Patient Account Specialist

The Collections Specialist is responsible for the follow-up and recovery of outstanding patient balances after initial billing and financial counseling efforts have been completed. This position works primarily with delinquent or unresolved accounts, contacting patients and third-party payers to secure payment, clarify account issues, and support the hospital’s revenue cycle goals. Key responsibilities include monitoring accounts receivable, identifying overdue balances, contacting debtors, and documenting collection activities. Qualifications: • High school diploma or GED equivalent • Two (2) years’ experience in medical collections, customer service, or revenue cycle preferred. Primary Duties and Responsibilities: Review aged accounts receivable reports to identify delinquent or unpaid balances. Initiate and document patient outreach via phone, mail, and electronic communication to follow up on overdue accounts. Answers incoming Patient Financial Services calls and disseminate to the responsible party. Explain account balances, insurance adjustments, and payment options to patients in a clear and compassionate manner. Set up and monitor payment plans in accordance with hospital policy. Refer accounts to external collection agencies when appropriate and ensure timely follow up. Maintain accurate and complete documentation of all collection activities in the patient account system. Collaborates with Patient Financial Services and other revenue cycle staff to resolve account discrepancies. Ensure compliance with hospital policies, HIPAA regulations, and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Identify and report trends in non-payment or denials to support process improvements. Created: April 2025 Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of healthcare billing processes and medical terminology. Understanding of insurance claim processes, EOBs, and patient account ledgers. Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information professionally. Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines. Skilled in using computer software, including spreadsheets, word processing, and financial management applications. Attention to detail to ensure accuracy in financial records and reports. Strong knowledge and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and EPIC. Physical Demands and Work Environment: Ability to occasionally lift and carry items weighing up to 20 pounds, such as files or office supplies. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret written materials on a computer screen or paper. Ability to communicate effectively through reading, writing, and speaking in person or on telephone. Requires frequent use of the computer with prolonged periods of sitting at a desk. Must be able to perform the primary duties and responsibilities of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. Compensation: $19.61-$27.02 DOE Benefits Health Insurance Vision Insurance Dental Insurance Flexible Spending Account (FSA and Health Savings Account (HSA) Options 401K Plan with Roth Options 401K 3% employer match and a 2% base non-elective employer contribution Eligibility for company-paid benefits such as life insurance and long-term disability, subject to applicable waiting periods Option to elect Supplemental employee, spouse, and child life insurance Paid Time Off (PTO) Access to the Employee Assistance Program Discounts: available for meals in the cafeteria and over-the-counter pharmacy items Exercise/Fitness Facility: access to the Rehab Therapy Fitness Center for the employee and dependents Expectations for All Employees Support the organization’s mission, vision and values by adhering to the behavioral standards of Grande Ronde Hospital. Comply with all laws and regulations affecting Grande Ronde Hospital. Be familiar with and adhere to the Personnel Policy Manual and the Code of Conduct and support the Grande Ronde Hospital Compliance Program.  Effective communication skills and the ability work effectively with people from various backgrounds are critical. Mission : Grande Ronde Hospital and Clinics will ensure access to high quality, cost-effective health care in a safe and customer-friendly environment for all those in need of our services. Vision: Quality health care is our mission. Patients are our passion. Values: Creativity, Compassion, Collaboration, Credibility