Patient Account Specialist

The US Oncology Network believes local cancer care is better care and in 2017 Vantage Oncology joined The US Oncology Network. The US Oncology Network empowers the delivery of advanced integrated cancer care through our network of independent physicians who share expertise and resources to provide quality, value-based care close to home. Our clinical and business support capabilities, expertise and industry-leading technologies keep local practices at the forefront of high quality, efficient care delivery while enabling practice success, quality of life and financial security for physicians.

We have an immediate opening for a Patient Account Specialist

SCOPE: Under minimal supervision, is responsible for account follow-up for all assigned accounts, resolving billing problems and answering patient inquiries. Sets up financial arrangements as needed. Uses collection techniques to keep accounts receivable current including monitoring for delinquent payments. May assist with daily and monthly business office functions, including reporting, file maintenance and special projects. Supports and adheres to the US Oncology Compliance Program, to include the Code of Ethics and Business Standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs audits of patient accounts to ensure accuracy and timely payment.
• Reviews account agings and reports inconsistencies, correcting errors as appropriate.
• Contacts patients regarding delinquent accounts and calculates and documents mutually acceptable payment schedules.
• Follows up on insurance billing to ensure timely receipt of payments.
• Receives and resolves patient billing complaints and questions; initiates adjustments as necessary; follows up on all zero payment explanations of benefits and exercises all options to obtain claim payments. Serves as resource for other patient account follow up specialists regarding issues with patient accounts.
• Reviews and processes adjustments and refund requests. Assists with review of financial disclosures and negotiated agreement adjustments.Reviews appropriate files to identify deceased patients and estates; verifies dollar amounts and files estate to appropriate court in a timely manner.
• Makes appropriate financial arrangements for payment of patient accounts; follows up to determine if payment arrangements are being met; contacts patients to resolve problems; responds to correspondence or telephone calls from patients about accounts.
• Ensures the review of EOBs to ensure proper reimbursement of claims and reports any problems, issues, or payor trends.
• Maintains payor profiles.
• Works closely with collection agency to assure that they receive updated information on accounts as necessary.
• Prepares and submits write-off requests with appropriate documentation.
• Processes insurance/patient correspondence, including denial follow-up. Maintain reimbursement correspondence and filing systems.
• Works with provided aging to monitor patient account agings and follows up appropriately.
• May assist with daily and monthly business office functions, including reporting, file maintenance and special projects.
• Provides guidance and daily work direction to business office staff.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: High school graduate or equivalent required. Minimum five years experience in a medical business office setting with insurance processing and balancing responsibilities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work may require sitting for long periods of time; also stooping, bending and stretching for files and supplies. Occasionally lifting files or paper weighing up to 40 pounds. Requires manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, calculator, telephone, copier and other office equipment. Vision must be correctable to 20/20 and hearing must be in the normal range for telephone contacts. It is necessary to view and type on computer screens for prolonged periods of time.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed in an office environment. Involves frequent interaction with staff, physicians patients and outside insurers.