Job Summary:

The Medical Bookkeeper will be responsible for pricing surgeries and other services provided by physicians and for telephone collections and patient inquiries.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Understands the different fee practices of each of the physicians, interprets different charges, recognizes areas of possible difficulty and takes appropriate steps.
• Engages in various activities related to pricing. Obtains charts from secretary, reads the operative report, applies appropriate fee schedules, posts batches, secures physician approval of any changes, follows through on the changes, and posts into the system. Prepares a monthly written report of the physicians' totals.
• Educates new physicians to the clinic pricing system. Creates and maintains procedural manuals for physicians.
• Prices new surgeries by comparing them with fees from other clinics. Provides an estimate of surgery charges to patients. Enters new patient accounts on computer. Posts daily charges.
• Performs collection functions for the clinic including working with insurance companies and patients. Turns over collectables to the collection agency with the approval of physicians and the business manager. Checks with attorneys on the status of legal patients every three months. Calls patients and insurance companies for collections. Inquires monthly about 90-day-and-older accounts.
• Responds to patient inquiries. Obtains itemized statements in response to patient requests.
• Locates charts and x-rays. Copies them and sends them to orthopedic physicians as requested. Updates patients' personal data.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to work with patients on their billing tactfully and professionally.
• Strong communication skills, especially on the telephone.
• Ability to maintain strong relationships with physicians, employees, and patients.
• Strong clerical skills.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma required.
• Familiarity with or the ability to learn medical terminology beneficial.
• Familiarity with the ability to learn some finance and business skills beneficial.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.