Athena Coding Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $19.06 - $20.97 Hourly
Location : Springfield, IL
Job Type: Civil Service
Job Number: 2402195
Department: Otolaryngology-SMS (ENT)
Division: Otolaryngology
Opening Date: 07/21/2026
Closing Date: 8/3/2026 2:00 PM Central
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: AFSCME Local 370
Shift: Days
ExemptorNon_Exempt: Non-Exempt
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Description
The person in this position performs functions related to the daily operation of the reception area for the Southern Illinois University (SIU) School of Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery.
*This position is ON SITE only*
Examples of Duties
75% FRONT DESK:
A. Greets all patients and visitors in a courteous and friendly manner. Verifies demographic and insurance information making appropriate changes as needed in Athena IDX. Obtains pertinent signatures and paperwork at time of check in.
B. Registers new patients by entering demographic information and appropriate insurance code(s) into Athena IDX. Verifies guarantor responsibility and establishes special guarantors when appropriate.
C. Arrives patients in Athena IDX, assembles encounter and other pertinent documents, and forwards to the appropriate provider station.
D. Enters referral information per Athena IDX guidelines and then forwards authorization forms to medical records.
E. Accesses electronic health records to obtain orders, verify consent and flag appropriate.
F. Responsible for generating printed copies of the provider schedules from Athena IDX, if needed.
G. Responsible for working alerts and insurance referral needs at minimum two days prior to appointment.
H. Prepares mailing of new patient packets including brochures, provider biographic information and other forms requested by providers.
I. Billing and Collections:
1. Responsible for the collection of copayments and payment at time of service. Accepts payment on account and prepays posting correctly in Athena IDX.
2. Knowledge of balancing and exiting batches in Athena IDX for daily reconciliation and deposit.
3. Responsible for visit insurance of accident/workers compensation related services by contacting the patient and/or insurance company. Obtain all necessary information including insurance carrier, address, telephone number, claim number and insurance adjuster. Enters data into Athena IDX as an alternate insurance allowing Patient Business Services to verify benefit status.
4. Assists clinic and nursing staff with billing questions and concerns.
5. Answers patient questions regarding routine insurance and billing procedures.
6. Obtain a waiver when applicable.
10% SCHEDULING CENTER:
A. Works closely with other Medical Office Specialist, providing back up coverage when needed.
B. Creates and maintains daily templates per provider. Creates, accesses and maintains session comments for provider templates.
C. Proficiently schedules new and established patient appointments with provider according to urgency of individual needs based on prescribed guidelines by the Department. Assists with directions and other concerns pertaining to appointment.
D. Responsible for verifying and/or updating patient demographics or collecting demographic information for new patients, along with current referring physician data. Informs patients of pertinent records and /or tests needed for appointment. Provides accurate directions when needed.
E. Responsible for notifying patients by phone and/or written correspondence of clinic schedule changes.
F. Notifies appropriate nurse of patient to be added to their clinic schedule. Determines if patient is new or established by predetermined guidelines. Add patient data to the schedule,
assembles encounter and pertinent documents, and forwards to the appropriate provider station.
G. Responsible for compiling and mailing new patient appointment brochures with information pertaining to facility location and provider. Responsible for accurate and timely distribution of filing for all new patient computer printouts for each resource.
H. Coordinates translators/language interpreters for special needs patients during appointment scheduling. Coordinates transportation for special needs patients as needed.
10% ADMINISTRATIVE:
A Assists in training of personnel, monitors work completed and alerts Nurse or Department Administrator(s) of problems which occur.
B. Suggests and aids in implementing efficient procedures in the reception area.
C. Responsible for identifying duplicate accounts and forwarding pertinent information to the System Support Unit for proper adjustments.
D. Monitoring clinical waiting area for cleanliness to decrease clutter and safety issues.
E. Responsible for communicating updates to all Medical Office Associates directed by the Department Administrator.
F. Provides input on Medical Office Associates evaluations.
5%
Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties described above.
Qualifications
Credentials to be Verified by Placement Officer
1. Any one or any combination totaling two (2) years (24 months), from the categories below:

1. College education with coursework in a medical or para-medical field such as nursing assistant, medical assistant, or medical secretary and/or business fields such as business, finance, computer science, public administration, or social science, as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent:
   • 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)
   • Associate's Degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months)
   • 90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)
2. Work experience comparable to that performed at the Medical Office Associate level or in other positions of comparable responsibility.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs)
1. Knowledge of medical terminology.
2. Knowledge of medical records and operating procedures.
3. Knowledge of medical laboratory and x-ray, billing, and admissions procedures.
4. Knowledge of computer systems and clinic forms.
5. Knowledge of automated admissions and/or billing systems.
6. Skill in maintaining detailed records.
7. Skill in communicating effectively with patients and families from a wide variety of persons from different economic and cultural backgrounds.
8. Oral and written communication skills
9. Organization skills, including time management and workflow.
10. Skill in adapting and working under pressure and amid interruptions.
11. Skill in explaining rules, policies, and their interpretations.
12. Ability to use a medical dictionary.
13. Data entry ability with great attention to detail.
14. Ability to supervise, train, lead and direct the work of others.
15. Ability to add, subtract, work with percentages, and perform cash transactions effectively.
16. Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with medical staff.
17. Ability to keep patient data confidential.
18. Ability to use independent judgment and resolve problems quickly.
19. Ability to identify work priorities and follow them to complete daily tasks.
20. Ability to be stable and maintain cooperative working relationships with clerical and professional staff.
Condition of Employment
Pursuant to the State Universities Civil Service System, an out-of-state resident who is hired into this position must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days of their start date.
Supplemental Information
If you require assistance, please contact the Office of Human Resources at or call 217-545-0223 Monday through Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm.
The mission of Southern Illinois University School of Medicine is to optimize the health of the people of central and southern Illinois through education, patient care, research and service to the community.
The SIU School of Medicine Annual Security Report is available online at This report contains policy statements and crime statistics for Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield, IL. This report is published in compliance with Federal Law titled the
"Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act."
Southern Illinois University School of Medicine is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer who provides equal employment and educational opportunities for all qualified persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, protected veteran status or marital status in accordance with local, state and federal law.
Pre-employment background screenings required.
Paid time off: Includes 12 paid holidays per year. Accrual rates vary based on employment type and years of service
Paid sick time: Use for personal illness, doctor visits, or if your immediate family members fall ill
Health, Dental, and Life insurance
Optional life insurance: Your spouse and dependents can enroll in State term life and university-sponsored term life insurance.
Prescription: Plan participants enrolled in any state health plan have prescription drug benefits included in the coverage.
Long-term Disability Insurance
Flexible spending accounts: Optional, IRS tax-favored program that enables you to stretch medical expenses and dependent care dollars
Voluntary retirement accounts: Optional plans include the State of Illinois Deferred Compensation Plan (457) and Tax Deferred Annuity (403b).
Tuition Waiver/Tuition Reimbursement: Continue your graduate or undergraduate education with the help of tuition waivers or tuition reimbursement
Leaves of absence: Includes FMLA and Extended Sick Leave Benefits for qualified employees
Employee Assistance Program: Access free and confidential support, including counseling services, and information during difficult times
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