Patient Account Representative

Patient Account Representative | Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health | Leland, North Carolina

About the Job:

PURPOSE STATEMENT:

The Patient Account Representative is responsible for financial assessment of patients, determination of ability to pay, collection of deposits, negotiation of payment arrangements, securing financing of self-pay liability, and identification of funding sources.

Roles and Responsibilities:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Verifies benefits on each admission and appropriately documents billing system of patient’s financial obligations.
• Provides financial counseling for patients (or responsible parties) of their financial obligations including education/consent of private pay agreement, explanation of benefits, co-pays and deductible information, etc. to patients and families to assist patients in identifying funding sources; Performs upfront collections when appropriate.
• Collects data and compiles various/ongoing reports to record and monitor upfront collection data.
• Responds to all requests for insurance benefit verification in a timely manner to facilitate admission.
• Completes documentation of all benefit and eligibility information with accuracy and detail and communicates timely to designated staff.  Reviews explanation of benefits to ascertain that claim is processed and paid correctly.
• Accurately determines third party and self-pay liability. Verifies benefits, anticipated length of stay, average program cost to establish correct liability.
• Prepares written out of pocket estimates and discusses with the patient and/or family.
• Ensures all patients are “financially secured” as soon as possible but no later than at discharge.
• Requests credit reports to assist in determining collectability.
• Collects “Advance Payments” according to guidelines provided.
• Reviews claims issues utilizing claims clearing house and make corrections as needed and rebill. 
• Completes adjustment forms if any adjustments need to be made to an account and attach all supporting documentation.
• Manages daily productivity via patient accounting system and productivity reports. 
• Prorates patient accounts and monitors that balance due is in the correct financial class.
• Maintains appropriate reminder system for follow-up activity.
• Gathers and interprets data from system and understands appropriate course of action to take and initiates time-sensitive and strategic steps resulting in payment.
• Completes monthly re-verification of all current, in-house patients.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or equivalent required. 
• Two or more years’ prior admissions, collections experience and requests for verification of benefits in a hospital setting required.  Psychiatric experience preferred.
• Prior experience with on-line Admission/Billing system desirable.

LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS:

Not applicable.

WORK LOCATION:

This position is onsite and is not a remote position.

SUPERVISORY REQUIREMENTS:

This position is an Individual Contributor.

Why Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health?Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health offers a comprehensive benefit plan and a competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. Qualified candidates should apply by submitting a resume. Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health is an EOE.

Veterans and military spouses are highly encouraged to apply. Summit BHC is dedicated to serving Veterans with specialized programming at our treatment centers across the country. We recognize and value the unique strengths of the military community in supporting our mission to serve those who have served.