Patient Accounts Representative

Winfield, Kansas•Winfield, KS

About The Position

Responsible for the insurance billing process between the hospital and insurance companies, federal agencies, and third-party payers. Audits patient accounts to verify procedure, charge, and coding accuracy and collects payments from commercial insurance companies and state and federal agencies. Participates in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement activities. Coordinates claims submission and payment collection, maintains professional relationships with payers, independently resolves account problems, follows up on unpaid claims, and consults other hospital departments to obtain or verify billing information. Documents account-related correspondence and conversations, stays informed about insurance industry changes, and explains statements and insurance procedures to patients and families while maintaining confidentiality. The role also handles payment transactions and cash operations, including preparing daily deposits, balancing the cash drawer, downloading and balancing electronic remittance advices, issuing receipts, posting adjustments, contractuals and rejections, managing petty cash, and securing cash. The representative assists customers at the business office counter, operates equipment safely, and performs other assignments as needed. This is a full-time, hourly, weekday position.

Requirements

High school graduate or equivalent.
Adhere to the dress code and maintain a neat, clean appearance.
Report to work on time and as scheduled and complete work within the designated time frame.
Wear identification while on duty and use the computerized time system correctly.
Complete annual educational requirements, required hospital in-services, and department in-services.
Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
Maintain cooperative working relationships with physicians, departments, and staff, and represent the organization professionally.
Follow organizational policies and procedures, including ethical business practices, fire safety, infection control, and department operations.
Demonstrate knowledge of or know the location of the Safety/Emergency Preparedness Manual, disaster packets, personal protective equipment, and responsibilities during emergency codes.
Demonstrate familiarity with the employee handbook and comply with William Newton Hospital policies.
Communicate clearly and accurately with the Business Office Director and other staff.
Be flexible, organized, and able to function well in stressful situations.

Nice To Haves

Thorough understanding of different insurance plans and government agencies, including Medicare and Medicaid, as they relate to assigned insurance responsibilities.
Previous billing experience.

Responsibilities

Coordinate payment processes and collect payments from insurance companies, federal and state agencies, and third-party payers by preparing forms and submitting claims.
Maintain professional working relationships with insurance companies, government agencies, and third-party payers.
Independently resolve account problems and conduct timely follow-up.
Resolve overpayments and communicate with the Business Office Director regarding refunds.
Assist with receipt processing and adjust patient bills to reflect credits, debits, and balances.
Understand pre-certification and referral processes for assigned insurance plans.
Document correspondence and conversations with insurers, government agencies, third-party payers, and patients in patient accounts.
Stay informed about changes in the insurance industry and consult hospital departments to obtain or verify billing information.
Perform limited account audits to verify charge and coding accuracy.
Coordinate with patients and insurance companies to resolve unpaid claims.
Interact professionally with patients and families, explain statements and insurance procedures, and maintain confidentiality of protected patient information.
Use voicemail as necessary to maintain customer communication while out of the office.
Prepare daily deposits and maintain the correct cash drawer balance.
Process payment transactions, download and balance electronic remittance advices, and provide customer receipts.
Prepare and post adjustments, contractuals, and rejections.
Enter transactions accurately and promptly into the computer system and document patient accounts when applicable.
Secure large bills and large amounts of cash in the safe; place the cash drawer in the safe at closing.
Provide petty cash to hospital departments, collect their daily revenues, and issue receipts for transactions.
Provide change to patients, visitors, and employees, and receipt payments received in the Admitting Department or directly from patients and families.
Assist customers at the business office counter and operate equipment safely and correctly.
Complete assigned work on time, attend required educational activities and meetings as appropriate, and follow hospital policies and safety requirements.
Accept other assignments as needed.