Billing Specialist 3 (Gastro Surgery Counselor)

The Baton Rouge Clinic, AMC is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Gastroenterology Surgery Counselor to join our Gastroenterology Department. The Gastroenterology Surgery Counselor plays an essential role in coordinating patients through the surgical and procedural process, including scheduling, insurance verification, pre-certifications, authorizations, and financial counseling. The ideal candidate will provide compassionate and professional support to patients while maintaining accurate and efficient communication with physicians, clinical staff, and insurance companies.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Coordinate scheduling of gastroenterology procedures and surgeries in collaboration with physicians, nurses, procedure staff, and outside facilities as appropriate.
• Verify patient insurance eligibility, benefits, and coverage for scheduled gastroenterology procedures.
• Obtain required pre-certifications, prior authorizations, and referrals for procedures and surgical services.
• Review insurance benefits and communicate estimated patient financial responsibility prior to scheduled procedures.
• Collect required patient payments and deposits prior to the scheduled date of surgery or procedure, including processing credit card payments by telephone.
• Communicate with patients regarding procedure scheduling, insurance coverage, financial responsibility, and other administrative needs.
• Collaborate closely with physicians, nurses, medical assistants, and other clinical team members to ensure procedures are appropriately scheduled and coordinated.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient accounts, insurance information, authorizations, referrals, and procedure documentation.
• Communicate with insurance companies and managed care organizations to obtain and clarify coverage and authorization requirements.
• Review and utilize CPT codes, medical terminology, and payer requirements related to gastroenterology procedures.
• Follow up on outstanding authorizations, referrals, insurance requirements, and patient financial obligations to prevent delays or cancellations.
• Provide professional and compassionate customer service to patients and families throughout the scheduling and pre-procedure process.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA regulations, organizational policies, and departmental procedures.
• Perform accurate data entry, payment processing, and documentation while maintaining a high level of attention to detail.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Education:

• High School Diploma / GED

Experience:

• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in a medical billing, medical office, or healthcare business office required.
• Prior experience working on the provider or insurance side in a customer service setting preferred.
• Familiarity with contracted managed care companies, insurance verification, and authorization processes.
• Working knowledge of CPT coding and medical terminology.
• Knowledge of gastroenterology procedures and/or surgical scheduling preferred.
• Proficiency in ten-key by touch and basic bookkeeping or financial transaction skills.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to explain insurance and financial information clearly and professionally to patients.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, patient-focused environment while managing multiple priorities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion when handling sensitive patient and financial information

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and reach throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to perform patient care activities and operate standard medical equipment.
• Ability to use computers and standard office equipment.