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Collections Specialist I

Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest is one of the largest providers of sexual and reproductive healthcare in Southern California, operating 20 health centers throughout our three-county region. Check out our new video, "We are Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest” for more information about our organization: https://bit.ly/WeArePPPSW.


Care. No Matter What.


As the Collections Specialist I, you will have the opportunity to collect, post, and process encounter/account payments. This will include submitting claims and following up with insurance companies on unpaid amounts. In this exciting opportunity, you will communicate with patients and staff to provide a clear understanding of insurance benefits/eligibility, payment options, and patient financial responsibility. 


The ideal candidate will be dedicated to providing the highest level of customer service to stakeholders of all backgrounds and have the ability to handle sensitive situations with a strong intrapersonal savvy. If you have excellent problem solving skills, high attention to detail with a proven track record in meeting deadlines, and are driven by our mission, apply now!


This is a fully on-site role based in Mission Valley, San Diego. This role does not require nights or weekends.


In this role, you’ll get to:
  • Prepare and submit clean claims to third party payers, either electronically or on paper, and work claim rejections.

  • Verify insurance eligibility, benefits, and patient cost shares.

  • Perform post-visit financial counseling with patients to ensure they are aware of their insurance coverage and financial responsibility. Explain complex insurance topics such as benefit coverages, copays, deductibles, and coinsurance.

  • Negotiate payment plans for patients who cannot afford to pay cost of services in full.

  • Serve as a patient advocate ensuring they are aware and take advantage of programs such as Medi-Cal, FamilyPact, and available sliding fee discounts.

  • Analyze and process third party payments/adjustments.

  • Determine the appropriateness of appealing denied claims, and take necessary actions to resubmit those claims on a timely basis.

  • Work on aging and rebill reports; perform effective follow-up on unpaid claims using EPM tasking.

  • Update EPM system with notes from conversations with patients, payers, Contact Center, and Health Center Staff. Ensure new or pertinent demographic information from patients is updated to ensure clean claim submissions to 3rd party payers.

  • Answer questions from patients, internal customers, and insurance companies. Provide counseling to patients and Health Center staff on complicated insurance questions.

  • Prepare, review, and send patient statements.

  • Identify and resolve patient billing complaints.

  • Perform various collection efforts including contacting patients by phone.

  • Participate in educational activities and attend monthly staff meetings.


What we are looking for:
  • 2+ years of recent third-party billing/coding/collections and/or Revenue Cycle process experience
  • Knowledge of CPT & ICD codes
  • Knowledge of PPO, HMO, IPA, MSO, and Medi-Cal billing practices & protocols
  • Ability to read EOB’s and interpret carrier reimbursement


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Epic EMR experience
  • Bilingual in Spanish


$23 - $23 an hour
At Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest (PPPSW) the philosophy behind our compensation efforts is to foster workplace equity by aligning pay and benefit structures with our Agency’s mission and values. These efforts are continuously evaluated as we work toward living out our social justice values as an employer. PPPSW recognizes that decisions about pay and benefits have a significant impact on staff, and we work diligently to ensure all positions are compensated competitively as compared to other similar positions in the community. The Affiliate establishes compensation supported by a position description that identifies competencies, duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. In alignment with the Agency culture, PPPSW will strive to communicate openly and transparently about the goals of the Agency and the design of the compensation policies. The Agency will ensure the compensation program is administered in a manner that is consistent with the Agency’s value of pay equity.

We are the power of Planned Parenthood.


We are Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest, one of the largest and most prominent affiliates of the most iconic health care organization in the world. We are recognized for the wide array of services we provide and the outstanding education we deliver.


We are a prominent and powerful team of health experts who work relentlessly to help our communities sustain their health and well-being. We adhere to the highest standards and protocols as we collaborate and care for people, without judgment.


100 years of advocating for our mission has secured our advancement, our future and our passion for practicing health care.


We are a team you can have fun with and a powerful movement you can be part of. Together we’ll take pride in shaping the future of sexual health and reproductive rights.


For those who feel that purpose is critical to their work, this is a gift.


In This Together.


Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Please visit our careers page for more information: www.pppswcareers.org 

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CEO of Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest
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Darrah DiGiorgio Johnson
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Average salary estimate

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$48000K

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What You Should Know About Collections Specialist I, Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest

Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest is on the lookout for a Collections Specialist I to join our San Diego Administration Building! In this pivotal role, you’ll dive into the nuts and bolts of collecting, processing, and posting payments for encounters and accounts. Your day-to-day will include submitting claims and engaging with insurance companies to chase down those unpaid amounts, all while fostering a stellar level of customer service. You’ll also work with patients, helping them understand their insurance benefits, payment options, and financial responsibilities. If you pride yourself on your attention to detail and problem-solving skills, and are passionate about our mission of providing compassionate care, we want to hear from you! You’ll also have the chance to negotiate payment plans, advocate for our patients, and analyze any third-party payments and adjustments. This position is fully on-site, Monday through Friday, allowing for a balanced work life without late nights or weekends. If you have a background in billing, coding, or the revenue cycle process—especially with knowledge of various insurance billing practices—your expertise will shine here at Planned Parenthood. With our commitment to workplace equity and competitive compensation, you'll feel valued and supported as part of our team. Join us in shaping the future of sexual and reproductive healthcare in our community—together, we can make a difference!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Collections Specialist I Role at Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest
What are the responsibilities of a Collections Specialist I at Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest?

As a Collections Specialist I at Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest, you will be responsible for tasks such as preparing and submitting claims to third-party payers, verifying insurance eligibility and benefits, and counseling patients about their financial responsibilities. You will negotiate payment plans, advocate for patients' access to programs, analyze third-party payments, and resolve billing complaints, all while ensuring clear communication with patients and staff.

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What qualifications are needed for the Collections Specialist I position at Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest?

To excel as a Collections Specialist I at Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest, candidates should have at least 2 years of experience in third-party billing, coding, or revenue cycle processes. A solid understanding of CPT & ICD codes, as well as familiarity with various insurance billing practices, is essential. Preferred qualifications include Epic EMR experience and being bilingual in Spanish.

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What skills are important for a Collections Specialist I at Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest?

A successful Collections Specialist I at Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest should possess strong problem-solving skills, a keen attention to detail, and the ability to maintain professionalism when discussing sensitive matters with patients. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, are also crucial for explaining complex insurance topics clearly and effectively.

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What is the compensation for a Collections Specialist I at Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest?

The hourly wage for a Collections Specialist I at Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest is between $23 - $23 an hour. In addition to competitive pay, the organization is committed to fostering workplace equity, ensuring compensation aligns with the agency's values and mission.

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Is the Collections Specialist I position at Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest in-person or remote?

The Collections Specialist I position at Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest is fully on-site, located in the San Diego Administration Building. This role does not require work on weekends or evenings, promoting a balanced work environment while allowing you to engage directly with your team and patients.

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Common Interview Questions for Collections Specialist I
Can you describe your experience with third-party billing or collections?

When answering this question, be sure to detail your relevant work experience, including the types of billing systems you've used, your familiarity with insurance policies, and any successful outcomes you've achieved, such as reducing claim denials or improving collection rates.

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How do you handle difficult conversations with patients regarding their financial responsibilities?

Refer to a specific example where you successfully navigated a challenging situation. Emphasize the importance of empathy and clear communication, outlining how you would explain complex insurance concepts while maintaining compassion towards the patient's situation.

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What strategies do you use to ensure timely submissions and follow-ups on claims?

Outline a systematic approach you take for managing your workload. Discuss any tools or methods you employ for tracking claims, the importance of organization, and how you stay proactive in following up on unpaid claims to ensure timely resolutions.

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How do you stay current with changes in billing practices and insurance regulations?

Talk about your commitment to professional development, including any ongoing education, attending relevant workshops, or utilizing resources such as industry publications to keep abreast of changes in billing practices and regulations.

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Describe a time when you identified a billing error. How did you handle it?

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide a structured response. Describe the context, what error you found, the steps you took to address it, and how your actions resulted in a positive outcome for the patient or the organization.

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What do you know about the patient advocacy role within the Collections Specialist position?

Explain the essence of patient advocacy in this context, such as helping patients understand their financial options, guiding them through the billing process, and ensuring they are aware of available assistance programs. Discuss how this aligns with the mission of organizations like Planned Parenthood.

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How would you approach financial counseling with a patient unsure about their billing?

Demonstrate your approach to delivering financial counseling by emphasizing the importance of active listening, acknowledging the patient's concerns, and breaking down the billing details in a clear and supportive manner.

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What tools or software have you used in billing and collections?

List specific billing software or EMR systems you've worked with, such as Epic, preferably highlighting your proficiency and any special projects you contributed to that improved efficiency in processes.

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What measures would you take to maintain data accuracy in the billing process?

Discuss your methods for ensuring data integrity, such as double-checking entries, regular audits, and your attention to detail to prevent issues that could lead to claim denials or payment delays.

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Why do you want to work for Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest in the Collections Specialist role?

Articulate your passion for reproductive healthcare and social justice, explain how your values align with those of Planned Parenthood, and express eagerness to contribute to their mission of providing equitable healthcare services.

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The mission of Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest is to ensure broad public access to sexual and reproductive health care through direct service, education, and advocacy. Planned Parenthood believes in the fundamental right of each indiv...

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DEPARTMENTS
SENIORITY LEVEL REQUIREMENT
TEAM SIZE
EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Full-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
January 5, 2025

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