Hospice Financial Coordinator

Northeast Georgia Health System•Gainesville, GA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for accounts receivable collections and billing for Hospice. Provides statistics to NGHS Accounting staff. Responsible for implementing billing procedures/processes in accordance with state and federal guidelines and regulations. Maintains appropriate customer relations skills at all times, being sensitive to confidentiality requirements. Possesses a positive attitude and displays empathy while supporting the financial policies of Northeast Georgia Health System.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED.
PC proficient, ability to type 40 wpm, ability to use 10-key adding machine.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including telephone proficiency and knowledge of medical terminology.
Knowledge of use of information systems, billing and accounts receivable applications.

Nice To Haves

Two (2) years of college in Accounting, management or related field or equivalent experience in the healthcare finance field.
Medicaid/Medicare financial experience preferred.
Two (2) years experience in health care or accounts receivables experience preferred.
Working knowledge of Hospice regulations, Palmetto and Medicare DDE.

Responsibilities

Conducts billing and collection activities on accounts promptly and in accordance with organization policies in order to maintain the desired level of Accounts Receivable.
Reviews delinquent accounts for system or staff errors prior to collection contacts.
Adheres to NGHS credit and collection policies in assisting with billing and collection issues.
Performs collection activities within the guidelines of the “Fair Debt Collections Act”.
Bills all payers promptly according to governmental and long term care guidelines.
Achieves the benchmark for accounts worked and dollars collected according to budgeted goals.
Reviews accounts thoroughly for all possible means of payment prior to referring to outside collections.
Assists admissions coordinator in completing and following up on necessary paperwork related to payment to insure payment is received timely.
Updates billing and reimbursement rates in applicable software.
Responds to requests from Fiscal Intermediaries, financial auditors and other regulatory sources by researching accounting details, running special reports, and answering direct questions.
Coordinates and conducts facility billing in accordance with state and federal guidelines and regulations.
Maintains patient account according to state regulations.
Provides Hospice statistics to NGHS accounting department each month end according to organization guidelines.
Provides monthly AR report to Billing Supervisor, Operations Manager and Director on a monthly basis.
Works closely with auditors and surveyors as dictated by governmental and payer regulations.
Oversees review of financial documents for completeness and accuracy for all new admissions and recertification's.
Maintains patient financial accounts in the various systems according to department guidelines.
Documents actions taken on patient's accounts to provide necessary information for fellow workers to follow.
Posts payments and adjustments timely, maintaining a current status at each month end.
Prepares and reviews final bills for appropriate and accurate clinical data and prepares them for billing.
Reviews supportive documents and appropriate documentation.
Ensures accuracy of bills prior to submission.
Prepares appropriate billing form/process for each patient in accordance with the requirements for the specific payor.
Ensures compliance with the billing standards and regulatory guidelines to maximize reimbursement from all payors.
Maintains current knowledge of billing requirements and regulatory guidelines for all Hospice payors.
Provides education to staff concerning mandated activities by regulatory bodies to ensure optimal reimbursement.
Conducts follow-up on payment of patient accounts to ensure effective collections and cash flow.
Maintains days in A/R at acceptable range in order to sustain financial viability.
Performs monthly review of remittance advice to determine which accounts are outstanding and the cause of delay.
Submits sequential billing, conducts telephone and/or written inquiry with the private insurance payor and private pay resident.
Checks status of electronically submitted claims 24-48 hours after transmission to verify receipt of claims by FI.
Verifies eligibility of Medicaid recipients and Medicare beneficiaries by utilizing electronic data system when proof of coverage is not available.
Accesses Medicare claims processing system weekly; edits and updates all claims slotted for corrections.
Conducts claims inquiry on claims whose balances appear on the Aging Report longer than 90 days.
Monitors location and status, notifying FI of any unclear delays.
Handles problems which arise concerning the billing process, referring problems to other personnel as indicated.
Communicates with claims personnel with Medicare and Medicaid fiscal intermediaries and commercial payors concerning unclear claims information in accordance with policy and procedure.
Calls all third party payors to verify eligibility and benefits.
Documents on insurance verification form, enters on-line benefits, correct mailing address, contract number, group number, and other pertinent information to generate correct bill.
Meets with responsible parties to discuss payment options, eg., Medicare, Medicaid, private pay, commercial insurance, etc.
Demonstrate knowledge of Hospice Medicaid criteria.
Works closely with Department of Family and Children’s Services (DFACS) throughout the entire Medicaid application process, ie., gathering financial information and following up with responsible parties.
Communicates with DFACs regarding patient reviews, patient liability disputes and denials.
Responsible for posting all cash receipts and payments; contractual and write-offs to accounting software to ensure accurate accounting records are maintained.
Maintains the accounts receivable logs and aging reports so the patient account information is readily retrievable and current.
Accurately posts the payment and correct contractual adjustment to the appropriate account in the computerized A/R system.
Balances payment entry reports to remittances, checks or appropriate records of cash.
Posts and files all write-offs approved by Accounts Receivable Manager.
Prepares journal entries for final revenue statistics.
Reconciles A/R balances with NGHS general ledger for revenue, Medicare allowances, and allowances for doubtful accounts monthly.
Prepare and submit all refund requests.
Prepare and submit recoupments from Medicare/Medicaid.
Maintains necessary accounting, billing, and statistical records to ensure prompt retrieval for administrator, various auditors and intermediary inquiry for billing.
Stores hard copies of the computerized A/R spreadsheets, A/R aging and A/R log in accordance with agency policy and procedure.
Assists with preparation of weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly financial and operational reports as requested.