Billing Specialist

Billing SpecialistAt Plastic Surgery of Tuscaloosa, we are seeking a part time motivated and skilled Billing Specialist to join our team. The Billing Specialist will play a crucial role in ensuring accurate billing, timely reimbursement, and efficient management of insurance-related tasks. This position requires a strong understanding of medical billing and coding practices, as well as excellent communication and organizational skills.Key Responsibilities of this role include, but are not limited to:Insurance Verification: Verify patient insurance coverage and eligibility prior to appointments, confirming benefits, co-pays, deductibles, and coverage limitations. Communicate insurance information to patients clearly and accurately.Billing and Coding: Review and accurately assign appropriate CPT and ICD-10 codes to patient encounters and procedures, ensuring compliance with insurance requirements and regulatory standards. Submit claims to insurance companies electronically or via mail in a timely manner.Claim Submission and Follow-Up: Submit insurance claims promptly and accurately, tracking claim status and following up on unpaid or denied claims. Identify and resolve claim rejections, denials, and other billing issues to facilitate timely reimbursement.Payment Posting: Post insurance payments, patient payments, and adjustments accurately to patient accounts in the billing system. Reconcile payments received with expected reimbursements and investigate discrepancies as needed.Accounts Receivable Management: Monitor accounts receivable aging reports and pursue collections on past due accounts. Work with patients and insurance companies to resolve outstanding balances, appealing denied claims and negotiating payment arrangements when necessary.Insurance Appeals: Prepare and submit appeals for denied claims, providing necessary documentation and supporting evidence to overturn denials and secure reimbursement for services rendered.Patient Billing and Financial Counseling: Generate patient statements, explaining charges, payments, and insurance adjustments clearly and accurately. Provide financial counseling and assistance to patients regarding payment options, insurance coverage, and financial assistance programs.Compliance and Regulations: Maintain up-to-date knowledge of healthcare billing regulations, including HIPAA, CMS guidelines, and payer-specific policies. Ensure compliance with billing and coding requirements to avoid audits and penalties.Communication and Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with healthcare providers, front desk staff, and insurance companies to resolve billing issues, clarify insurance coverage details, and streamline the billing process. Communicate professionally and courteously with patients regarding billing inquiries and concerns.Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate and detailed records of billing activities, claim submissions, payments received, and accounts receivable status. Generate reports and analytics to track billing performance, identify trends, and optimize revenue cycle management.Adhere to facility policies and protocols.Advanced knowledge of the types of surgical procedures and treatments offered at the practice.QualificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent required; additional education or certification in medical billing and coding preferred.Prior experience in medical billing, insurance verification, or revenue cycle management, preferably in a plastic surgery or healthcare setting.Strong knowledge of medical terminology, CPT and ICD-10 coding principles, insurance billing procedures, and reimbursement methodologies.Proficiency in using billing software and electronic health records (EHR) systems, as well as Microsoft Office applications.Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify billing discrepancies, resolve billing issues, and reconcile accounts receivable.Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact professionally with patients, healthcare providers, and insurance representatives.Knowledge of healthcare compliance regulations, including HIPAA and CMS guidelines, and a commitment to maintaining patient privacy and confidentiality.This position is part-time and does not include employee benefits.Why Join Us?Ascend Aesthetic Partners is a Management Services Organization (MSO) in the field of Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics. Founded on a commitment to excellence, innovation, and patient care, Ascend PSP brings together a network of highly accomplished plastic surgeons and their practices to advance aesthetic medicine, helping our patients feel more confident in their own bodies.Plastic Surgery of Tuscaloosa is an Equal Opportunity Employer All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, genetic information, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws