Introduction
An established orthopaedic trauma and reconstructive surgery practice is seeking an experienced Practice Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of a high-acuity specialist practice. The role carries significant responsibility for practice administration, team management, financial oversight and revenue-cycle management, with a particular focus on Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMB) and Injury on Duty (IOD/COID) claims.
The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring accurate, timely and compliant processing of PMB submissions and appeals, as well as managing high-volume COID claims through to payment and reconciliation.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of the practice, ensuring efficient patient flow and service delivery.
- Lead, manage, mentor and support administrative and billing staff.
- Ensure adherence to practice policies, procedures, ethical standards and healthcare regulations.
- Manage staff leave and promote accountability and continuous improvement.
- Train and upskill billing and administrative staff on trauma ICD-10 coding, PMB regulations and COIDA requirements.
- Identify PMB-qualifying trauma diagnoses and ensure appropriate ICD-10 and CPT/NRPL/RPL coding.
- Prepare and submit PMB motivation letters and clinical documentation packs.
- Manage PMB appeals and disputes from submission through to resolution.
- Liaise with medical scheme case managers, hospital case managers, funders and relevant stakeholders regarding PMB cases.
- Monitor PMB turnaround times and maintain rejection and appeal registers.
- Keep up to date with relevant PMB regulations, scheme protocols and Council for Medical Schemes guidance.
- Manage the full COID/IOD claims cycle from initial patient presentation through to final payment and reconciliation.
- Complete and submit relevant COIDA documentation, including W.Cl.2, First Medical Reports, Progress Medical Reports and Final Medical Reports.
- Apply correct COID tariff coding for consultations, procedures and theatre services.
- Track outstanding COID claims and proactively follow up on unpaid or queried claims.
- Manage rejected or incomplete claims and coordinate with employers, HR departments and occupational health providers to resolve outstanding information.
- Reconcile COID payments against invoiced tariffs and follow up on short-payments.
- Maintain separate tracking systems for PMB appeals and COID claims, including submission dates, outstanding documentation and days outstanding.
- Oversee billing and debt collection across medical aid, PMB, COID/IOD, Road Accident Fund where applicable, and private/cash patients.
- Manage budgets, financial reporting, expenses and month-end reconciliation processes.
- Develop and monitor KPIs relating to PMB and COID turnaround times, rejections, outstanding claims and debtor days.
- Ensure accurate maintenance of medical records and compliance with POPIA requirements.
- Oversee practice management and electronic health record systems and ensure effective use by staff.
- Manage patient complaints and support a high standard of patient service.
- Liaise with hospitals, IT specialists, suppliers, contractors, funders and other relevant service providers.
- Assist with marketing initiatives and professional networking.
- Ensure the practice environment, examination rooms and stock areas are maintained appropriately.
- Assist with reception, patient scheduling, hospital admissions and general administration when required.
- Answer calls, manage messages and ensure patient enquiries are followed up appropriately.
- Capture and maintain accurate patient information, including employer and claim details for trauma and IOD patients.
- Manage patient accounts, payments, receipts, allocations, banking and petty cash.
- Assist with debt collection administration and follow-up of outstanding patient accounts.
- Ensure stock levels are maintained and place orders for medical and office supplies.
- Provide clinical and general practice support as required and directed.
- Assume the duties of other administrative staff when required to ensure continuity of practice operations.
Desired Experience & Qualification
- Previous experience in a private specialist medical practice, preferably within orthopaedic, trauma or surgical environments.
- Proven Practice Management or senior medical administration experience.
- Working knowledge of Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMB), including motivation and appeal processes.
- Practical experience with COIDA / Injury on Duty (IOD) claims, including statutory documentation and claim follow-up.
- Experience dealing with the Compensation Fund, compensation fund administrators or mutual associations advantageous.
- Sound understanding of ICD-10 coding and medical aid billing and authorisation processes.
- Knowledge of medical aid billing, PMB and COID tariff structures.
- Experience managing high-volume claims and administrative workloads.
- Strong financial and debtor-management experience.
- Experience with practice management software and electronic health record systems.
- Knowledge of POPIA and healthcare compliance requirements.
- Proven experience managing and training staff.
- Ability to manage PMB and COID tracking systems and maintain accurate records.
- Strong understanding of medical practice administration and revenue-cycle processes.
Skills & Attributes:
- Strong leadership and people-management skills.
- Excellent organisational and time-management abilities.
- Highly accurate and detail-oriented.
- Strong financial and analytical skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong problem-solving and follow-up abilities.
- Ability to manage high volumes without compromising accuracy or turnaround times.
- Ability to work independently and take ownership of responsibilities.
- Professional, ethical and accountable.
- Calm and effective under pressure.
- Strong patient-service orientation.
- Ability to prioritise competing demands and meet deadlines.
- High level of confidentiality and discretion.
- Proactive approach to identifying and improving operational processes.
- Strong computer and administrative skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively while maintaining professional boundaries.
Additional Information
Work Hours:
Monday to Friday, 08h00 17h00 (with occasional overtime as the practice demands)
Start date:
ASAP