<p>PeaceHealth is seeking a Patient Account Specialist for a Per Diem/Relief, 0.00 FTE, Day position. The salary range for this job opening at PeaceHealth is $20.58 - $30.88. The hiring rate is dependent upon several factors, including but not limited to education, training, work experience, terms of any applicable collective bargaining agreement, seniority, etc.</p> <p>Job Summary</p> <p>Join a high-volume, patient-focused call center where you will help patients and their families understand and resolve hospital and clinic billing questions. This role focuses on providing clear answers, setting up payment options, and resolving concerns during the first call whenever possible.</p> <p>You will work independently while using internal systems and resources to research accounts, assist patients with financial options, and ensure a positive experience.</p> <p>Essential Functions</p> <ul> <li>Answer inbound calls from patients, family members, insurance companies, and attorneys (8am-5pm). </li><li>Help patients understand their hospital and clinic bills. </li><li>Resolve most calls independently, transferring only when necessary. </li><li>Set up payment plans and collect payments in accordance with PeaceHealth policies. </li><li>Assist patients with financial assistance programs, including explaining eligibility and application steps. </li><li>Review and update patient accounts, including adjustments and corrections based on established guidelines. </li><li>Work with insurance companies, providers, and internal teams to resolve billing issues. </li><li>Clearly document all interactions and account updates in the system. </li><li>Use tools such as Epic to research and manage patient accounts. </li><li>Identify the appropriate department for escalations when needed and ensure accurate handoffs. </li><li>Perform other duties as assigned. </li></ul> <p>Department Overview</p> <ul> <li>Customer service-focused call center environment </li><li>High volume of inbound calls with an emphasis on first-call resolution </li><li>Calls come from patients, families, insurance companies, and legal representatives </li><li>Strong focus on problem-solving and ownership of each interaction </li><li>Training is Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm for 6-8 weeks (may extend closer to 90 days) </li></ul> <p>Qualifications</p> <p>Education</p> <ul> <li>College coursework preferred in: </li><li>Accounting </li><li>Business </li><li>Medical Technology </li><li>Communications </li><li>Social Work </li></ul> <p>Experience</p> <ul> <li>Minimum of 1 year experience in customer service, billing, collections, call center, or related field required </li><li>Call center experience strongly preferred </li><li>Healthcare or hospital billing experience preferred </li><li>Experience with Epic preferred </li></ul> <p>Skills</p> <ul> <li>Strong verbal and written communication skills </li><li>Ability to handle a high volume of calls while maintaining quality and accuracy </li><li>Confidence working independently and making decisions during calls </li><li>Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills </li><li>Proficiency with computers, including Microsoft Office and data entry </li><li>Ability to navigate multiple systems while assisting customers </li></ul> <p>Working Conditions</p> <p>Lifting</p> <ul> <li>Consistently operates computer and other office equipment </li><li>Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally </li><li>Sedentary work </li></ul> <p>Environmental Conditions</p> <ul> <li>Predominantly operates in an office or remote environment </li></ul> <p>Mental/Visual</p> <ul> <li>Ability to communicate and exchange accurate information </li><li>Close visual acuity required for computer work and data review </li></ul> <p>PeaceHealth is committed to the overall wellbeing of our caregivers. Benefits for positions less than 0.5 FTE include a 403b retirement plan, wellness benefits, discount programs, and expanded EAP and mental health support.</p> <p>See how PeaceHealth is committed to Inclusivity, Respect for Diversity and Cultural Humility.</p> <p>For full consideration of your skills and abilities, please attach a current resume with your application.</p> <p>EEO Affirmative Action Employer/Vets/Disabled in accordance with applicable local, state, or federal laws.</p> <p>REMOTE Position Requirements</p> <p>Must reside and work in WA, OR, or AK and live within a one-hour drive to a main PeaceHealth facility.</p>