SUMMARY:
Patient Liable Debtors Clerk – Medical Billing | Collections

POSITION INFO:

PATIENT LIABLE DEBTORS CLERK – MEDICAL BILLING & COLLECTIONS

Category: Finance / Accounting
Sub-category: Credit Control / Debtors / Collections
Remuneration: Negotiable, based on experience and qualifications

JOB OVERVIEW

A reputable organisation within the medical billing industry is seeking a dedicated and results-driven Patient Liable Debtors Clerk to manage and recover outstanding patient-liable accounts on behalf of medical practitioners.

The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring timely collections while maintaining a professional, courteous and empathetic approach when engaging with patients. The role requires strong communication, negotiation and administrative skills, as well as a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

The successful candidate will work closely with patients, medical practices, medical schemes and internal stakeholders to optimise cash flow, reduce outstanding debt and maintain positive relationships.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

• Matric / Grade 12 certificate – essential.
• Minimum 3 years'''' experience in medical debtors collections, patient-liable collections or a credit control environment.
• Experience within the medical billing industry would be advantageous.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word and Outlook.
• Familiarity with medical billing and practice management systems would be advantageous.
• Strong understanding of medical aid processes, patient liability and healthcare billing principles.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong negotiation and conflict-resolution abilities.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Patient Account Management

• Manage and maintain allocated patient-liable debtor books.
• Review and monitor age analyses to identify overdue accounts.
• Follow up on outstanding patient accounts via telephone, email, SMS and other approved communication channels.
• Ensure all collection activities are conducted professionally and in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate and detailed notes of all patient interactions and collection activities.

Collections & Debt Recovery

• Negotiate payment arrangements with patients where appropriate.
• Follow up on payment promises and ensure agreed payment plans are adhered to.
• Escalate unresolved accounts in accordance with established procedures.
• Assist with the preparation and submission of accounts for legal collection where required.
• Achieve monthly collection targets.
• Contribute towards reducing debtor days and outstanding debt.

Reporting & Administration

• Maintain accurate debtor records and collection documentation.
• Generate and update collection reports as required.
• Assist with month-end reporting and debtor reconciliations.
• Ensure compliance with reporting requirements and deadlines.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient account information.

Customer Service

• Provide professional, courteous and empathetic service to patients.
• Handle patient queries and account-related concerns professionally.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of patient and practice information.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with medical practices and patients.
• Clearly explain outstanding balances, payment arrangements and account requirements to patients.

SYSTEMS & COMPUTER SKILLS

Experience with medical billing and practice management systems would be advantageous, including:

• Elixir Live
• MedEDI
• iHealth
• Healthbridge
• Vericlaim

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Strong debt collection and credit control skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong negotiation and conflict-resolution abilities.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet collection targets.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills.
• Excellent follow-up skills.
• Professional and empathetic approach to patient interactions.
• Ability to manage confidential information appropriately.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Performance will be measured against:

• Achievement of monthly collection targets.
• Reduction in aged debt and debtor days.
• Timely resolution of patient account queries.
• Accuracy of account reconciliations and debtor records.
• Compliance with internal processes and reporting requirements.
• Professional and effective communication with patients.
• Successful management and follow-up of outstanding patient accounts.

REMUNERATION

Negotiable, based on experience and qualifications.

 

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