Give an example of a time when you had to follow up on unpaid accounts and resolve billing issues.

JUNIOR LEVEL
Give an example of a time when you had to follow up on unpaid accounts and resolve billing issues.
Sample answer to the question:
In my previous role as a Medical Billing Specialist at ABC Medical Center, I encountered a situation where I had to follow up on unpaid accounts and resolve billing issues. There was a patient who had a large outstanding balance for several medical services. I first reviewed their account to ensure the accuracy of the charges and verified insurance information. Then, I reached out to the patient to discuss the outstanding balance and offered flexible payment options. I also contacted the insurance provider to inquire about any pending claims or issues that could be causing the delay in payment. By being persistent and proactive, I was able to successfully resolve the billing issue and collect the payment in full.
Here is a more solid answer:
In my previous role as a Medical Billing Specialist at ABC Medical Center, I encountered a situation where I had to follow up on unpaid accounts and resolve billing issues. One instance was with a patient who had a large outstanding balance for multiple services. To address the issue, I first reviewed their account and cross-checked the billing codes using my solid knowledge of ICD-10 and CPT coding. I then used the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system to verify the accuracy of the charges and insurance information. I reached out to the patient in a friendly and professional manner, explaining the details of their balance and discussing flexible payment options. Additionally, I contacted the insurance provider to identify any pending claims and resolve any issues causing the delay in payment. With my strong communication and customer service skills, I was able to build rapport with the patient and work collaboratively with the insurance company to successfully resolve the billing issue and collect the payment in full. Throughout the process, I utilized my basic math and accounting skills to ensure accuracy in calculations and meticulously recorded all interactions and payments in MS Office and the billing software.
Why is this a more solid answer?
The solid answer includes specific details and demonstrates the candidate's proficiency in ICD-10 and CPT coding, the use of an EHR system, good communication and customer service skills, basic math and accounting skills, and competency in MS Office and billing software. However, it can be further improved by providing more context on industry regulations and guidelines.
An example of a exceptional answer:
In my previous role as a Medical Billing Specialist at ABC Medical Center, I encountered a situation where I had to follow up on unpaid accounts and resolve billing issues. One particular case involved a patient with a large outstanding balance for various services. To tackle this matter, I first carefully reviewed the patient's account and meticulously applied my extensive knowledge of ICD-10 and CPT coding to ensure accurate billing. Leveraging my proficiency in using the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system, I meticulously cross-referenced the charges against the system's data to verify the accuracy of the claims and insurance information. Understanding the importance of effective communication and exceptional customer service, I contacted the patient in a compassionate yet professional manner, elucidating the details of their balance and empathetically discussing flexible payment options available to them. Additionally, I actively engaged with the insurance provider, ensuring prompt follow-up on pending claims, and resolving any discrepancies that could be hindering payment. Throughout this process, I adhered to industry regulations and guidelines to protect patient privacy and confidentiality under HIPAA. By leveraging my basic math and accounting skills, I meticulously analyzed the patient's account, tracked payments, and ensured accuracy in calculations. Furthermore, I efficiently recorded all interactions, payments, and updates using MS Office and the billing software, creating a comprehensive record of the entire resolution process.
Why is this an exceptional answer?
The exceptional answer provides extensive details and showcases the candidate's comprehensive expertise in ICD-10 and CPT coding, EHR system usage, excellent communication and customer service skills, strong math and accounting abilities, competency in MS Office and billing software, and adherence to industry regulations such as HIPAA. It effectively addresses all evaluation areas mentioned in the job description.
How to prepare for this question:
  • Review and refresh your knowledge of ICD-10 and CPT coding to efficiently analyze and cross-check billing codes.
  • Familiarize yourself with the features and functionality of popular Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems to streamline the verification process.
  • Highlight your experience in customer service and communication roles, emphasizing the ability to handle sensitive billing issues with empathy and professionalism.
  • Brush up on basic math and accounting skills, as they are crucial in accurately calculating balances and tracking payments.
  • Ensure proficiency in MS Office, especially Excel, and familiarize yourself with billing software commonly used in the industry.
  • Stay up-to-date with the latest industry regulations, especially regarding patient privacy and confidentiality under HIPAA.
What are interviewers evaluating with this question?
  • Basic knowledge of ICD-10 and CPT coding
  • Proficiency in using Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems
  • Good communication and customer service skills
  • Basic math and accounting skills
  • Competency in MS Office and billing software

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