Patient Account Representative Info

A Patient Account Representative speaks to the insurance company to understand what services are eligible for payment, and helps patients find alternative methods of payment if necessary. A Patient Account Representative is also responsible for checking the patients’ records to ensure that they are accurate, the charges are correct, and they are up to date with any previous payments. In addition, they help the patient find alternate healthcare resources that may help them with payment, such as Medicaid.

Skills
A Patient Account Representative must have good communication skills, both written and oral. They must be able to communicate with the patient, the insurance company, and the healthcare provider in a proficient manner. They also need basic math skills so that they can easily understand bills, determine payment plans, and spot any mathematical errors. Finally, a Patient Account Rep needs to possess research skills so they can delve into patient history, find phone numbers, and locate billing history.

Education & Training
A Patient Account Representative should have training in medical terminology, so that they understand the billing codes and treatment provided to the patient. They should also have experience in bill collection. Many Patient Account Representatives choose a degree in Medical Billing, which will give them the necessary training in math, computers, and medical terminology.

Outlook
The need for Patient Account Representatives is increasing, due to the rapid growth of the healthcare industry. The healthcare industry is expected to grow 22% by the year 2018, according to a study done by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov).

Learn more about Medical Billing and related careers.