Patient Account Representative

Title: Patient Account Representative

Location: NARA River House - 211 E Caruthers St, Portland OR, 97214

Schedule: Onsite, Full time, Mon-Fri, 8:030am - 4:30pm

Wage Range: $22.00 - $25.00 hourly

NARA Northwest is seeking a compassionate, detail-oriented Patient Account Representative to support patients with account questions, insurance verification, payment options, eligibility programs, and financial assistance resources.

At NARA Northwest, you'll find a supportive work environment where every team member is valued and respected. Whether you're passionate about healthcare, behavioral health, education, or social services, there's a place for you to make a meaningful difference.


Company Mission:

The mission of NARA NW is to provide education, physical, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment that is culturally appropriate to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and anyone in need.

We deliver services and support to Native American and Alaska Native communities, helping individuals lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

With over 450 employees across a variety of programs-including medical and dental care, addiction treatment, housing assistance, and enrichment initiatives NARA NW offers numerous opportunities for growth and advancement, all while making a tangible, positive impact on the lives of others.

Position Overview:

The Patient Account Representative provides exceptional customer service by reviewing patient statements, addressing account concerns, explaining insurance benefits and payment options, and assisting patients in navigating their financial responsibilities. This role serves as a key liaison between patients, insurance providers, clinical staff, and the billing team to ensure patient accounts are accurate and patients receive timely support.

What you will do:

• Answer patient account inquiries via phone and email, providing exceptional customer service and resolving account-related concerns.
• Explain patient balances, insurance benefits, billing statements, and payment options.
• Conduct outreach for outstanding balances, follow-up, and payment arrangements.
• Interpret Explanation of Benefits (EOBs), insurance communications, and account activity.
• Understand financial assistance programs, including Sliding Fee Discount eligibility.
• Review and update accounts, including insurance information, copay/deductible amounts, and other patient information.
• Verify patient insurance eligibility, benefits, and coverage requirements prior to claim submission.
• Research and resolve patient account discrepancies, insurance issues, claim rejections, and eligibility-related billing concerns.
• Audit patient balances and weekly billing statements.
• Collaborate with billing staff, front desk teams, providers, clinical managers, and insurance carriers to resolve issues.
• Contribute to departmental projects and support team initiatives.

We would like to hear from people that have:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience i n patient accounts, healthcare customer service, insurance verification, medical billing, collections, front office operations, or a related healthcare field.
• Experience with Electronic Health Records (EHR) and Practice Management Systems.
• Experience verifying insurance coverage and benefits.
• Knowledge of Medicaid, Medicare, Medicare Advantage, commercial insurance plans, and patient financial responsibility.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including professional phone and email communication.
• Must pass a pre-employment or for cause drug tests.
• Must pass criminal background and DMV checks.

What's in it for you?

15 Paid Holidays: New Years Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Battle of Little Big Horn, Independence Day, Labor Day, Native American Day, Indigenous Peoples' Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, day after Thanksgiving, December 25th and your birthday!

Benefits: Employees working 20 hours, or more are eligible for benefits. Benefits are effective from the 1st of the month following the date of hire.

• Affordable Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance through Kaiser Permanente
• 15 Paid Holidays (Listed Above)
• 13 Paid Days of Sick Time
• 13 Paid Days of PTO (Vacation accruals increase with years of service to a maximum of 26 days)
• $50,000 Life Insurance & AD&D
• Short Term and Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Spending Account
• 401(k) with 4% Match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Inclement Weather Days (Snow Days)
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness -NARA NW is a local 501(c)3 nonprofit, FQHC

How to apply:

1. To Quick Apply, go to Careers - NARA NW (naranorthwest.org)
2. Look for the position you want to apply for and submit a resume (Required) and cover letter (Optional), that's all!
3. Feel free to contact View email address on click.appcast.io if you have any questions or would like to know where your application is in the process.

NARA NW Mission: Our mission is to provide education, physical and mental health services and substance abuse treatment that is culturally appropriate to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and everyone in need.

NARA NW is fully committed to supporting sobriety. To support NARA NW in its mission, all employees agree to refrain from illicit drug use, marijuana use, and prescription drug abuse, both on and off the job. In addition, all employees agree to model alcohol sobriety. Modeling alcohol sobriety means not consuming, discussing, or promoting the use of alcohol, on the job, on social media and when in the community where the employee would be likely to be seen by NARA NW clients or community. If in recovery, employees must have been sober/clean for a length of time sufficient to demonstrate that they will be able to remain sober.


Consistent with NARA NW's sobriety policy, all employees, volunteers, interns, and contractors, as applicable, are required to sign a "Drug-Free/Alcohol-Free Workplace Certification Form" and NARA NW "Modeling Sobriety Policy Form" as a condition of employment to confirm that they are aware of this policy and that they agree to comply with it. Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. This policy is subject to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and its state counterpart

Preference in hiring is given to qualified Native Americans in accordance with the Indian Preference Act (Title 25, US Code, Sections 472 and 473). NARA Northwest is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Within the scope of Indian Preference, all candidates will receive equal consideration. Experience working with Native American/ Alaska Native community is considered a plus.

This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to accurately reflect the position's activities and requirements, the agency reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties, as necessary.