Patient account representatives maintain patient financial files to ensure all medical bills are paid. Account representatives must be familiar with insurance billing practices and electronic clearinghouse methods, so they can accurately determine the financial responsibility of patients as well as the knowledge to review and explain the balance to the patient.
Account representatives must possess detail-oriented strengths to recognize mathematical errors, underpayments, overpayments and past-due accounts. Overdue accounts might be the result of patient address changes, typing errors, medical coding mistakes or insurance company shortcomings. Or, they could be the result of patients' inability or unwillingness to pay for medical treatment. Account representatives often have to chase down discrepancies and follow up on past-due accounts by contacting patients, medical facilities, doctors, lawyers, collection agencies and insurance agents.
Because patient account representatives interact with patients, medical professionals and insurance agents on a regular basis, effective interpersonal skills are a must. Account representatives need strong communication skills, so they can negotiate fair payment options and explain the requirements in verbal and written form. They must maintain a friendly tone when talking with patients, so they don't appear frustrated, disappointed or impatient. Due to the private nature of medical diagnoses and treatments, account representatives must carefully respect patient confidentiality.
