SCO Patient Benefits Coord

Southern California Orthopedic Institute; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Health coverage

Vacation days

Wellness plan

Health club discounts

Job summary

The Southern California Orthopedic Institute is seeking a Patient Benefits Coordinator to guide patients through insurance coverage, eligibility, and financial assistance to ensure access to care. You will liaise with patients, clinicians, and insurers to resolve benefit issues and improve satisfaction.

Minimum qualifications include a high school diploma (associate degree preferred), 2+ years in healthcare administration or insurance coordination, and proficiency with EHR systems and insurance

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; Associate’s degree or higher preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years in healthcare administration, patient services, or insurance coordination.
• Strong knowledge of health insurance plans, medical billing, and patient benefits processes.
• Proficiency with electronic health records (EHR) systems and insurance verification software.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist patients in understanding health insurance benefits, coverage options, and eligibility criteria.
• Coordinate with insurance providers to verify patient benefits and resolve coverage issues or denials.
• Collaborate with healthcare providers and internal teams to ensure accurate billing and documentation related to patient benefits.
• Provide patients with information on financial assistance programs and help them complete necessary applications.
• Maintain detailed records of patient interactions, benefit verifications, and case resolutions to ensure compliance and quality service.
• Educate patients on changes in insurance policies and healthcare regulations that may impact their benefits.
• Support the development and implementation of process improvements to enhance patient benefits coordination.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Education

High School Diploma

Associate degree or higher

Bachelor's degree

Tools

EHR systems

Insurance verification software

Job description

Southern California Orthopedic Institute is the preferred expert for diagnosing and treating bone, joint, and muscle injuries and conditions as well as musculoskeletal and spinal disorders in adults and children.

Our Mission

To provide comprehensive musculoskeletal and supporting services in a manner that demonstrates compassion, value and superior service for every patient encounter while promoting organizational unity and operational efficiency.

Why work for us?

• Competitive pay which matches your abilities and experience
• Health coverage for you and your family
• Generous number of vacation days per year
• A robust wellness plan and health club discounts

About the Role:

The SCO Patient Benefits Coordinator plays a critical role in ensuring patients receive comprehensive support related to their healthcare benefits within the health care and social assistance sector. This position is responsible for guiding patients through the complexities of insurance coverage, benefit eligibility, and financial assistance programs to optimize their access to necessary medical services. The coordinator acts as a liaison between patients, healthcare providers, and insurance companies to resolve benefit-related issues efficiently and accurately. By managing patient benefit inquiries and coordinating with multiple stakeholders, the role directly contributes to improving patient satisfaction and reducing administrative barriers to care. Ultimately, the SCO Patient Benefits Coordinator helps facilitate a seamless healthcare experience by ensuring patients understand and utilize their benefits effectively.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s degree or higher preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years experience in healthcare administration, patient services, or insurance coordination.
• Strong knowledge of health insurance plans, medical billing, and patient benefits processes.
• Proficiency with electronic health records (EHR) systems and insurance verification software.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with patients and healthcare professionals.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, social work, or related field.
• Experience working within a hospital or clinical setting.
• Familiarity with Medicaid, Medicare, and other government healthcare programs.
• Certification in patient benefits coordination or medical billing is a plus.
• Bilingual abilities to support diverse patient populations.

Responsibilities:

• Assist patients in understanding their health insurance benefits, coverage options, and eligibility criteria.
• Coordinate with insurance providers to verify patient benefits and resolve coverage issues or denials.
• Collaborate with healthcare providers and internal teams to ensure accurate billing and documentation related to patient benefits.
• Provide patients with information on financial assistance programs and help them complete necessary applications.
• Maintain detailed records of patient interactions, benefit verifications, and case resolutions to ensure compliance and quality service.
• Educate patients on changes in insurance policies and healthcare regulations that may impact their benefits.
• Support the development and implementation of process improvements to enhance patient benefits coordination.

Skills:

The SCO Patient Benefits Coordinator utilizes strong communication skills daily to clearly explain complex insurance information to patients and collaborate with healthcare providers. Analytical skills are essential for reviewing insurance policies, verifying benefits, and resolving discrepancies to ensure accurate patient coverage. Organizational skills are applied to manage multiple patient cases simultaneously, maintain detailed records, and track follow-ups efficiently. Proficiency with healthcare software systems enables the coordinator to access patient records, verify benefits, and document interactions seamlessly. Additionally, problem-solving skills are critical when navigating insurance denials or eligibility issues to find timely solutions that support patient care.