*Please note St. John's Health gives strong preference to remote candidates located in WY, ID, and CO. 

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

Sends bills to patients and/or insurance companies in a timely manner. Monitors bills and corrects errors. Documents all contacts and/or corrections on patient bills and in the hospital information system. Answers patient inquiries on outstanding accounts. Sets up payment arrangements when necessary. Makes phone calls and/or sends appropriate letters to insurance companies or patients in order to collect the account in full before it is 75 days old. Performs mathematical equations to calculate discounts and adjustments on patient accounts.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

• Responds by reviewing, researching, and following up using all available resources to provide answers via correspondence, telephone and in person. Takes appropriate action to resolve inquiries when necessary (example: account adjustments, re-billing insurance, changing statement sequence). Uses patient and insurance companies for initiated contacts as an opportunity to make arrangements to settle accounts.
• Screens overflow telephone and in-person traffic when counterparts are unavailable taking action as appropriate (messaging or handling). Maintains, develops and updates skills and knowledge to implement ideal service.
• Contacts patients and insurance companies in an attempt to resolve accounts, using financial counseling skills to prompt patient to make payment with emphasis on highest cash resolution. Maintains the interest of the hospital while balancing with patient situation or concerns when resolving accounts. Performs skip tracing activities on returned mail and other correspondence, referring to collection when appropriate.
• Uses computerized reports to prioritize specialized account review and resolution (credit balances, insurance aging, past-due). Appropriately identifies and takes action on accounts recognized as bad debts and transfers to collection agency. Contacts payers third-party to investigate payment delays or disputes. Explores all payer opportunities (T-19, Crime Victims, T-25).
• Documents all contacts and activities relating to account resolution in full detail. Coordinates account resolution activities with co-workers in the department and any outside office or agency. Arranges time-payment plans or identifies charitable write-offs as a part of resolution of accounts. 
• Prepares refunds to appropriate parties. Prepares adjustment batches in activity posting, obtains proper approvals and submits for final approval and posting. Provides financial counseling and payment option information to all patients

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Education
Required: HS Diploma or equivalent required. Math skills to calculate discounts and adjustments to patient accounts
Preferred: NA

Minimum Work Experience
Required: Good organizational skills. Basic computer skills. Excellent communication, interpersonal, phone and customer service skills. Ability to deal with stressful situations
Preferred: Previous hospital billing experience strongly preferred. A Minimum of four years clerical experience preferred, insurance company billing experience preferred. 

Required Licenses: NA

FUNCTIONAL DEMANDS

Working Conditions
Normal office hours, Monday through Friday. Virtual office. Frequent interruptions and stressful situations. Contact with patients, coworkers, insurance companies, vendors and community members under variety of circumstances.

Physical Requirements
Intermittent standing and walking. Sitting using computer 80% of the day. Heavy phone usage. Able to lift 15 pounds.

Direct Reports: none
Reports to: Manager, Patient Accounting