POSITION SUMMARY: With customer service orientation, verifies patient’s insurance benefits and eligibility.  Obtains required authorization, provides procedure codes and fee estimates and collects prepayment from patients when appropriate.

REPORTS TO:  Practice Manager

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Monitor scheduled surgeries and maintain organized list with status of pre-certification process.
• Verify insurance eligibility and benefits via phone and/or internet access. Update insurance policy information in Eyecare as required.
• Check insurance payment policy for scheduled procedures and obtain prior authorization when required.
• Verify receipt of all necessary pre-authorization documents prior to procedure.
• Communicate effectively with the facility in which the procedure will be performed as needed.
• Assign appropriate ICD and CPT codes pre-operatively based on documentation and booking slips.
• Notify primary care physician for managed care plans that require PCP authorization.
• Supply patients with written or verbal estimates of surgical codes and fees upon request. 
• Meet with patients pre-operatively or communicate effectively as necessary with patients so they understand the billing process and their financial expectations pre-operatively.
• Collect pre-payment from the patient when necessary. 
• Notify patients with past due accounts of pre-payment policy for elective surgery.  Receive payments from patients. 
• Assist with check-in and check-out when needed.  Serve as a resource on insurance, billing and customer service for reception and cashier.
• Monitor cash box and report balance to supervisor and accounting department monthly.
• Perform other duties or functions as assigned.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:  

• A minimum of two (2) years experience in the medical field.
• Must have a strong knowledge of anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and medical insurance.

COMPETENCIES:

• communication skills
• attention to detail
• adaptability
• customer service oriented
• problem solving skills
• integrity
• confidentiality
• decision-making skills
• adaptable to change
• stress tolerance

 PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT (per ADA guidelines):

• Physical Activity: Talking, Hearing, Repetitive motion.
• Physical Requirements: Sedentary work. Involves sitting most of the time.
• The worker is required to have visual acuity to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT:

• Staff members are required to meet training expectations within the initial 90-day probationary period.
• Obtaining certification in ophthalmic field is encouraged. MWEC will provide assistance to all employees eligible for the Employee Career Development Program.