Patient Account Representative (Per Diem)

Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital•Bakersfield, CA

10d•Onsite

About The Position

Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital (BBHH) is an acute psychiatric and behavioral facility offering inpatient and outpatient services for various mental/behavioral health conditions. BBHH aims to be a top workplace by offering excellent benefits, fostering individual growth, and adhering to its CARES values (Compassion, Acceptance, Respect, Empowerment, Sincerity). The Patient Account Representative plays a crucial role in verifying patient insurance coverage, accurately entering and updating patient benefit information, and serving as a resource to patients regarding their coverage. This role involves extensive phone and website use to verify benefits and authorization requirements, explaining coverage amounts, assisting with payment arrangements for non-covered services or self-pay patients, and financially counseling patients at their bedside. The position requires close collaboration with Case Management (UR) regarding patient status changes and insurance notifications. Excellent customer service and communication skills are essential, particularly in managing distressed patients and families.

Requirements

High School Diploma or Equivalent.
Current CPR certification or ability to obtain prior to start date.
Completion of 'Handle-With-Care' Physical Restraint Technique Training during orientation.
Knowledge of various payers including commercial, managed care, government plans, Medi-Cal/Medicaid, and CCS.
Ability to spend extensive amounts of time on the phone and/or insurance companies’ websites.
Excellent customer service and communication skills.
Ability to effectively calm patients and deal with distressed and/or agitated patients and their families.

Nice To Haves

A/R, billing, insurance verification, or customer service experience preferred.
At least one year of experience in a hospital environment.
At least 2 years of medical billing and certification in a similar field.

Responsibilities

Verify that sufficient information is available for accurate verification and eligibility, which may require direct contact with the patient.
Call insurance companies to verify and complete all insurance information and benefits.
Check if authorization is required.
Enter the patient insurance information into the patient financial system, ensuring the appropriate payer and associated financial class are selected.
Ensure each patient’s insurance verification is complete and accurate, documenting findings in the patient account.
Contact the patient with estimated co-insurance, co-pay, and/or deductible amounts due.
Calculate co-pay and estimated co-insurance due from patients per individual payer contract and plan.
Be familiar with individual payer guidelines and the process of collecting over-the-counter payments, deductibles, copay, and co-insurance.
Maintain knowledge of payer contracts, including Medicare, Medicaid, and other government contracts and guidelines.
Work closely with Case Management (UR) daily regarding patient status changes, patient type, insurance notification, or insurance coverage.