Patient Financial Advocate

Ideal Option; Washington, Northern (NC, KY); Hybrid; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

Ideal Option seeks a Patient Financial Advocate to assist patients with billing inquiries and set up payment plans. You will work remotely across multiple states, coordinating with medical staff to resolve balances and clarify charges.

The role requires empathy, strong communication, and proficiency with EHR/billing systems, ensuring HIPAA compliance and accurate records.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• AA degree is preferred.
• 1–3 years in medical billing, patient collections, or healthcare revenue cycle.
• Knowledge of medical billing processes and insurance terminology.
• Ability to handle sensitive financial conversations with empathy.

Responsibilities

• Responds to patient billing inquiries and resolves issues.
• Educates patients on financial responsibility and payment plans.
• Collaborates with clinic staff to address collections needs.
• Negotiate payment arrangements with empathy and professionalism.
• Post payments, refunds, and maintain account accuracy.
• Ensure HIPAA and privacy compliance in all interactions.

Skills

Communication skills

Customer service

Empathy

De-escalation

Professionalism

Education

High School Diploma or GED

AA degree (preferred)

Tools

EHR systems

Billing software

Job description

Job Type

Full-time

Description

Compensation: $19:00/hr

Schedule: Monday - Thursday 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM PST, Friday 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM PST

Location: Remote (Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, Texas, Washington)

About Us

Ideal Option has been working on the front lines of the opioid epidemic since our first clinic opened in 2012. With more than 90 clinics across 11 states, we continuously strive to be the nation’s leading provider of low-barrier evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder. We are looking for a Patient Financial Advocate to join our growing team and help us in our vision to give back lives, reunite families, and heal communities that are suffering from the devastating effects of substance use disorder.

We value our patients and our employees! We treat our employees like we would want to be treated ourselves: with respect and compassion. Below are some specifics on what Ideal Option offers and the role.

The Role

The Patient Financial Advocate (PFA) provides outstanding service to patients with billing inquiries. This role serves as a key liaison between patients and internal departments to resolve billing issues and collect outstanding balances. The ideal candidate is a quick learner who can follow documented training processes, creatively problem-solve when issues arise during patient interactions, and consistently provide compassionate, patient-centered care.

Additional responsibilities include

• Connects with patients via clinic chats, phone, texting and email regarding outstanding balances to encourage and set-up personalized payment arrangements
• Educate patients on their financial responsibility, their bill and claims processing, payment options, and payment plans
• Partner with medical assistants to ensure patients and clinic staff receive prompt, thorough responses to their patient collections-related needs and inquiries
• Negotiate payment arrangements while maintaining empathy and professionalism
• Review, maintain, and manage patient alerts and accounts to ensure updated information in chart, accurate charges, payments, adjustments, and balances
• Generate and review patient statements and billing correspondence
• Serve as a patient advocate by addressing billing questions and concerns clearly and compassionately
• De-escalate difficult situations while maintaining a professional, respectful tone
• Identify billing discrepancies and initiate corrections as needed
• Post payments and refunds accurately and timely
• Maintain accurate documentation of all patient interactions and account activity
• Ensure compliance with HIPAA, the Privacy Act, and 42 CFR Part 2
• Meet productivity, quality, and customer service standards
• Other projects and duties as assigned

Requirements

Required: High School Diploma or GED
Preferred:

• AA or 1-3 years of experience in medical billing, patient collections, or healthcare revenue cycle
• Knowledge of medical billing processes, insurance terminology, and patient responsibility
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Ability to handle sensitive financial conversations with empathy and professionalism and to de-escalate situations promptly
• Proficiency in electronic health records (EHR) and billing systems
• Familiarity with Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance plans