Patient Receivable and Billing Specialist
Maine Optometry, P.A. · Gorham, ME · 1 mo ago
AccountingFull-time
Summary / Objective
The Patient Receivables Specialist supports the organization's revenue cycle by managing outstanding patient balances and assisting with the timely resolution of patient account issues. This role serves as a key point of contact for patients, internal office teams, and third-party billing partners regarding account balances, payment activity, billing inquiries, and insurance-related follow-up.
Essential Functions
- Conduct inbound and outbound communication with patients regarding billing questions, payment options, balance resolution, and account status.
- Respond to patient concerns with patience, empathy, and professionalism, utilizing effective communication and problem-solving skills to de-escalate issues, promoting a positive patient experience.
- Manage and follow up on outstanding patient balances in a timely and professional manner.
- Review patient accounts for discrepancies and assist in resolving outstanding balance issues.
- Prepare and send patient statements and other account-related correspondence as needed.
- Initiate collection efforts for delinquent patient accounts, including collection agency coordination and account placement in accordance with company policy.
- Post daily patient payments, including credit card and check receipts, and reconcile payments in coordination with the Accounting Department.
- Identify credit balances and coordinate appropriate next steps, including account corrections or refunds in partnership with bookkeeping.
- Maintain complete and accurate documentation of patient communications, collection activity, account actions, and follow-up efforts to meet department and KPI goals.
- Proactively approach accounts receivable management by regularly reviewing aging reports, identifying collection opportunities, and pursuing timely resolution of outstanding balances.
- Provide administrative support for office operations, including processing inbound communications, updating patient account information, and assisting with other departmental needs as assigned.
- Cookordinate responses to health and vision insurance audits, including compiling records, validating documentation, and meeting submission deadlines.
- Knowledge of HIPAA and commitment to maintaining patient confidentiality.
Core Competencies
- Professional and courteous phone presence when working with patients, vendors and team members.
- Good judgment and problem-solving skills, especially when handling billing questions or account issues.
- Strong follow-through and accountability when managing receivables, payables, and open balances.
- Empathy and tact when talking through sensitive financial situations with patients or clients.
- Able to stay accurate and organized while handling a high volume of financial transactions and account activity.
- Acts with honesty and integrity; communicates clearly about financial information, owns mistakes, and follows ethical billing and accounting practices.
- Easy to approach and work with; builds positive relationships, listens well, and communicates respectfully across teams.
- Customer-focused mindset; works to resolve issues quickly, answer questions clearly, and create a positive experience for patients, clients, and co-workers.
Qualifications
- High school graduate or GED required
- Minimum of three years of experience in a business office and/or physician’s office with medical terminology knowledge through coursework or experience is required.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Products
- Experience in customer service