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Patient Account Representative

About Us

Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital, located in Bakersfield, California, is an acute psychiatric and behavioral 90 bed facility situated on 8.8 acres.

We offer inpatient and outpatient services for children, adolescents and adults needing mental/behavioral health, chemical dependency; and co-occurring disorders treatment through our medically supervised detoxification.

Within our Workplace Community, BBHH is striving daily to be one of the BEST PLACES TO WORK not just here in Kern County, but throughout the Behavioral Healthcare Community.

By offering amazing benefits, encouraging individual growth and development, and incorporating our CARES values system into our daily operations, we are creating a workplace culture where people enjoy coming to work each day.

BBHH CARES about your experience as a candidate and we encourage you to apply to our open positions.

Compassion

Acceptance
Respect

Empowerment

Sincerity

Job Summary

The Patient Account Rep / must possess knowledge of the various payers i.e. commercial, Managed care, government plans and State programs, i.e. Medi-Cal/Medicaid and CCS. The Patient Account Rep is responsible for verifying patient insurance coverage, to ensure coverage by an individual’s provider. He/she is responsible for entering data in an accurate manner, as it is his/her job to update patient benefit information in the insurance system and verify that existing information is accurate. This position requires the individual to spend extensive amounts of time on the phone and /or insurance companies’ websites to ensure that all benefits have been verified for determination of authorization requirements.

This position also serves as a valuable resource to patients, providing them with pertinent information regarding their coverage. This position works with patients to explain coverage amounts provided by their insurance policy. This position also assist patients with payment arrangement plans for services that are not covered by their insurance companies and/or for those self-pay patients. Calculates and collects cash payments by using Medicare DRG/APC reimbursement table. Responsible for financially counseling patients at hospital bedside.

Work closely with Case Management (UR) daily in regards to patient status changes; whether this would include patient type or insurance notification or insurance coverage. Must have excellent customer service and communication skills with the ability to effectively calm patients and be able to deal with distressed and/or agitated patients and their families.

Responsibilities:

  • Verify that sufficient information is available for accurate verification and eligibility. This step may require direct contact with the patient.
  • Call insurance companies and to verify and complete all insurance information and benefits.
  • Check if authorization is require
  • Enter the patient insurance information into patient financial system ensuring the selection is the appropriate payer and associated financial class.
  • goal for each patient’s insurance verification is complete and accurate. The insurance verifier will document the findings in the patient account and will contact the patient with either estimated co-insurance, co-pay and or deductible amounts due.
  • Calculate co-pay, and estimated co-insurance due from patients per the individual payer contract per the individual payer contract and plan as applicable.
  • Be familiar with individual payer guidelines and the process of collecting over the counter payments/deductibles/copay/co-insurance. Knowledge of payer contracts including Medicare, Medicaid and other government contracts and guidelines.
  • A/R, billing, insurance verification or customer service experience preferred

The Patient Account Rep position starts at $21/per hour for all newly-hired persons.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:

Simply put: HUMANS WHO CARE

Though we do need to meet some minimum requirements for the position such a High School Diploma or Equivalent, we're really looking for people who bring their HEART to work.

Our patients, our community, and our co-workers RELY on us to be committed to their wellness,


Through prevention, intervention, treatment, and education, we can and we will make a difference not just here in Bakersfield, but throughout our extended communities.

You should have a current CPR certification when you apply or obtain certification prior to your start date.

You will preferably have at least one year of experience in a hospital environment.

Additionally, you'll complete a "Handle-With-Care" Physical Restraint Technique Training during your orientation.

Ideally, someone with at least 2 years of medical billing and certification in a similar field will apply.

BBHH encourages ALL qualified applicants to apply and will consider an equivalent combination of education and experience to be acceptable for this role.

Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital is proud to offer a suite of benefits to those who join our workplace community.

*Benefits eligibility varies based on employment status (full-time, part-time, per diem, temporary, etc.).

Some of the benefits you can expect as a Full-Time employee include:

  • Paid Time Off
    • over THREE WEEKS of Paid Time Off in your first year!!!
  • TUITION REIMBURSEMENT!
  • Life Insurance
  • Short-Term Disability Insurance
  • Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Pet Insurance
  • Accident Insurance
  • 401k Retirement Plan
  • Discounted Meals
  • Employee Assistance Program

Average salary estimate

$43680 / YEARLY (est.)
min
max
$43680K
$43680K

If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.

What You Should Know About Patient Account Representative, Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital

Welcome to the exciting world of patient care at Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital! We’re on the lookout for a dedicated Patient Account Representative who is ready to make an impact in our community. In this key role, you’ll ensure that our patients receive the highest level of financial assistance and support regarding their insurance coverage. You’ll dive deep into verifying insurance coverage, navigating through various payer systems, and securing authorizations—all while providing warm and understanding communication to our patients. We value empathy and a human touch in our approach, so whether it’s speaking with insurance companies or guiding patients through their coverage options, your communication skills will shine. Your day-to-day will include meticulously entering and maintaining accurate data in our systems, calculating co-pays, and assisting with payment plans to help those without coverage. If you have a heart for helping people and understand the intricacies of insurance verification, you’ll feel right at home with us. At BBHH, we believe that a strong employee experience fosters great patient care, so we offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive workplace culture where everyone can thrive. Come join us at Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital, where we believe in making a difference together, for all those we serve!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Patient Account Representative Role at Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital
What are the main responsibilities of a Patient Account Representative at Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital?

As a Patient Account Representative at Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital, your core responsibilities will include verifying patient insurance coverage, communicating with insurance providers, and ensuring accurate data entry in the patient financial systems. You will also assist patients with payment arrangements and provide detailed information regarding their insurance benefits, thus playing a crucial role in the patient care experience.

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What qualifications are required for the Patient Account Representative position at Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital?

To apply for the Patient Account Representative role at Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital, you’ll need a high school diploma or equivalent. Ideally, you should have at least one year of experience in a hospital or healthcare environment, along with a current CPR certification. Certifications in medical billing will also give your application an edge, especially if you have two years of relevant experience.

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What benefits come with the Patient Account Representative position at Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital?

Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital offers a robust suite of benefits for its Patient Account Representatives, including over three weeks of paid time off in the first year, tuition reimbursement, medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a 401k retirement plan and pet insurance. Additional perks include discounted meals and an employee assistance program to support your well-being.

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What is the expected salary for a Patient Account Representative at Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital?

The starting pay for a Patient Account Representative at Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital is competitive, beginning at $21 per hour for newly-hired individuals. This role not only offers a great starting salary but also potential for raises based on performance and experience in the field.

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How can a Patient Account Representative at Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital support patients effectively?

A Patient Account Representative can support patients by clearly communicating coverage details, addressing insurance-related queries with empathy, and assisting with the financial aspects of their care. This includes helping patients understand their benefits and working with them to create feasible payment plans for services that may not be covered, ensuring they feel supported and informed throughout their healthcare journey.

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Common Interview Questions for Patient Account Representative
Can you describe your experience with insurance verification processes as a Patient Account Representative?

When answering this question, highlight your familiarity with various insurance protocols, outlining any specific experiences you’ve had in verifying patient insurance details and navigating payer systems. Share specific tools or software you’ve used, and illustrate how you ensured accuracy in your verification efforts.

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How do you approach difficult conversations with patients regarding their payment responsibilities?

Emphasize your empathetic communication skills. Explain how you approach these conversations with patience, ensuring that you provide clear information and actively listen to their concerns. Mention strategies you use to calm distressed patients and how you guide them through payment plans.

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What strategies do you utilize to maintain accuracy in data entry for patient insurance information?

Talk about your attention to detail and methods for checking your work. Consider sharing techniques such as double-checking information, creating checklists, or using software tools that minimize errors, all aimed at ensuring patient accounts are correctly managed.

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How familiar are you with government programs like Medi-Cal/Medicaid?

Discuss your understanding of these programs, highlighting any direct experience you’ve had working with them. Explain how this knowledge helps you to navigate eligibility and coverage issues that may arise while dealing with patients.

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Why do you want to work at Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital as a Patient Account Representative?

Express your passion for helping others and alignment with the hospital’s mission. Discuss the impact you believe you can make in a mental health setting and your admiration for the supportive workplace culture they promote.

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Can you give an example of a time you successfully resolved an issue for a patient?

Be prepared to share a specific scenario where you addressed a patient’s concern effectively. Focus on your problem-solving skills and the positive outcome that resulted from your intervention.

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What tools or software are you acquainted with for handling patient accounts?

List any relevant software such as electronic health record systems, billing software, or communication platforms you've used. If possible, include specific examples of how you leveraged technology to improve efficiency or accuracy in your past roles.

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How do you ensure compliance with HIPAA regulations while handling patient information?

Discuss your commitment to confidentiality and the protocols you follow to protect patient information. Emphasize your understanding of HIPAA guidelines and your practice of minimizing exposure to sensitive data.

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What role does teamwork play in the Patient Account Representative position?

Explain how collaboration with other departments, such as case management, enhances patient care. Share experiences where teamwork helped streamline processes or improve patient outcomes.

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How do you stay motivated and organized in a high-volume work environment?

Speak about your time management skills and strategies you employ to prioritize tasks. Provide examples of how you maintain focus and efficiency, even under pressure, ensuring that patient needs are always met.

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TEAM SIZE
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HQ LOCATION
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EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Full-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
March 18, 2025

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