Director of Patient Accounting

Reports to the Executive Director of Revenue Cycle. Responsible for organizing, planning, and directing the billing, follow-up, cash application and collections activities for the Health System. Develops, recommends, and administers departmental policies and procedures designed to maximize cash flow, minimize denial and bad debt write-offs, and efficiently and effectively collect on Beacon's outstanding accounts receivable. Works closely with leadership of finance, financial planning, and reimbursement to improve reimbursement by identifying opportunities for improvement and implementing those improvements through effective communication and collaboration.

Plans, directs, supervises, and coordinates functions and activities in Patient Accounting and Cash Applications departments by:

• Collaborating with the Executive Director and other members of the financial leadership team to develop long-term strategic priorities and short-term goals and objectives for the revenue cycle function, with a focus on maximizing cash flow and managing overall level of outstanding accounts receivable.
• Establishing mechanisms to track and report on progress toward achieving established revenue cycle goals, objectives, and metrics consistent with the organizational strategic plan.
• Developing, implementing, and training departmental and organizational staff on policies and procedures designed to maximize cash flow and minimize uncollected receivables.
• Overseeing, directing, and supporting the daily operations of all patient accounting and cash application functions, including billing, follow-up, cash posting and collections using effective problem-solving skills and intradepartmental relationships.
• Using the ability to motivate others to achieve objectives and goals, while balancing the big picture with perspective to the details of the operation.
• Working closely with other departments (Coding, Reimbursement, HIM, Case Management, Information Technology, Nursing, and Ancillary departments) to develop and streamline procedures that will help ensure correct billing to patients and payers in a timely manner, thereby expediting and enhancing payment.
• Recruiting, screening/interviewing, selecting, evaluating, coaching and, when necessary, disciplining departmental staff.
• Directing the preparation of recurring and special financial reports and statistical analysis which reflect the financial status of each entity's accounts receivables. Reviewing and interpreting these reports and analyses and presenting trends, movements and status to other members of the financial leadership team and Beacon executive leadership.
• Managing Beacon Health System's accounts receivables efficiently and effectively to assist the System in meeting overall financial objectives.
• Driving continuous improvement in revenue cycle activities by identifying and implementing strategic vendor partnerships that enhance operations including monitoring the performance.
• Remaining fully aware of third-party reimbursement policies in order to expedite payment processing and to ensure internal compliance with changes.

Performs other functions to maintain personal competence and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the department by:

• Serving on inter-departmental committees, reviewing policies and procedures, and representing the System to a variety of community and professional organizations.
• Completing other job-related assignments and special projects as directed.

Leadership Competencies

• Drives Results - Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances.
• Customer Focus - Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.
• Instills Trust - Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• Collaborates - Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Communicates Effectively - Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.

Knowledge & Skills

• Requires an advanced level of knowledge of third-party reimbursement policies and procedures as they relate to the revenue cycle.
• Requires an individual who is a self-starter and possesses excellent follow-through skills.
• Demonstrates the administrative and leadership skills necessary to direct complex workflows and to achieve and maintain a highly motivated cohesive team.
• Demonstrates the analytical skills necessary to develop, evaluate, approve and recommend changes in policies, procedures, and staffing levels that affect the revenue cycle.
• Demonstrates the interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written) necessary to interact effectively and communicate in a highly effective manner, with board members, physicians, senior management staff, staff members, a variety of individuals outside the Hospital, and a diverse clientele.

Working Conditions

• Works in an office environment.

Physical Demands

• Requires the physical ability and stamina to perform the essential functions of the position.