Patient Accounts Manager

As a Patient Accounts Manager, your daily responsibilities include supervising billing, claims, and coding staff, ensuring processes are efficient, and ensuring compliance with financial laws. You'll manage patient billing functions, oversee payment processing for outside claims, and work closely with the Third Party Administrator to minimize outstanding claims. Your role is essential in supporting Puyallup Tribal members by guiding them through billing issues and ensuring timely payments.

To qualify for the Patient Accounts Manager position at Puyallup Tribal Health Authority, you need a Bachelor’s degree in medical administration, accounting, or a related field, coupled with five years of experience in family practice medical billing. Additionally, it’s crucial to have five years of supervisory experience managing a team. While a Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification is preferred, it is not mandatory.

The Puyallup Tribal Health Authority prioritizes accuracy in patient billing by continuously managing and upgrading systems and procedures related to billing and claims. The Patient Accounts Manager is responsible for training staff on coding, conducting audits, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. Regularly reviewing and processing claims efficiently reduces errors and enhances the overall billing experience for both staff and patients.

The Patient Accounts Manager role offers an impressive benefits package, including 100% covered medical, dental, and vision premiums for employees, 18+ annual paid holidays, generous sick and vacation accruals, and a 401(k) with annual profit sharing. PTHA also provides an excellent work-life balance, making it a desirable workplace for professionals in the healthcare field.

During the onboarding process for the Patient Accounts Manager at Puyallup Tribal Health Authority, you can expect comprehensive training that covers office policies, billing systems, and compliance regulations. You'll also receive resources and tools to help you efficiently manage and supervise your team. Support from senior leadership will ensure you have all you need to succeed in your new role.

When answering this question, focus on your specific roles and responsibilities in previous positions, highlighting your proficiency in medical billing systems and coding standards. Provide examples of how you've encountered and solved challenges in the billing process.

Emphasize your conflict resolution skills, discussing your approach to open communication and collaboration. Describe a specific situation where you successfully resolved a disagreement and the positive outcome it led to.

Discuss your familiarity with healthcare regulations and the importance of staying up-to-date with changes in laws. Outline methods you use to educate your team and establish auditing procedures to maintain compliance.

Share your time management strategies, such as the use of task lists, prioritizing urgent claims, and delegating responsibilities effectively. Providing an example of a high-pressure situation can demonstrate your skills.

Detail your hands-on experience in processing insurance claims and how you navigate the complexities of claim rejections and resolutions. Mention tools and software you’ve used and your success rate in resolving claims promptly.

Elaborate on your proactive approach to maintaining billing accuracy, such as regular audits, staff training, and efficient use of technology. Providing real metrics regarding your success can further enhance your answer.

Explain your approach to training, including onboarding practices, ongoing development, and creating accessible resources. Give an example of a successful training session you conducted and its impact on the team’s performance.

Choose a specific, relevant example that illustrates your problem-solving skills. Discuss the steps you took to address the issue, what you learned, and how it influenced your future approach.

Talk about the balance of efficiency and empathy in dealing with patients. Provide methods you use to handle inquiries sensitively, ensuring patients feel heard and valued while also keeping the process efficient.

Highlight your unique skills and experiences that align with the goals of the Puyallup Tribal Health Authority. Discuss how your leadership style, knowledge of billing practices, and commitment to community healthcare will contribute positively to the organization.