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Patient Accounting Associate Jobs in Vermont (NOW HIRING)

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Patient Accounting Associate information

What does a patient accounting associate do?

A Patient Accounting Associate is responsible for managing and processing patient billing and payments within healthcare organizations. Their duties include verifying insurance coverage, preparing invoices, posting payments, and resolving billing discrepancies. They act as a liaison between patients, insurance companies, and healthcare providers to ensure accurate financial records and timely payment collection. Strong attention to detail and customer service skills are essential for success in this role.

What are some common challenges patient accounting associates face when handling billing discrepancies, and how can they effectively resolve them?

Patient Accounting Associates often encounter discrepancies in billing due to insurance claim denials, coding errors, or incomplete patient information. Resolving these issues typically involves collaborating closely with healthcare providers, insurance companies, and patients to gather accurate data and clarify outstanding charges. Strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and persistence are essential for efficiently investigating and correcting errors to ensure timely reimbursement and patient satisfaction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a patient accounting associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Patient Accounting Associate, you need a solid understanding of medical billing, insurance claims processing, and accounting principles, typically supported by a high school diploma or associate degree in a related field. Familiarity with healthcare billing software, electronic health record (EHR) systems, and coding standards such as ICD-10 and CPT is essential. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure accurate financial records, timely reimbursement, and positive patient interactions in a healthcare setting.

What is the difference between Patient Accounting Associate vs Medical Billing Specialist?

AspectPatient Accounting AssociateMedical Billing Specialist
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer certificationHigh school diploma; certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, healthcare officesMedical offices, billing companies, healthcare facilities
Job FocusPatient account management, billing, payments, insurance claimsProcessing insurance claims, coding, billing accuracy
Common UsageUsed interchangeably in healthcare billing and patient account rolesSpecialized in insurance claim processing and coding

The Patient Accounting Associate and Medical Billing Specialist roles share similarities in credentials and work environments, often overlapping in healthcare settings. However, the Patient Accounting Associate typically handles broader patient account management, while the Medical Billing Specialist focuses more on insurance claims and coding. Both roles are essential in healthcare revenue cycle management and are frequently searched together by job seekers in medical billing and administrative healthcare positions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Patient Accounting jobs in Vermont?

The most popular types of Patient Accounting jobs in Vermont are:

Patient Accounting Associate jobs near you

Patient Financial Counselor

Brattleboro Retreat

Brattleboro, VT • On-site

$21.28 - $33.21/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Verify insurance eligibility, benefits, authorizations, and coverage prior to or at the time of service.

  • Assist patients with applications for Medicaid or other governmental assistance programs and monitor pending applications.

  • Discuss payment options with patients, establish payment plans, and follow up on outstanding balances.

Job description


Job Summary: 

The Financial Counselor serves as the primary resource for patients regarding the financial aspects of behavioral health services. This position is responsible for providing compassionate, accurate, and confidential financial counseling throughout the patient care continuum. Responsibilities include verifying insurance eligibility and benefits, educating patients about anticipated financial responsibility, assisting with payment arrangements and financial assistance programs, supporting Medicaid application processes, and managing patient account follow-up to promote timely payment while maintaining a patient-centered approach.

The Financial Counselor works collaboratively with Registration, Clinical, Billing, and Leadership teams to ensure accurate patient information, maximize reimbursement, reduce bad debt, and help patients understand and meet their financial obligations without creating barriers to medically necessary behavioral health care.


Education & Experience Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's degree in Business, Healthcare Administration, Finance, or related field preferred.
  • Two or more years of experience in healthcare registration, patient financial services, medical billing, insurance verification, or revenue cycle operations.
  • Must become certified by the State of Vermont as a Medicaid Assister withing 6 months of accepting this role.
  • Experience working with commercial insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid. 


Knowledge, Skill, Ability Qualifications:

  • Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
  • Strong customer service and communication skills.
  • Ability to explain complex financial information with empathy and professionalism.
  • Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
  • Proficiency with electronic health records, patient accounting systems, and Microsoft Office applications.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Core Leadership Standards & Competencies

  • Verify insurance eligibility, benefits, authorizations, and coverage prior to or at the time of service.
  • Calculate and communicate anticipated patient financial responsibility, including deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and non-covered services.
  • Clearly explain insurance benefits and billing processes in a respectful, patient-friendly manner.
  • Document all financial discussions and payment arrangements in the electronic health record and/or patient accounting system.
  • Discuss available payment options with patients and responsible parties.
  • Collect patient payments prior to time of service whenever possible.
  • Establish payment plans in accordance with organizational policies.
  • Assist eligible patients with applications for Medicaid or other governmental assistance programs.
  • Screen patients for charity care or financial assistance eligibility and assist with the application process.
  • Monitor pending financial assistance applications and follow up as necessary.
  • Respond to patient questions regarding existing balances, billing statements, insurance payments, and payment options.
  • Review patient accounts to identify outstanding balances requiring follow-up.
  • Perform courteous, service-oriented collection calls on delinquent accounts while maintaining compliance with all applicable laws and organizational policies.
  • Work with patients to resolve outstanding balances through payment arrangements or available financial assistance programs.
  • Escalate complex billing concerns to appropriate departments when necessary.