Patient Billing Advocate I

About the role

The Patient Billing Advocate serves as the patient’s advocate and promotes a positive patient experience by professionally receiving and responding to all incoming inquiries, assisting with billing questions and concerns while prioritizing first call resolution and patient satisfaction. The advocate is also responsible for evaluating a customer’s ability to pay, establishing mutually agreeable payment arrangements, and ensuring accurate and thorough account documentation.

Responsibilities

• Receive and respond to all incoming patient inquiries regarding billing
• Assist with billing questions and concerns, prioritizing first call resolution
• Evaluate a customer’s ability to pay
• Establish mutually agreeable payment arrangements
• Ensure accurate and thorough account documentation

Requirements

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in a healthcare or customer service environment
• A bachelor's degree can substitute for the required experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and speak distinctively during customer interactions
• Ability to request, collect, and process payments accurately, as well as resolve customer complaints
• Ability to meet either in person or via telephone, demonstrate effective communication skills, and handle difficult situations diplomatically and in a calm and professional manner
• Demonstrated proficiency in utilizing Windows-based applications, as well as the ability to navigate through applications to review and update insurance information

Education

High School Diploma, GED or Certificate required.

About Sarasota Memorial Health Care System

Sarasota Memorial Hospital was recently recognized again by ranking #1 Hospital in the Region by the U.S. News's Best Hospital report by scoring a Perfect 10! SMH was also designated a national "standout" hospital for earning top ratings in all evaluated conditions and procedures — an accomplishment achieved by less than 1% of the 4,000+ hospitals. The system has earned Magnet® recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), as well as these additional accolades:

• Gallup Great Workplace 2018
• Recipient of an "A" grade for Patient Safety
• Magnet designated and the only provider of Level II trauma services, obstetrical services, and Level III neonatal intensive care in Sarasota County

Further recognition includes:

• 5-Star Quality Rating — SMH Sarasota is the only hospital in Florida to earn the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' highest rating every year since its inception
• 50 Best Hospitals — SMH ranked among U.S. News & World Report's 50 Best Hospitals in two specialties (Rehabilitation and Obstetrics/Gynecology) in 2023–2024, and among the nation's top 10% high performers in 18 other medical specialties, procedures and conditions
• World's Best Hospitals — SMH Sarasota has made Newsweek's prestigious list six years in a row, since the global rankings began in 2019
• "A" for Patient Safety — SMH Sarasota has earned straight A's since it began participating in the Leapfrog Group's hospital safety survey in 2016
• Magnet Hospital — SMH has been recognized as a Magnet hospital for the past 20 years by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, a continuous achievement for nursing excellence shared by less than 1% of hospitals nationwide
• America's Best Employer/Workplace — SMH topped Forbes' list of America's Best Employers, ranking among the top 20% of large employers across all industries in 2024, and #1 healthcare employer in Florida in 2023. The health system also earned a 5-star rating in Newsweek's 2024 list of "America's Greatest Workplaces for Women."

Benefits

Our commitment to becoming the best community hospital and health care system means providing the best possible benefits to our people. Some highlights:

• Total Rewards Package
• Paid Time Off (start earning PTO on day one of employment)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Discounted Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision Benefit Plans for Full & Part-Time Employees
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Health Care and Dependent Care) — Pre-Tax Dollars
• Life Insurance
• Competitive rates
• Bonuses offered
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Savings Plan: 403b
• Sarasota Campus — Discounted Child Care & Before and After School Program and Summer Camp
• Bereavement Leave
• Free Parking
• On Campus Dining with a 10% discount
• Credit Union with teller machines on campus
• Direct Deposit
• Free Wellness Screening
• Free confidential counseling services
• Employee Discount Programs
• Recognition Programs
• Referral Programs
• Tremendous growth opportunities for hard workers

Employment Screening Requirements

As part of Sarasota Memorial Health Care System’s commitment to keeping people safe, all individuals providing care to vulnerable populations are required to undergo background screening through The Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse. https://info.flclearinghouse.com/