Patient Account Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY
The Patient Accounts Specialist is responsible for managing patient and insurance account balances, ensuring timely and accurate posting of payments, and performing follow-up on unpaid claims. This role requires monitoring monthly statements, maximizing collections, and maintaining thorough records of all insurance interactions and account collection activities. The clerk will explain account balances, surgical estimates, and insurance responsibilities to patients, providing excellent customer service with minimal supervision. Additional duties may be assigned by the Administrator or Practice Manager.

A. Patient Interactions
- Respond courteously and professionally to patient questions regarding insurance and balances.
- Greet patients warmly (e.g., “Good morning/afternoon, how are you?”).
- Explain approximate insurance processing timelines and estimated insurance payments.
- Assist with pre-surgery financial counseling.
- Help maintain a system that prepares patients for their financial responsibility while allowing physicians to focus on patient care.

B. Payment Processing
- Process and post patient payments including checks, credit cards, and electronic deposits.
- Review denials for accuracy and reprocess as needed.
- Compute, classify, and record payment data to maintain complete financial records.
- Perform routine calculating, posting, and verifying tasks to support accurate accounting.
- Verify accuracy of financial figures and postings, including those completed by other staff.

C. Insurance Aging and Accounts Receivable
- Review aging reports for outstanding insurance balances.
- Refile unpaid insurance claims promptly.
- Contact patients to verify or request updated insurance and demographic information.
- Document all insurance follow-up activities in patient accounts.
- Monitor and address denials, reprocessing when necessary.
- Investigate and resolve inquiries from patients and insurance companies related to services, billing, or charges.
- Evaluate information to determine the cause of errors and communicate findings, adjustments, and recommendations to the appropriate parties.

D. Collection of Past-Due Patient Accounts
- Review aging reports for patient-responsible balances.
- Assist in preparing collection letters.
- Make necessary phone calls to patients regarding outstanding balances.
- Document all collection activities on patient accounts.
- Assist in developing additional techniques to support successful collections.
- Research medical and financial records to determine account status.
- Contact patients by phone or mail to request payment.
- Assist individuals with completing forms or questionnaires as needed, including recording responses and filing documents.
- Verify collection of co-payments and outstanding balances.
- Support general billing and accounting functions to ensure efficient operations.

E. General Duties
- Provide vacation coverage for the Business Office.
- Assist in collecting copays and coinsurance at the time of service.
- Coordinate clinic correspondence to support communication and efficient operations.
- Maintain reliable attendance and punctuality to support clinic efficiency.
- Maintain a clean and orderly work area and assist with general clinic cleanliness when needed.
- Attend staff meetings as required.
- Utilize spare time productively for work-related activities that support the clinic and Business Office.
- Collaborate effectively with coworkers to maintain a productive work environment.
- Adjust work schedule as needed to ensure adequate clinic coverage.
- Contribute to a harmonious and cooperative workplace.
- Obtain the necessary skills to perform all job duties competently within three months.
- Comply with all HIPAA privacy and security rules to protect patient health information.

ACCESS TO MEDICAL RECORDS
The Patient Accounts Clerk is granted full access to medical records for purposes of payment processing, reviewing disputed information, and obtaining accident or insurance details when applicable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Requires intermittent physical activity including sitting, walking, standing, stooping, carrying, reaching, bending, and handling materials.
- Must be able to sit or stand at a workstation, squat or stoop, lift up to 25 pounds, and reach items above shoulder height.
- Must have sufficient vision, dexterity, and color perception to type and process information efficiently.
- Must have adequate hearing and speaking ability to answer phones and respond to audio alerts within the clinic.

Schedule

-8 hour shift

-Monday to Friday

Education:

-High school or equivalent

Experience:

-Patient Accounts & Insurance Payment Posting: (Required)

-Patient Authorization: (Preferred)

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Patient accounts: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person