Collections Clerk

Description

Collects on patient accounts in accordance with department policy by reviewing account balances, contacting and counseling patients regarding bills and payment arrangements, handling account complaints, working with outside collection agencies, and referring past-due accounts to the credit department. Performs related accounts receivable posting, cash control, reporting, statement preparation, data entry, and clerical duties.

All Reeves Regional Health (RRH) employees are expected to perform their responsibilities in accordance with RRH policies, accrediting organizations, federal and state regulations, and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) guidelines, as applicable.

Requirements

Job Qualifications:

• Education: High school graduate or equivalent.  
• Experience: One year of relevant experience in healthcare business office preferred.  
• Skills: Typing speed of 45 wpm, operation of 10-key calculator. Familiar with operating a computer. Knowledge of general clerical duties.  
• Physical and Mental Requirements: Duties require intermittent walking, sitting, and standing. Some bending, stooping, and reaching is required with lifting of items up to 40 lb. The ability to comprehend and follow routine written and verbal instructions or directions.
• Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Collects on patient accounts.

• Reviews patient account balances and aging reports to identify accounts requiring collection action.
• Contacts patients regarding outstanding balances, explains bills, and discusses payment arrangements.
• Responds to patient questions and complaints concerning account balances and billing.
• Documents collection activity and maintains accurate account notes.
• Works with outside collection agencies and refers past-due accounts to the credit department in accordance with department policy.

Performs accounts receivable posting and account maintenance.

• Responsible for posting payments and adjustments to patient accounts.
• Answers patient phone calls for billing and payment receipting.
• Retrieves EFT data and emails appropriate recipients as a back-up for the Business Office Specialist.
• Performs cash control as a back-up for the Accounts Receivable Clerk.
• Prepares documents for affidavits including billing requests from outside entities as a back-up for the Business Office Specialist.
• Prepares and distributes reports as needed.
• Prepares daily cash report and corresponding payment/adjustment reports.
• Maintains daily cash balancing worksheet by entering daily transactions in appropriate fields. 
• Enters/scans data accurately and promptly into the information system.
• Prepares documents for purge in accordance with the retention guidelines.
• Distributes billing information to insurance and Medicare staff as appropriate.
• Balances accounts at month-end and approves patient statements as directed
• Performs other duties assigned by the Business Office Director.
• Communicates with external contracts regarding payments and patient correspondence.
• Maintains confidentiality while working with PHI on a daily basis.
• Follows all safety guidelines and policies for Reeves Regional Health.

Required Skills and Qualifications: 

1. Strong verbal and written communication skills. 
2. Excellent interpersonal and customer service abilities. 
3. High attention to detail and strong organizational skills. 
4. Working knowledge of billing and clerical principles and practices. 
5. Effective time management with the ability to meet deadlines.
6. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat
7. Ability to maintain confidentiality with patient information.