Non-Government Collector - Patient Accounting - Full Time 8 Hour Days (Non-Exempt) (Non-Union)

University of Southern California•Los Angeles, CA

About The Position

The Non-Government Collector manages patient accounts from discharge through billing edits, contract management account net-down, and collection of expected reimbursement. The collector is responsible for accounts with contracted insurance as the primary or current payer, follows up with non-governmental payers using work lists, validates underpayments and payment variances, and follows provider dispute guidelines. The role requires knowledge of governmental payer billing standards and collection requirements, including Medicare, Medi-Cal, and local Medi-Cal entities. The position performs billing, account follow-up, appeals, and other activities to liquidate accounts payable and secure reimbursement according to contracted rates. The collector responds to customer calls and payer inquiries, processes correspondence within five days of receipt, resolves credit balances, denials, and underpayments, and verifies insurance eligibility and coding. The role documents account activity and expected reimbursement, identifies workflow problems and improvement opportunities, adapts to workload changes, and supports department policies and procedures. Other duties may be assigned. Keck Hospital of USC is a 343-bed acute care hospital providing specialized care for complex medical and surgical conditions. It is a leading academic medical center with clinical trials through the hospital and affiliated research institutions. The hourly rate range for this position is $26.00–$41.28.

Requirements

High school graduate or equivalent.
One to two years of experience; combined education and experience may substitute for the minimum experience.
Previous collection experience.
Fire and Safety Certification; if not held upon hire, it must be obtained within 30 days of hire and renewed before expiration.

Responsibilities

Manage patient accounts from discharge through billing edits, contract management account net-down, and final collection of expected reimbursement.
Follow up with non-governmental payers using work lists to liquidate submitted inventory.
Validate underpayments and payment variances and follow provider dispute guidelines.
Perform billing, account follow-up, and appeals to liquidate accounts payable.
Keep abreast of changes affecting billing and collections, including Medicare, Medi-Cal, and local Medi-Cal entities.
Use working knowledge of TARS and SARs processes and follow-up.
Contact payers by phone or mail when payments are delayed or underpaid.
Handle customer calls and payer inquiries accurately, including charge inquiries and account-status questions.
Process correspondence within five days of receipt.
Resolve credit-balance accounts in a timely manner.
Take appropriate action to resolve underpayments and denials and ensure accounts are paid according to contracted rates.
Maintain knowledge of contract payers, rates, and agreements and ensure accurate insurance coding.
Evaluate reimbursement amounts to ensure maximum payment for services provided and appeal underpayments.
Obtain patient eligibility information from health plans or insurance-contract websites, update insurance, and/or forward claims to medical groups for updates.
Apply knowledge of the payer matrix of financial responsibility to perform appropriate account follow-up.
Document account activity online, including manually calculated expected reimbursement amounts.
Use initiative and follow through to resolve problems, documenting patient or department issues as appropriate.
Identify workflow problems and use available resources to maintain productive workflow.
Assist others when workload changes require it and keep the supervisor informed of problems that may delay work.
Adapt to unusual circumstances and changes while promoting cooperation and minimizing disruption to the working environment.
Participate in reviewing, revising, and developing departmental policies and procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned.