Patient Account Specialist

The US Oncology Network•Melbourne, FL

About The Position

Under minimal supervision, the Patient Account Specialist follows up on assigned accounts, resolves billing problems, answers patient inquiries, and arranges financial plans when needed. The role uses collection techniques to keep accounts receivable current, including monitoring delinquent payments, and supports and adheres to The US Oncology Network Compliance Program, including its Code of Ethics and Business Standards. The work is performed in an office environment and involves frequent interaction with staff, patients, and the public. The role requires prolonged periods of sitting and viewing and typing on computer screens, with occasional stooping, bending, stretching, and lifting files or paper weighing up to 30 pounds.

Requirements

High school graduate or equivalent.
At least five years of experience in a medical business office setting, including insurance processing and balancing responsibilities.

Responsibilities

Audit patient accounts to ensure accuracy and timely payment.
Review monthly account aging reports, report inconsistencies, and correct errors as appropriate.
Contact patients regarding delinquent accounts and arrange mutually acceptable payment schedules.
Follow up on insurance billing to ensure timely receipt of payments.
Work with patients and insurance companies on sensitive financial matters and recapture unpaid balances.
Resolve patient billing complaints and questions, initiate adjustments as necessary, and follow up on zero-payment explanations of benefits to pursue claim payments.
Review credit balance reports to determine the correct refund recipient.
Reconcile refund accounts, attach documentation, and forward them to the supervisor for processing.
Identify account problems and follow through to resolution.
Respond promptly and professionally to insurance company requests for information.
Review files to identify deceased patients and estates, verify dollar amounts, and file estates with the appropriate court in a timely manner.
Make financial arrangements for patient account payments and follow up to determine whether arrangements are being met; contact patients to resolve problems and respond to account-related correspondence or calls.
Review explanations of benefits to ensure proper claim reimbursement and report problems, issues, or payer trends to the supervisor.
Resubmit insurance claims within 72 hours of receipt.
Participate in maintaining payer manuals and profiles.
Work with the collection agency to provide updated account information as necessary.
Prepare write-off requests with supporting documentation and submit them to the supervisor.
Process insurance and patient correspondence, including denial follow-up within 48 hours of receipt, and file reimbursement correspondence daily.
Use provided aging reports to monitor patient account aging and follow up appropriately.
Maintain confidentiality regarding patient account status and the financial affairs of the clinic or corporation.