Patient Benefits Representative

SCOPE: Under general supervision, responsible for educating patient on insurance coverage and benefits. Assess patients financial ability; may educate patient on assistance programs. Updates and maintains existing patient new insurance eligibility, coverage, and benefits in system. Supports and adheres to the US Oncology Compliance Program, to include the Code of Ethics and Business Standards, and US Oncology*s Shared Values.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prior to a patient receiving treatment; obtains insurance coverage information and demographics; educates patient on insurance coverage, benefits, co-pays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket expenses.
• Assess patients ability to meet expenses and discusses payment arrangements.
• May educate patients on financial assistance programs as well as identify sources and provide assistance with completing forms.
• Based upon diagnosis, estimated insurance coverage, and financial assistance, completes Patient Cost Estimate form.
• Completes appropriate reimbursement and liability forms for patient*s review and signature.
• Forwards appropriate information and forms to billing office. -Responsible for obtaining, from Clinical Reviewer, insurance pre-authorization or referral approval codes prior to each treatment.
• Review patient account balance and notify front desk of patients to meet with -Ensure that patient co-pay amount is correctly entered into system (or conveyed), allowing front desk to collect appropriately
• At each patient visit, verifies and updates demographics and insurance coverage in computer system according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Stays current on available financial aide. Develops professional relationships with financial aide providers.
• Networks with financial aide providers to obtain leads to other aide programs. -Adheres to confidentiality, state, federal, and HIPPA laws and guidelines with regards to patient*s records.
• Maintains updated manuals, logs, forms, and documentation.
• Performs additional duties as requested.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum three (3) years patient pre-services coordinator or equivalent required. Proficiency with computer systems and MicroSoft Office (Word and Excel) required. Demonstrate knowledge of CPT coding and HCPS coding application.
• Must be able to verbally communicate clearly and utilize the appropriate and correct terminology.
• Must successfully complete required e-learning courses within 90 days of occupying position.

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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to be present at the employee site during regularly scheduled business hours and regularly required to sit or stand and talk or hear. Requires full range of body motion including handling and lifting patients, manual and finger dexterity, and eye-hand coordination. Requires standing and walking for extensive periods of time. Occasionally lifts and carries items weighing up to 40 lbs. Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment may include exposure to communicable diseases, toxic substances, ionizing radiation, medical preparations and other conditions common to an oncology/hematology clinic environment. Work will involve in-person interaction with co-workers and management and/or clients. Work may require minimal travel by automobile to office sites.