Account Clerk 2 (Ft-Days)

About the role

Responsible for timely and accurate submission of billings and subsequent resolution of assigned accounts. Ensures billing submissions comply with Hospital billing policies, payer contracts, and agreements. Reviews patient accounts for accuracy and completeness, determines appropriate billing distributions, processes statements, monitors and follows up on outstanding accounts, and responds to billing inquiries. Maintains current understanding of billing and collection policies and procedures, and strict patient confidentiality per HIPAA. This is a union position.

Responsibilities

• Review patient account files for discharged patients in a timely manner and ensure accuracy and completeness of all accounts
• Identify and resolve billing discrepancies in a timely and professional manner
• Identify portion of charges to be billed to patients’ insurance companies or other third parties, and those to be charged to patients directly
• Submit billings to insurance companies timely and accurately
• Monitor status of outstanding accounts thoroughly and identify past-due accounts promptly
• Alert the department's Director or Supervisor immediately when a problem is identified so corrective and preventive steps can be taken
• Receive and answer inquiries from patients, insurance companies, and other parties regarding charges and/or billing discrepancies
• Provide accurate information assistance to the Cashier, Collector, and other appropriate hospital personnel regarding patient account charges, billing issues, and related matters in a timely and courteous manner
• Respond to requests from insurance companies for billing-related information in a timely and courteous manner
• Demonstrate good verbal and written communication skills; document and report clearly and concisely
• Handle telephone information requests with courtesy, accuracy, and respect for confidentiality
• Obtain and analyze all pertinent information to make informed decisions based on factual and objective data
• Follow up on inquiries regarding account charges and related discrepancies in a timely manner
• Provide appropriate information on findings to patients, guarantors, insurance companies, and/or appropriate hospital personnel
• Demonstrate thorough knowledge and understanding of billing policies and procedures in performing job duties and instructing patients and hospital personnel
• Regularly attend department meetings and in-service training programs to stay current on billing/collection, discharge, and related policies, procedures, and systems
• Regularly review memos, newsletters, bulletins, and other publications to remain aware of pertinent developments and changes
• Perform job duties independently with minimal direct supervision
• Maintain strict patient confidentiality at all times; adhere to the Hospital's HIPAA policies and procedures
• Review and complete billing activity reports
• Demonstrate thorough knowledge and understanding of Patient Accounting policies and procedures
• Demonstrate willingness to assist co-workers in completion of daily tasks or special projects to support department efficiency
• Strive to be an effective and productive member of the Patient Accounting Department
• Inspire confidence from co-workers, superiors, physicians’ office staff, and patients by performing and communicating in a highly professional manner at all times
• Comply with lunch and break time allowances per hospital policy and departmental staffing needs
• Utilize available work time to complete all required tasks within established time frames or schedules without sacrificing quality

Schedule

Full-Time (5x8s), Days 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Holiday Pattern: B

Qualifications

• Education: High school graduate or equivalent with emphasis on business courses preferred
• Experience: Minimum of six (6) months hospital billing experience preferred

Requirements

• Strong verbal, written, and organizational skills
• Knowledge of UB92/UB04 billing elements, ICD-9 and CPT coding
• Hands-on working knowledge of personal computers, copiers, and fax machines
• Operational knowledge of Microsoft Word
• Good bookkeeping skills
• Problem-solving abilities; ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks efficiently
• Highly motivated with strong customer service orientation
• Ability to perform essential job functions independently with minimal direct supervision
• Willingness to assist in other areas as needed