BILLING AND COLLECTIONS SPECIALIST

Account Follow-Up And Collection Services

Under the supervision of the Revenue Cycle Manager, this position is responsible for providing comprehensive account follow-up and collection services for patient balances. This position works directly with patients to resolve billing questions, identify and address account issues, collect and process payments, and establish appropriate payment arrangements.

Duties and responsibilities include:

• Review and follow up on individual patient account balances to promote timely resolution and collection.
• Contact patients regarding outstanding balances and explain account activity, insurance processing, and patient financial responsibility.
• Research and resolve billing questions, discrepancies, and account concerns.
• Review account history, insurance payments, adjustments, denials, and remaining patient balances to determine appropriate follow-up.
• Document all patient contacts, collection activity, account research, and payment arrangements accurately in the practice management/EHR system.
• Make outbound calls and utilize written and electronic communication to follow up on outstanding balances.
• Establish and monitor approved patient payment plans in accordance with organizational policies.
• Performs other office duties as assigned.
• Attends meetings as requested.
• Works overtime when required.
• Adheres to the policies and procedures of SDMG including incident reporting.
• Complies with established SDMG attendance policy.
• Provides proper notification for absences and scheduled time off in accordance with SDMG policy.
• Knowledgeable of individual responsibilities and duties pertaining to SDMG safety/emergency preparedness including emergency codes.
• Demonstrates knowledge of proper body mechanics to be used in the work setting.
• May be exposed to hazardous drugs.
• Attends OSHA and annual training upon initial employee orientation and annually thereafter.
• Other duties as assigned as determined by the needs of the Business Office.

Must interact well with providers, patients, and the staff and management in the Business Office. Must exhibit a high degree of attention to detail. Ability to work productively as part of a team and maintain professional conduct with colleagues and patients.

Education/experience/knowledge:

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous experience in medical billing, patient accounts, collections, healthcare revenue cycle, or a related field.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to handle confidential financial and patient information appropriately.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with a team.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple accounts and follow-up activities.

Preferred:

• Knowledge of medical insurance, patient financial responsibility, deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and non-covered services.
• Experience with pre-service financial clearance or patient estimates.

Physical requirements: Requires sitting, standing, bending, and reaching. May require lifting up to 20 pounds. Requires manual dexterity sufficient to operate office equipment such as computer, fax, calculator, and telephone.