
- Work escalated, high-dollar, and aged accounts requiring advanced review and resolution.
- Review Explanation of Benefits (EOBs), Electronic Remittance Advice (ERAs), payer policies, and reimbursement guidelines.
- Prepare and submit first-level, second-level, and complex appeal letters with supporting documentation.
- Monitor appeal deadlines and ensure timely submission of all required materials.
- Communicate with insurance carriers regarding appeal status and claim reconsiderations.
- Partner with providers and coding staff to obtain documentation necessary to support appeals.
- Track appeal outcomes and identify opportunities to improve reimbursement success rates.
- Identify opportunities for additional reimbursement and revenue recovery.
- Review payer contracts and reimbursement methodologies when investigating payment discrepancies.
- Research payer policies and coverage determinations to support claim resolution efforts.
- Analyze denial trends and recommend corrective actions to prevent future denials.
- Assist leadership in identifying root causes of reimbursement challenges and developing solutions.
- Maintain detailed and accurate account documentation within the practice management system.
- Respond to inquiries regarding claim status, denials, appeals, and reimbursement activity.
- Communicate professionally with insurance carriers, providers, and internal departments.
- Provide updates on complex accounts and reimbursement issues to management.
- Partner with coding, registration, authorization, and clinical teams to resolve claim issues and improve workflows.
- Participate in meetings regarding payer updates, reimbursement changes, and denial trends.
- Assist with training and mentoring team members regarding denial management and appeal strategies.
- Contribute to process improvement initiatives aimed at reducing denials and increasing reimbursement efficiency.
- Perform other related duties as assigned to support revenue cycle operations.
Qualifications:
- Education & Experience:
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Minimum of two (2) years of experience in medical billing, insurance follow-up, denial management, accounts receivable, or revenue cycle operations.
- Experience working insurance denials, appeals, medical necessity denials, authorization denials, and payer-specific reimbursement issues.
- Experience interpreting EOBs, ERAs, payer policies, and reimbursement guidelines.
- Orthopedic billing experience preferred.
- Associate degree or equivalent healthcare revenue cycle experience preferred.
- Experience with payer contract analysis and reimbursement recovery preferred.
- Skills & Abilities:
- Strong understanding of medical billing, insurance reimbursement, and denial management.
- Knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid, Workers' Compensation, and commercial insurance plans.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Strong written communication skills with the ability to prepare professional appeal letters.
- Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
- Commitment to patient confidentiality and HIPAA compliance.
- Knowledge of CPT, HCPCS, and ICD-10 coding concepts preferred.
- Experience identifying denial trends and implementing corrective actions preferred.
- Familiarity with payer portals and online claim management systems preferred.
- Experience creating reports and analyzing reimbursement data preferred.
- Mentoring or training experience preferred.
Software Skills:
- Advanced: Alphanumeric Data Entry.
- Intermediate: Practice Management Systems, Database Management, Spreadsheet Applications, Word Processing, 10-Key Data Entry.
- Basic: Accounting Software, Contact Management Systems.
Perks of This Position:
- Impactful & Rewarding Work – Help recover revenue that supports patient care, providers, and organizational success.
- Attractive Compensation & Comprehensive Benefits – Receive a comprehensive benefits package including medical coverage, life insurance, 401(k) with employer profit-sharing contributions, paid time off, and paid holidays.
- Culture of Excellence – Be part of a team that values integrity, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Professional Growth & Development – Access opportunities for ongoing education and advancement within revenue cycle management and reimbursement operations.
- Collaborative & Supportive Environment – Work alongside knowledgeable professionals committed to operational excellence and exceptional patient service.
Additional Details:
- Performance Expectations: Meet productivity standards of approximately 70 claims worked daily, maintain timely follow-up on assigned denials and appeals, demonstrate strong reimbursement recovery outcomes, and identify trends that improve overall revenue cycle performance.
- Professional Development: Opportunities to expand expertise in denial management, payer reimbursement strategies, appeals processes, coding concepts, and healthcare revenue cycle operations.
Join OrthoArkansas as a Revenue Appeals and Denials Specialist and become a key contributor in ensuring accurate reimbursement, reducing denials, and strengthening the organization's financial performance. This position offers an excellent opportunity to build specialized expertise in appeals management and revenue recovery while making a meaningful impact on the financial success of a growing and highly respected orthopedic practice.