Collector I: Patient Accounting

Primary Duties And Responsibilities

The Collector serves as the account representative for Hoag in working with insurance companies, government payors, and/or patients for resolution of payments and accounts resolution.

Completes assigned accounts within assigned work queues.

Obtains the maximum amount of reimbursement by evaluating claims at the contract rate with the use of the contract management tool for proper pricing (Examples: APC, DRG, APRDRG).

Reviews and initiates the initial appeal for underpayments observing all timely requirements to secure reimbursement due to Hoag.

Reviews and completes payor and/or patient correspondence in a timely manner.

Escalates to the payor and/or patient accounts that need to be appealed due to improper billing, coding and/or underpayments.

Reports new/unknown billing edits to direct supervisor for review and resolution.

Has a strong understanding of the Revenue Cycle processes, from Patient Access (authorizations & admissions) through Patient Financial Services (billing & collections), including procedures and policies.

Has thorough knowledge of managed care contracts, current payor rates, understanding of terms and conditions, as well as Federal and State requirements.

Interprets Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) and Electronic Admittance Advices (ERAs) to ensure proper payment as well as assist and educate patients and colleagues with understanding of benefit plans.

Understanding of hospital billing form requirements (UB04) and familiar with the HCFA 1500 forms.

Knowledge of HMO, POS, PPO, EPO, IPA, Medicare Advantage, Covered California (Exchange), capitation, commercial and government payors (i.e. Medicare, Medi-Cal, TriCare, etc) and how these payors process claims.

Demonstrates knowledge of and effectively uses patient accounting systems.

Documents all calls and actions taken in the appropriate systems.

Accurately codes insurance plan codes.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education and Experience: High school diploma or equivalent required.
• One year of previous hospital business experience, or equivalent required or strong background in customer service.
• Basic experience with insurance plans, hospital reimbursement methodology, and/or ICD10 and CPT coding.
• Must have experience in Commercial Collections within a hospital setting. Must be able to interpret CMS-1500 and UB-04