Patient Accounts Representative

Position Title: Patient Account Rep – 1

Location: Country Doctor Community Clinic

Expected Hours: 40 hours/week 

Union: Yes 

Salary

$22.74– $33.95 Per hour, non-exempt, payable bi-weekly. The salary scale for this position is between steps 0 and 19, depending on experience.  We use the resume submitted on your application to determine your hourly wage, so please ensure that all relevant work experience is listed in your resume. Applicants must pass an extensive background check.

About Us

Seattle Roots Community Health is a not-for-profit organization that operates two primary care clinics, an After-Hours Clinic, two School-Based Health Centers, a low barrier Medication-assisted treatment clinic and a Dental Clinic. Our Carolyn Downs Family Medical Center was founded in 1970 in Seattle's Central District. Our Country Doctor Community Clinic was established in 1971 by residents of the Capitol Hill neighborhood. 

Seattle Roots is passionate about serving patients of all backgrounds and employing individuals who are equally committed to this mission. To ensure our organization is best serving our populations, we strive to promote policies that enable us to work effectively in all situations, with patients, with coworkers, and with the community.

Our Mission

To improve the health of our community by providing high-quality and caring primary health care that addresses the needs of people, regardless of their ability to pay. At Carolyn Downs and Country Doctor, healthcare is a right.

Job Summary

The Patient Accounts Representative I is responsible for managing patient accounts, processing billing inquiries, and ensuring timely and accurate submission of claims. This position involves direct interaction with patients, insurance providers, and healthcare providers to resolve account-related issues, process payments, and ensure proper documentation of services rendered. The Patient Accounts Representative I plays a key role in the clinic’s financial operations by maintaining clear communication with patients and insurers, ensuring compliance with regulations, and contributing to the overall efficiency of the billing process.

This position requires attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. The Patient Accounts Representative I is expected to contribute to the clinic’s mission of providing high-quality care while maintaining accurate financial records and upholding customer service standards.

Job Responsibilities

Patient Account Management:

• Manage and maintain patient accounts, ensuring that all billing information is accurate and up to date.
• Verify patient insurance coverage, update patient information, and process insurance claims.
• Address and resolve patient billing inquiries, ensuring clarity and understanding of charges and payments.

Claims Processing:

• Submit claims to insurance companies and follow up on unpaid or denied claims.
• Work with insurance carriers to resolve billing issues, including claim denials, underpayments, and coding discrepancies.
• Research and resolve billing issues, including coding errors and missing information.

Patient Communication:

• Communicate with patients to explain their billing statements, payment options, and financial responsibilities.
• Assist patients in understanding insurance coverage and co-pays, providing guidance on how to make payments or set up payment plans.
• Provide excellent customer service in handling all patient inquiries related to their accounts.

Payment Processing:

• Process payments, including copays, deductibles, and balances due, and ensure proper documentation.
• Work with the finance department to post payments accurately to patient accounts.
• Assist patients in setting up payment plans for outstanding balances as needed.

Documentation and Record Keeping:

• Maintain accurate and complete records of all transactions, communications, and claims status in the patient management system.
• Update and track accounts to ensure all charges, payments, and adjustments are correctly reflected.

Collaborate with Other Departments:

• Work with healthcare providers, clinical staff, and insurance companies to ensure accurate billing and prompt resolution of issues.
• Collaborate with the billing team to ensure timely submission of claims and accurate financial reporting.

Compliance and Regulations:

• Adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including HIPAA compliance and billing codes.
• Stay up to date with insurance requirements and billing procedures to ensure the clinic’s compliance with insurance regulations and industry standards.

Qualifications

Education & Training

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate’s degree in health information management, Business Administration, or related field preferred.

Experience & Skills

• 1-2 years of experience in healthcare billing or patient accounts, preferably in a medical office or clinic setting.
• Basic understanding of insurance billing and reimbursement processes.
• Experience with electronic health record (EHR) systems and billing software preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to prioritize tasks in a busy environment.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Bilingual applicants preferred.

Benefits

We provide a robust suite of benefits, including the choice of three medical plans, two dental plans, long-term disability, life, and other insurance programs. You’ll have access to flexible spending accounts, a subsidy of up to 80% of the cost of an ORCA pass, plus an additional match of 50% of the employee's contribution up to 4% after one year of employment. (Ex. if employee contributes at 4%, Seattle Roots will match with an additional 2%, plus the safe harbor contribution totaling a 9% contribution to the employee's 401k) We’ve got you covered!