Patient Financial Associate

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Responsible for the collection of assigned accounts to ensure timely and accurate reimbursement and consistent follow-up and collection efforts. Regularly conducts communications with patients and their families, attorneys, outside agencies, Bryan Health personnel and medical staff to secure resolution of accounts while maintaining quality customer service. Maintains confidentiality of protected health information necessary for statutory compliance and prompt payment for medical services.

PRINCIPAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. *Commits to the mission, vision, beliefs and consistently demonstrates our core values.

2. Performs consistent and extensive follow-up, including but not limited to contacts by phone, letter, or in person, on assigned accounts in order to expedite and secure proper payment of accounts.

3. *Evaluates and reviews financial options, including full payment, loan programs and payment arrangements with patients/guarantors.

4. *Researches, verifies and updates as necessary the accuracy of patient demographic and insurance information, prior correspondence, contacts and payments.

5. *Screens patients/guarantors, in person or over the phone, for financial assistance; evaluates financial attachments, which may include tax forms, bank statements, and payroll stubs; analyzes all information for accuracy and makes a recommendation to management for funding according to company policy and documents accordingly in electronic health record.

6. *Researches patient concerns and complaints to establish resolution and responds by phone, in person or by mail correspondence within a timely manner; refers to Patient-Family Advocate as appropriate.

7. *Provides cashiering functions by receipting money received for patient payments on hospital, non-patient services and general fund deposits as needed. Analyzes collection agency and attorney payments, adjustments and charges to confirm accurate reimbursement and outstanding account balances; reconciles collection agency and attorney reports and invoices to assure proper application of funds received as well as appropriate commissions and fees assessment.

8. Prepares and distributes weekly, monthly and yearly figures for collection activities comparing listings to recoveries to commissions between all past and present agencies as requested.

9. Processes deceased notices for estate demands and claims; processes bankruptcy notices received for adjustment of account balance or preparation and submission of bankruptcy claims; processes adjustment requests for insolvent estates, bankruptcies and approved Charity Care accounts.

10. Follows Medical Center protocols in communicating and releasing patient protected health and financial information.

11. Notarizes documents as needed.

12. Maintains professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations to keep abreast of latest trends in field of expertise.

13. Participates in meetings, committees and department projects as assigned.

14. Performs other related projects and duties as assigned.

(Essential Job functions are marked with an asterisk "*").

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Knowledge of patient accounting operations and quality improvement techniques.

2. Knowledge of credit and collection practices, third party payer regulations, and Joint Commission regulations.

3. Knowledge of federal regulations including COBRA, HIPAA, Medicare, Medicaid, and Bryan Medical Center's Corporate Compliance Plan.

4. Knowledge of computer hardware equipment and software applications relevant to work functions.

5. Skill in interpersonal communications and problem resolution.

6. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of personnel, medical staff, volunteer and ancillary departments.

7. Ability to maintain confidentiality relevant to sensitive information and documents.

8. Ability to plan, prioritize and coordinate multiple tasks.

9. Ability to keep current on all policies, procedures, and regulations affecting Patient Accounts operations through departmental training and staff meetings.

10. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

11. Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

High school diploma or equivalency required. Associate's degree in business or accounting-related field preferred. Minimum of one (1) year hospital or medical-related patient account experience required. Must be 19 years of age to witness legal consents.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

(Physical Requirements are based on federal criteria and assigned by Human Resources upon review of the Principal Job Functions.)

(DOT) - Characterized as sedentary work requiring exertion up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body.