Patient Business Associate

Summary

The Outpatient Financial Clearance and Authorization team is looking for a full-time Patient Business Associate to provide timely and thorough insurance and financial risk assessment review for scheduled outpatient services.

Mission Statement

Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally. Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.

Why Join Michigan Medicine?

Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world’s most distinguished academic health systems. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.

What Benefits can you Look Forward to?

• Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage effective on your very first day
• 2:1 Match on retirement savings

Responsibilities*

• Take necessary steps to acquire accurate and complete insurance information to ensure first time quality and improve the patient financial experience at Michigan Medicine
• Evaluate all patient payment sources, verify insurance eligibility, collect insurance benefit information and document insurance referral and authorization requirements for outpatient appointments and surgeries
• Prepare the patient liability estimate using procedure code(s), diagnosis, payer fee schedule and benefit information. Contact and educate patients on out-of-pocket liability for hospital and professional services prior to appointment and collect and post pre-payments when appropriate
• Verify and update patient demographic and insurance information as needed
• Identify and promptly communicate changes in a patients’ insurance coverage to the outpatient clinic as needed
• Refer patients with insurance concerns requiring immediate attention to the Patient Financial Counselor or alternate funding sources when appropriate based on financial assessment
• Clearly and thoroughly document all actions, contacts, outcomes and interventions
• Respond to insurance related questions from Michigan Medicine customers with promptness and thoroughness
• Review, investigate and resolve outpatient hospital accounts being held due to insurance related issues post service and prior to claim submission
• Attend and participate in operational meetings, utilizing LEAN thinking and principles. Develop standard processes and incorporate efficiencies into daily workflow
• Assist and contribute to the overall achievement of the Michigan Medicine and Patient Business Services quality, operational and financial goals and objectives

Required Qualifications*

• High school diploma in combination with experience working with health insurance or in a healthcare setting is essential.
• Outstanding customer service, written and verbal communication skills are mandatory.
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks, producing high-quality work in a timely, accurate and efficient manner is required.
• Proficiency in the use of computers and basic software applications is necessary.
• Ability to be flexible and work within a team-focused, participative management framework is required.

Desired Qualifications*

• An Associate’s Degree with three years of progressively complex healthcare registration, insurance and billing experience is preferred.
• Understanding and ability to interpret and communicate insurance benefit information is recommended.
• Familiarity with CPT codes and payer fee schedules is desired.
• Knowledge of No Fault Auto, Michigan Assigned Claims, Veteran’s Affairs, third party and government payer rules and regulations is preferred.
• Experience working in the EPIC system is desired.

Work Locations

This position is a remote position where you will work from home/virtually once training is completed and performance-based competency has been obtained. High speed internet is a requirement for this position and the cost is the responsibility of the staff member. There may be occasions where the staff member may need to report to the business office location, including meetings, computer or technology requirements, or to complete work that is not possible to handle remotely. The business location will have space available to reserve onsite work when required or necessary. Although there is some flexibility in working hours, the business location and operations are in the Eastern Time Zone and work hours must accommodate interactions, including video conferencing, with colleagues during these hours. Computing resources including required software applications, VPN, desktop or laptop computer, monitor, webcam, keyboard and mouse, will be provided by the employer. Remote staff are not provided with a mobile phone but are provided with computer telephone and fax technology. Office equipment such as desk, chair, and printer are not provided. Basic supplies such as paper and pens, are stocked at the business location and are available to remote staff for pick-up should they choose. Unless otherwise agreed in advance with your manager, additional hardware, software, printing, and cost of office supplies preferred by the staff member, are the responsibility of the employee.

Technology Skills required include the ability to set-up computer and monitors and connect accessory items such as mouse, keyboard, and web cams. Remote computing support is available 24/7 via phone, chat, or ticketing system, to all staff members. Staff will be expected to effectively communicate and resolve most computing issues directly with computing support resources.

Background Screening

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.