Patient Account Representative (AD268)

Native American Rehabilitation Assoc. of the NW•Portland, OR

13d•Onsite

About The Position

NARA Northwest is seeking a compassionate, detail-oriented Patient Account Representative for its Billing Department. The role supports patients with account questions, insurance verification, payment options, eligibility programs, and financial assistance resources. It serves as a liaison among patients, insurance providers, clinical staff, and billing staff to maintain accurate accounts and provide timely support and guidance. The position requires strong communication and critical-thinking skills and the ability to manage a high-volume workload. The position is onsite at NARA Northwest Administration, 211 E Caruthers St, Portland, OR 97214. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The wage range is $22.00–$25.00 per hour. NARA Northwest provides education, physical and mental health services, and substance abuse treatment that is culturally appropriate to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and anyone in need. The organization has more than 450 employees across programs including medical and dental care, addiction treatment, housing assistance, and enrichment initiatives. Employees agree to comply with NARA NW’s sobriety policies, including refraining from illicit drug use, marijuana use, prescription drug abuse, and modeling alcohol sobriety. Employees, volunteers, interns, and contractors, as applicable, must sign the organization’s Drug-Free/Alcohol-Free Workplace Certification Form and Modeling Sobriety Policy Form as a condition of employment. Qualified Native Americans are given preference in hiring in accordance with the Indian Preference Act. NARA Northwest is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Requirements

At least two years of experience in patient accounts, healthcare customer service, insurance verification, medical billing, collections, front office operations, or a related healthcare field.
High school diploma or GED.
Experience with Electronic Health Records (EHR) and Practice Management Systems.
Knowledge of insurance coverage and benefits.
Knowledge of Medicaid, Medicare, Medicare Advantage, commercial insurance plans, and patient financial responsibility.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Must pass pre-employment or for-cause drug testing, including marijuana testing.
Must pass criminal background and DMV checks.
Employees must agree to NARA NW’s sobriety policies and sign the required workplace and modeling sobriety forms as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

Coursework in healthcare administration, medical billing and coding, accounting, or a related field.
Experience reading and interpreting Explanation of Benefits (EOBs).
Experience with patient collections and payment arrangements.
Experience in a Community Health Center, Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), Urban Indian Organization, nonprofit healthcare setting, or behavioral health environment.
Experience working with Native American and/or Alaska Native communities.

Responsibilities

Answer patient account inquiries by phone and email.
Explain account balances, benefits, billing statements, and payment options.
Conduct follow-up outreach regarding outstanding payment arrangements.
Interpret and explain Explanation of Benefits (EOBs).
Explain financial assistance programs, including Sliding Fee Discount eligibility.
Review and update insurance information, copay and deductible amounts, and other patient information.
Verify patient eligibility, benefits, and coverage requirements.
Research patient account discrepancies, insurance issues, claim rejections, and eligibility-related billing concerns.
Audit balances and billing statements.
Collaborate with billing staff, front desk teams, providers, clinical managers, and insurance carriers to resolve issues.
Contribute to departmental projects and support team initiatives.

Benefits

15 paid holidays, including the employee’s birthday.
Affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance through Kaiser Permanente for employees working 20 or more hours; benefits begin on the first of the month following hire.
13 paid days of sick time.
13 paid days of PTO, with vacation accrual increasing with years of service to a maximum of 26 days.
$50,000 life insurance and AD&D.
Short-term and long-term disability.
Flexible Spending Account.
Health Spending Account.
401(k) with 4% match.
Employee Assistance Program.
Inclement weather (snow) days.
Public Student Loan Forgiveness eligibility; NARA NW is a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit and FQHC.