Director, Patient Accounting

Beacon Health System; Granger (IN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Beacon Health System is seeking a senior leader to oversee the Revenue Cycle, including billing, follow-up, cash applications and collections. You will direct policies and procedures to maximize cash flow, reduce denials, and minimize bad debt while ensuring timely cash collection across the system.

You will collaborate with finance, FP&A, and reimbursement leadership to drive improvements, monitor AR metrics, and implement strategic initiatives that optimize reimbursement and operational

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration or related field.
• 5–7 years progressively responsible experience in hospital accounts receivable.
• 3+ years supervisory/management experience in a revenue cycle setting.
• Advanced knowledge of third-party reimbursement policies and procedures.
• Strong leadership, communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee billing, follow-up, cash posting and collections across the health system.
• Develop, implement and train policies to maximize cash flow and minimize uncollected receivables.
• Collaborate with finance, FP&A and reimbursement leadership to set priorities and objectives.
• Direct preparation of financial reports and AR metrics; present trends to leadership.
• Drive continuous improvement by optimizing vendor partnerships and processes.

Skills

Revenue cycle leadership

Process improvement

Cross-functional collaboration

Data analysis

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in accounting/finance/business administration

Job description

Reports to the Vice President 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.

MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS

• MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

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

• Collaborating with the Vice President 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.

Organizational Responsibilities

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Complies with established organization and department policies.
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

Education and Experience

• The knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through successful completion of a Bachelor's Degree program in accounting, finance, business administration or related; or equivalent experience. Five to seven years of progressively more responsible experience, including three years of experience supervising and managing a major component of a Hospital's accounts receivables, is required.

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.