Payment Application Specialist
About the Role
As a Payment Application Specialist, you will ensure accurate and timely payment posting by thoroughly researching and resolving discrepancies between Athena and USACS systems. You will process the application of unpostable and correspondence records to the appropriate patient accounts through detailed review of supporting documentation. Additionally, you will collaborate closely with internal teams and external payers to maintain data integrity, optimize revenue cycle processes, and support overall financial accuracy.
Location: Remote
Responsibilities
- Proactively collaborate with the Athena team to identify, investigate, and resolve duplicate or misrouted payment items via CRM, ensuring accurate and efficient payment processing.
- Assist in balancing and reviewing third-party collection vendor accounts to support financial reconciliation and reporting accuracy.
- Communicate effectively with payers through phone and other channels to research and obtain missing or omitted information required for payment posting.
- Identify and facilitate opportunities to transition One Time Use credit card payers to more secure and efficient EFT/ACH payment methods using the BSG ticket process, improving payment speed and security.
- Review, upload, and accurately post paper remittances and Electronic Remittance Advice (ERA) files from Payor Web Portals into Athena, ensuring timely and accurate account updates.
- Monitor, document, and escalate emerging trends, recurring issues, or unusual payment posting challenges to support continuous process improvement.
- Accurately apply incoming unpostable and correspondence records to the correct patient accounts and claims, minimizing errors and delays in revenue recognition.
- Perform additional departmental duties as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and strong commitment to team objectives.
- Consistently meet or exceed production and quality targets set by management, contributing to overall departmental performance and success.
Requirements
- High School Diploma or equivalent required; additional education or certifications in finance, accounting, or healthcare administration preferred.
- Experience with Health Insurance Websites/Portals required.
- Experience with Financial Records to resolve missing payments required.
- Proficient in review of Explanation of Benefits and Posting required.
- Prior experience in payment processing, revenue cycle management, or related financial operations preferred.
- Experience in communicating with Payers to research and obtain missing or omitted information required.
Skills
- Proficiency with Windows-based PC hardware and software, especially spreadsheet applications for data analysis and reporting.
- Strong problem-solving skills to independently identify, research, and resolve complex discrepancies, communicating results clearly to management.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities for professional interaction with employees, management, and external stakeholders.
- Strict commitment to maintaining confidentiality of sensitive patient and financial information.
- Highly organized with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Willingness to work overtime and contribute extra effort during peak periods or special projects.
- Exceptional attention to detail to ensure accuracy in all tasks.
Physical Demands
- Regularly required to sit for extended periods while performing job duties; occasional walking, standing, bending, stooping, and lifting of objects up to 15 pounds may be necessary.
- Must possess close visual acuity to perform detailed work accurately.
Pay
Hourly Rate: $16.33-$30.21. Hourly rate may be determined on several factors including but not limited to knowledge, skills, experience, education, geographical location, and requirements stated in the job description.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance options
- Health savings accounts (HSA) and flexible spending accounts (FSA)
- 401(k) employee and employer contributions
- Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays
- Paid parental leave & family support benefits
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance
- Life and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
- Employee assistance programs & wellness resources
Additional compensation may include bonus eligibility, equity, or other incentive programs, depending on the role. Specific benefit offerings and eligibility will be provided during the hiring process and may be subject to change in accordance with applicable laws and company policies.