Patient Financial Coordinator

JOB DESCRIPTION: Patient Financial Coordinator

We are looking for a dynamic multitasker to join our team who is well-versed in insurance billing and accounts management. Dental experience is required.

The Financial Coordinator is the backbone of the front desk team, ensuring that patients understand their financial obligations and the timeline for payment. They work closely with patients, the Patient Coordinator and the clinical team to facilitate a seamless experience and commitment to a payment plan. The Financial Coordinator sets the tone for discussions about finances and dental benefits. They provide a calm and warm environment for patients who are otherwise anxious and concerned about “how to afford dentistry.”

The Financial Coordinator may also be responsible for some internal accounting duties that support the practice’s goals for profitability. To ensure consistency and stability, the Financial Coordinator is also cross-trained with the Appointment Coordinator so that they can assist when required. The number one responsibility of all employees is patient care and meeting patient needs. This guide outlines responsibilities that must be accomplished daily, weekly, and monthly. Other responsibilities may be required, as needed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

· Relationship building skills  · Influencing skills/negotiation skills

· Computer skills including practice management software  · Familiarity with dental benefits protocols

· Familiarity with ADA codes  · Teamwork and leadership skills

· Ability to market the practice  · Creative problem-solving skills

· Superb verbal skills with patients, dental benefits companies, third party companies, and staff

· Overall understanding of office philosophy and systems

· Keen understanding of scheduling and financial systems in order to support the practice

· Ability to function within a team environment as a supportive and positive contributor

KEY GOALS/BENCHMARKS OF ROLE

· Daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly collection goals achieved

· Appropriate A/R ratio and A/R breakdown  · Support of the overall goals and strategies per the Annual Plan

· Patient monitors indicate an 85% case acceptance rate on significant treatment

· Patient referrals generated as a result of patient invitations  · Positive patient reviews of the front office experience

RESPONSIBILITIES

· Prepare a financial action plan by reviewing the patients for the next day and determining their financial needs and their status.

· Research dental benefits and prepare estimates on treatment diagnosed prior to discussing financial arrangements.

· If the patient is returning for a consultation, provide this information to the doctor prior to discussing financial arrangements.

· Determine the patient’s dental benefits carrier and patient’s share of cost.

· Obtain a signed financial agreement, specify number of payments and due dates, and monitor payments.

· Prepare and deliver a daily financial statement to the dentists.

· Handle objections to patient finances  · Effective collection system from first call, letters, and beyond.

· Study the dental benefits plans that are used most frequently with patients to understand the various nuances of each plan in order to communicate more effectively.

· Document basic dental benefits information for quick reference.

· Determine dental benefits eligibility, limitations, and payment estimates necessary to facilitate financial arrangements.

· Educate patients regarding dental benefits, their responsibility, and basic terminology.

· Process and submit dental benefit claims daily  · Monitor and follow up on outstanding claims.

· Send information as requested by dental benefits companies such x -rays, charting, narratives, and other documentation for processing the claim when applicable.

· Correspond with dental benefits companies to resolve payment delays, requests for additional information, or to discuss treatment that has been denied.

· Fully utilize online opportunities that provide information regarding patients accounts and automatic bill pay.

· Allocate Accounts to ensure payment posting accuracy  · Assist Front Desk in scheduling/Check in/Check out as needed.

· Monitor and handle credentialing for insurance for all doctors  · Prepare end of the day reports, deposit, insurance processing and verify all (collected) totals balance.

· Process check payments and print reports  · Process Credit card report and verify (assuming collections).

· Ensure Written and signed Financial Arrangement policy is also being followed by other Front Desk.

· Debrief and handoff patients appropriately so that the front desk knows what was done during the consultation and the patient is accountable.

· Ask patients for a referral and hand out a business card. Quality care is always the best marketing.

· Get a firm commitment to schedule once a financial agreement is in writing.

· Write or call patients that made a special impact on the office thanking them for being our patient.

· Provide appropriate internal accounting processes  · Mass communication emails for events, closures, insurance, etc.

TEAMWORK

· Proactively communicate with the back office so they know any changes in the patient’s financial status-both insurance eligibility and financial balances.

· Participate in staff meetings with skills including facilitation, training, and problem-solving.

· Take initiative when practice is running behind or understaffed.

· Embody the practice’s philosophy in all actions and decisions.

· Use excellent verbal skills with staff, as well as with patients.

· Encourage efficient and office-focused use of time and discussions.

Benefits:

401(k)
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance

Monday to Thursday, some Fridays

High school or equivalent

Insurance billing: 1 year (Preferred)
Dental Office: 1 year (Preferred)

TheGreatSmile.com

Email Resume to:  DrPete@TheGreatSmile.com