Assistant Director Patient Accounts AZ Centralized Billing Office

Summary

The Assistant Director of Patient Accounts for the Centralized Billing Office provides high-level leadership and strategic oversight of all revenue cycle functions for the Midwestern University Clinics located in Glendale Arizona and Downers Grove Illinois. This includes billing collections cash application and payer compliance. The Assistant Director supports the Director of Patient Accounts in establishing vision driving operational performance ensuring regulatory compliance and optimizing financial outcomes. This position serves as a key leader across clinics and academic programs strengthening processes staff capability and customer service excellence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategic Management

• Provide operational leadership and direction for billing/collection activities cash application insurance verification referrals provider credentialing refunds and cashiering for all human health clinics.
• Partner with the Director of Patient Accounts to set departmental goals align strategic priorities and develop long-term plans for revenue cycle improvement and growth.
• Oversee daily operations through effective delegation performance monitoring and issue resolution ensuring workflows are efficient compliant and customer-focused.

Staff Supervision & Development

• Interview hire train mentor supervise and evaluate staff within the Centralized Billing Office including leads coordinators and specialists.
• Promote a culture of accountability collaboration ongoing education and professional development.
• Provide coaching and support in resolving complex billing insurance and patient inquiries.

Revenue Cycle Oversight

• Ensure all Federal State payer and HIPAA/HITECH billing collecting and follow-up requirements are met.
• Monitor accounts receivable performance and revenue trends; identify issues develop action plans and lead team implementation.
• Analyze payer behavior denials and reimbursement trends to maximize collections and minimize bad debt.
• Oversee accurate and timely cash application including complex payment posting scenarios.

Financial Stewardship & Reporting

• Prepare implement and monitor budgets for patient accounts functions in collaboration with the Director.
• Review and interpret month-end and year-end reporting to assess performance and guide decision-making.
• Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) benchmarks dashboards and operational metrics for the Centralized Billing Office.

Compliance Audits & Policy Development

• Ensure organizational compliance with payer contracting agreements billing regulations and internal policies.
• Participate in internal and external audits related to finance billing and coding.
• Lead the development revision and implementation of policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to revenue cycle operations.
• Coordinate any operational changes required by regulatory agencies.

Cross-Department Collaboration

• Serve as a strategic partner to University Administration Clinic Administration and academic programs to support financial goals patient satisfaction and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with clinical care teams to provide education on billing documentation and coding changes.
• Build strong relationships with internal departments such as IT Compliance Finance and Clinic Operations to optimize workflows.

Customer Service & Patient Experience

• Ensure courteous timely and effective assistance for patients regarding billing scheduling and financial concerns.
• Promote a culture of high-quality customer service throughout the Centralized Billing Office.

Committee & Professional Engagement

• Represent the Centralized Billing Office on various university and clinic committees.
• Participate in professional organizations such as MGMA and HFMA (or others as appropriate to the role).

Other Responsibilities

• Remain current on industry trends healthcare regulations and revenue cycle best practices.
• Advise the Director of Patient Accounts regarding system needs workflow changes and improvement opportunities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

The position is responsible for the supervision of Patient Account Specialists and Certified Coding Specialists.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge skill and/or ability required. This individual must be able to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner. Must have regular predictable in-person attendance. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

A Bachelors degree in finance or related field is required. A minimum of 5years management experience and minimum of 7-10 years of experience working in an integrated clinic environment is required preferable with an academic institution. Knowledge of Federal and State guidelines managed care contracting payer filing and appeal limits and credit and collection policies is also required. A high level of interpersonal skills problem solving and strong analytic abilities is necessary to be successful in this position. Thorough knowledge of Current Procedure Terminology (CPT) ICD9/ICD10 HCPCS codes and the CMS 1500 claim form. Certified Professional Coder Certification preferred.

Computer Skills

Computer proficiency in MS Office (Word Excel Outlook). Experience with Medical Practice Management systems EHR payer websites clearinghouses.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently required to talk hear stand walk reach with hands and arms use hands to handle and feel. The employee must occasionally lift and /or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Midwestern University is a private not-for-profit organization that provides graduate and post-graduate education in the health sciences. The University has two campuses one in Downers Grove Illinois and the other in Glendale Arizona. More than 6000 full-time students are enrolled in graduate programs in osteopathic medicine dentistry pharmacy physician assistant studies physical therapy occupational therapy nurse anesthesia cardiovascular perfusion podiatry optometry clinical psychology speech language pathology biomedical sciences and veterinary medicine. Over 500 full-time faculty members and 400 staff members are dedicated to the education and development of our students in an environment that encourages learning respect for all members of the health care team service interdisciplinary scholarly activity and personal growth.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical dental and vision insurance plans as well as life insurance short/long term disability and pet insurance. We offer flexible spending accounts including healthcare reimbursement and child/dependent care account. We offer a work life balance with competitive time off package including paid holidays sick/flex days personal days and vacation days. We offer a 403(b) retirement plan tuition reimbursement child care subsidy reimbursement program identity theft protection and an employee assistance program. Wellness is important to us and we offer a wellness facility on-site with a fully equipped fitness facility.

Midwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not discriminate against an employee or applicant based upon race; color; religion; creed; national origin or ancestry; ethnicity; sex (including pregnancy); gender (including gender expressions gender identity; and sexual orientation); marital status; age; disability; citizenship; past current or prospective service in the uniformed services; genetic information; or any other protected class in accord with all federal state and local laws and regulation. Midwestern University complies with the Smoke-Free Arizona Act (A.R.S. 36-601.01) and the Smoke Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82/). Midwestern University complies with the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 and Arizona Equal Pay Acts.

Required Experience:

Director