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Patient Accounting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Projects involve supporting and assisting Patient Accounting staff in the resolution of patient accounts with the Medicare/Medicaid Team. Works with insurance companies, government or patients to ...

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Patient Accounting information

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How much do patient accounting jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient accounting in the United States is $21.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectPatient AccountingMedical Billing Specialist
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationHigh school diploma; certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, healthcare officesMedical offices, billing companies, healthcare providers
Primary ResponsibilitiesManaging patient accounts, insurance claims, payments, and account reconciliationSubmitting insurance claims, coding, and billing for services rendered

Patient Accounting and Medical Billing Specialist roles both involve handling healthcare financial processes. Patient Accounting focuses on managing patient accounts, payments, and insurance reconciliation, while Medical Billing Specialists primarily handle submitting claims and coding. Both roles require similar credentials and are found in healthcare settings, but their specific duties differ slightly, making each essential to healthcare revenue cycle management.

What is patient accounting?

Patient accounting is the process within healthcare organizations that manages and tracks all financial transactions related to patient care. This includes billing patients and insurance companies, processing payments, and maintaining accurate records of charges and outstanding balances. Patient accounting ensures that healthcare providers receive proper reimbursement for services rendered while helping patients understand their bills. It is an essential function for the financial health of hospitals and clinics.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Patient Accounting, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Patient Accounting often encounter challenges such as managing complex billing systems, staying updated with frequent changes in insurance policies, and ensuring accuracy in patient records. These challenges can be addressed by developing strong attention to detail, regularly participating in training sessions to stay informed about industry updates, and leveraging specialized software to streamline billing processes. Additionally, effective communication with clinical staff and insurance providers is crucial for resolving discrepancies and ensuring timely payment processing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Patient Accounting professional, and why are they important?

To excel in Patient Accounting, you need a solid understanding of medical billing, insurance claims processing, and healthcare regulations, often supported by a degree in healthcare administration or related field. Familiarity with patient accounting software, electronic health records (EHR), and billing systems such as Epic or Cerner is typically required. Attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure accurate financial transactions, compliance with regulations, and prompt resolution of patient accounts, which are essential for the financial health of healthcare organizations.
More about Patient Accounting jobs
What cities are hiring for Patient Accounting jobs? Cities with the most Patient Accounting job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Patient Accounting jobs? The most popular types of Patient Accounting jobs are:
What states have the most Patient Accounting jobs? States with the most job openings for Patient Accounting jobs include:
Infographic showing various Patient Accounting job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,557 per year, or $21.4 per hour.
Financial Assessor Patient Accounting

Financial Assessor Patient Accounting

Northwestern Medicine Corporate

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago


Northwestern Medicine rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 381 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

160th of 870 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Description

 The Financial Assessor Patient Accounting reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization's Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

Responsibilities:

  • Consistently meet the current productivity and quality standards in timely resolution of all claim edits, reporting of candidates for bill, outbound compliant claim submission, clinical documentation requirements and any other communication required (verbal or written) regarding claims ensuring timely filing of claims and clean, complete and accurate claims.
  • Consistently meet or exceed productivity standards, targets, error ratios, and reporting requirements assigned by the Patient Accounting Lead Financial Assessor and Operations Coordinator.
  • Timely follow-up and collection of third party payer receivables. Denials and Appeals follow-up including root cause analysis to reduce/prevent future denials while working to overturn denials for payment resolution.
  • Compliant follow-up correspondence to third party payers regarding outstanding accounts receivables (i.e. Statements, letters, e-mails, faxes, portal mail, etc.).
  • Support the operations related to optimum third party accounts receivables (i.e. Managed Care, Commercial, Medicare, Medicaid, Replacement plans, Workers Compensations, Corporate Accounts, Research, and Specialty AR Accounts).
  • Perform daily, systematic reviews of work lists to ensure all accounts already to be worked are completed.
  • Utilize Government, Commercial, and regulatory guidelines for collection of outstanding accounts. Recommend accounts for contractual or administrative write-off and provide appropriate justification and documentation.
  • Practice HIPAA privacy standards and ensure compliance with patient health information privacy practices. Provide individual contribution to the overall team effort of achieving the department accounts receivable goals.
  • Identify opportunities for customer, system and process improvement and submit to management.
  • Follow the NMHC general Policy and Procedures, the Departmental Policy and Procedures, and any Emergency Preparedness Procedures.  Follow Joint Commission and outside regulatory agencies mandated rules and procedures.
  • Utilize assigned menus and pathways in the hospital mainframe system and report software application problems to the appropriate supervisor.
  • Utilize assigned menus and pathways in external software applications and report software application problems to the appropriate supervisor.
  • Utilize assigned computer hardware and report hardware problems to the appropriate supervisor.
  • Participate in the testing for assigned software applications, including verification of field integrity.
  • Assist the Patient Accounting Operational Coordinator and Patient Accounting Team Lead Financial Assessor with special projects and other duties as assigned, as necessary.
  • Attend training and seminars as assigned and approved by the Patient Accounting Operations Coordinator.

Additional Responsibilities:

  • Demonstrate excellent customer service through oral and written communication in providing assistance/expertise to patients, authorized guarantors, and other external and internal contacts.
  • Demonstrate proficient use of systems and execution of processes in all areas of responsibilities.
  • Working knowledge of physician and facility billing and follow-up including understanding of insurance rules and regulations especially Medicare and Medicaid. Knowledge of HIPAA standards.
  • Ability to perform mathematical calculations.
  • Excellent communication skills when dealing with patients, families, public, co-workers, and professional offices. Basic knowledge of medical terminology and billing practices

Qualifications

Required:

  • High School diploma
  • One year related work experience or college degree
  • Ability to perform mathematical calculations
  • Basic knowledge of medical terminology and billing practices
  • Extensive experience and knowledge of PC applications, including Microsoft Office and Excel
  • Learn quickly and meet continuous timelines
  • Exhibit behaviors consistent with principles of excellent service.

Preferred:

  • Two or more years' college or college degree.
  • Call center, telephone work experience or cash collections experience.
  • Knowledge of Epic Systems.
  • Two (2) years progressive work experience in a hospital/ physician billing or SBO environment.
  • Detail-oriented, good organizational skills, and ability to be self-directed.
  • Strong time management skills, managing multiple priorities and a heavy workload in a high-stress atmosphere.
  • Flexibility to perform other tasks as needed in an active work environment with changing work needs.
  • High-level problem solving, analytical, and investigational skills.
  • Excellent internal/external customer service skills.

Equal Opportunity

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check.  Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. 

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family. 

Qualifications:

Required:

  • High School diploma
  • One year related work experience or college degree
  • Ability to perform mathematical calculations
  • Basic knowledge of medical terminology and billing practices
  • Extensive experience and knowledge of PC applications, including Microsoft Office and Excel
  • Learn quickly and meet continuous timelines
  • Exhibit behaviors consistent with principles of excellent service.

Preferred:

  • Two or more years' college or college degree.
  • Call center, telephone work experience or cash collections experience.
  • Knowledge of Epic Systems.
  • Two (2) years progressive work experience in a hospital/ physician billing or SBO environment.
  • Detail-oriented, good organizational skills, and ability to be self-directed.
  • Strong time management skills, managing multiple priorities and a heavy workload in a high-stress atmosphere.
  • Flexibility to perform other tasks as needed in an active work environment with changing work needs.
  • High-level problem solving, analytical, and investigational skills.
  • Excellent internal/external customer service skills.
Education:Not in Patient Care Giver RoleEmployment Type: Full-time

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