Patient Benefits Representative

Patient Benefits Representative

Under general supervision, the Patient Benefits Representative educates patients regarding insurance coverage and benefits; assesses patients' financial ability; and may develop payment plans or recommend assistance programs when appropriate. The role registers and supports patients, verifies insurance and eligibility information, obtains required authorizations and referrals, explains financial obligations, collects and processes patient payments, maintains accurate account and insurance records, and supports timely claim submission and resolution. The Patient Benefits Representative also prepares and reviews reimbursement and liability forms, coordinates with clinical, front-office, billing, payer, and community resources, and performs assigned administrative and financial duties in accordance with HIPAA, the Code of Ethics and Business Standards, and applicable policies and procedures.

Responsibilities include reviewing patient information before appointments; obtaining, verifying, and entering current demographic, insurance coverage, eligibility, and benefit information accurately and timely in the applicable system. Registering patients and maintaining complete, accurate patient and account records throughout the course of treatment. Educating patients and families about insurance coverage, benefits, co-pays, deductibles, out-of-pocket responsibilities, coverage limitations, and other financial obligations using clear and appropriate terminology.

Assessing patients' ability to meet treatment-related expenses; discussing payment options; establishing financial arrangements when necessary; and documenting agreed-upon arrangements. Identifying potential coverage gaps and assisting patients with applications for public assistance, financial assistance, pharmaceutical or charitable aid programs, and other available community resources. Collecting co-pays, deductibles, outstanding balances, and other required patient payments; issuing or maintaining appropriate supporting documentation; and preparing deposits for the bank when needed.

Reviewing patient account balances and insurance status before treatment; obtaining and documenting required pre-authorizations, approvals, referrals, eligibility confirmations, and procedure or billing codes. Reviewing insurance, reimbursement, and liability forms with patients; obtaining required signatures; verifying completeness; and forwarding appropriate information and forms to the billing office.

Ensuring relevant front-office staff understand carrier requirements, current insurance information, and authorization or referral requirements that affect patient services. Running and reviewing reports to confirm allowed services, remaining benefits, authorization status, and other information needed to support treatment and billing. Providing correct diagnosis, procedure, billing, and insurance information to support clean claim submission and accurate reimbursement.

Submitting claims and required supporting documentation for payment; monitoring aging and outstanding accounts; researching and resolving claim delays or denials; and resubmitting claims or payer correspondence as needed to expedite payment. Following up on collection issues, payer requests, and unresolved account activity; maintaining documentation of actions taken and communicating status to appropriate internal partners.

Reviewing and reconciling explanations of benefits and related remittance information; identifying discrepancies; and coordinating corrections or follow-up as appropriate. Processing refunds, reimbursements, overpayments, account adjustments, and other financial transactions in accordance with established procedures and authorization requirements. Updating patient demographics, insurance coverage, benefits, and financial information in the computer system according to standard operating procedures and internal controls.

Coordinating with providers, clinical staff, billing personnel, payers, co-workers, and office-site personnel to resolve benefit, authorization, coding, billing, and patient-account questions. Maintaining proficiency with electronic medical records, payer portals, office systems, and job-related software; using sound judgment when handling detailed financial and clinical-administrative information.

Maintaining confidentiality of patient and employee information and complying with HIPAA, privacy and security requirements, the Code of Ethics and Business Standards, and all applicable policies, laws, and regulations. Performing other duties as requested or assigned.

Qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent required. Minimum of three years of experience as a patient pre-services coordinator or in an equivalent patient benefits, insurance verification, financial counseling, or revenue-cycle support role. Proficiency with computer systems and Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel. Proficiency with medical terminology, insurance terminology, coding applications, and the correct use of terminology in patient, payer, provider, and billing communications.

Ability to work accurately with detailed financial, demographic, insurance, and patient-account information. Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with patients, families, co-workers, providers, payers, and external resources. Successful completion of required e-learning courses within 90 days of assuming the position.

Core competencies include technical and functional expertise, planning and adaptability, continuous improvement, work commitment, and customer and patient focus.

Physical demands include sitting, using hands to handle or feel, and talking or hearing. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Corrected vision and hearing within the normal range are required.

Work environment includes an office environment with frequent interaction with patients and staff. The work environment may include exposure to communicable diseases, toxic substances, ionizing radiation, medical preparations, and other conditions common to an oncology or hematology clinic environment. Minimal travel by automobile between office sites may be required. Interaction with co-workers and management may occur in person and through electronic systems.

About Illinois Cancer Specialists

Illinois Cancer Specialists (ICS) is dedicated to providing convenient, compassionate leading-edge cancer care to patients in Chicago and the surrounding areas. With more than 30 years in practice and over 400 years of combined physician experience, ICS is changing the forefront of patient care. Our dedicated and highly-skilled physicians and staff, who specialize in caring for patients with cancer and blood disorders, provide unparalleled access to the most innovative, advanced therapies and latest technologies throughout Chicago and the surrounding areas. With more than 20 board certified physicians, ICS offers convenient, compassionate care in ten locations.