Patient Accounts Technician - Red Lake IHS Hospital

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/388099900

Job Title:Patient Accounts Technician

Department:Department Of Health And Human Services

Agency:Indian Health Service

Hiring Organization:PHS Indian Hospital, Red Lake Service Unit, Red Lake, MN.

Job Announcement Number:IHS-R1-BJ-1261268-ESEP/MP

SALARY RANGE:

$31,628.00 to $45,828.00 / Per Year

OPEN PERIOD:

Tuesday, December 2, 2014 to Tuesday, December 16, 2014

SERIES & GRADE:

GS-0503-05/06

POSITION INFORMATION:

Full Time - Multiple Appointment Types

PROMOTION POTENTIAL:

06

DUTY LOCATIONS:

1 vacancy in the following location:

Red Lake, MN View Map

WHO MAY APPLY:

Excepted Service Examining Plan Candidates (ESEP); Merit Promotion Plan Candidates (MPP); Veteran's Preference Candidates; Commissioned Corp Candidates.

SECURITY CLEARANCE:

Other

SUPERVISORY STATUS:

No

JOB SUMMARY:

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is the principal federal health care provider and health advocate for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN). The IHS goal is to raise Indian health status to the highest possible level. IHS provides leadership and direction to programs and activities designed to improve health outcomes to over 1.9 million AI/AN through a system of IHS, Tribal, and Urban operated facilities and programs.

The IHS is required by law to give absolute preference to qualified applicants who meet the Secretary of the Interior's definition of Indian for appointment to vacancies within the IHS in accordance with established IHS policy as outlined in the Indian Health Manual Part 7, Chapter 3. The IHS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

This Job Opportunity Announcement (JOA) is being re-advertised to solicit additional applications. Applicants who applied previously need not reapply unless submitting updated and/or missing information.

TRAVEL REQUIRED

Occasional Travel

Travel may be required for training and/or other work related duties.

RELOCATION AUTHORIZED

No

KEY REQUIREMENTS

U.S. Citizenship is required

Investigation, which will include a fingerprint check.

A valid driver's license is required to (Operate Government Vehicles)

Position subject to Level V or Level VI Background/Security clearance.

The selected applicant will be subject to a pre-employment background

DUTIES:

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This position is located at the Red Lake Service Unit, Business Office Department. The primary purpose of this position is to perform a major segment of the accounts receivable support function through the follow-up process of all outstanding patient accounts within the Business Office.

· Maintains accounts by reviewing documents to verify accounting data as necessary, entering data into the system. They reconcile accounts comparing account balances with related data to assure agreement, reviewing records and source documents to identify the sources of discrepancies; and determining the entries required to bring the account to balance. Prepare reports reflecting the examination made, discrepancies noted, and the corrective entries requires adjusting accounts.

· Performs work consisting of examination for accuracy of claims and other request for payment for (1) services provided by the government; (2) reimbursement of expenditures made by beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries for such purposes as medical care and treatment.

· Maintain the automated accounts receivable ledger associated with third party payer claims. Responsible for associated records and documentation. Reviews and reconciles all third party payer documents for correct data, on an third party vouchers for accurate claims number.

· Prepares monthly, quarterly and annual reconciliation and recapitulation of third party billing to assure that collections, billed data, and the computerized and manual reports are in balance.

· Reviews and examines various bill types, of patient care to third party payers and performs third party collection posting to the automated account receivable program. Receives and reviews all Explanation of Benefit and remittance from third party payers. Identifies and records proper claims numbers on each remittance and post to the appropriate account.

· Responsible for the posting of all contractual/adjustments related to and in conjunction with posting of payments in accordance with hospital policy and procedures. Monitor accounts balances, review posting to ensure accuracy and recommend appropriate corrective action.

· Audit all documents received for completeness and accuracy; analyze and select guide to determine whether payments are full or partial in accordance with hospital policy and procedures: whether they are timely: and whether remittance are advances, installments or supplements.

· Maintains current documentation and guidelines pertaining to reimbursement activities in appropriate files, binders, etc., and ensures preparation and distribution of copies to all appropriate disciplines.

· Incumbent safeguards the contents of the alternate resources program health insurance claims as privileged communication which disclosure of information only within the limits of IHS policy.

· Verify the accuracy of payment history for the period involved, determines The extent of underpayment or overpayment, if any. Responsible for assisting in the timely resolution of unidentified cash received by the hospital according to hospital policy and procedures.

· Responds to Alternate Resource requirements post payment reviews, exclusions, denials and appeals. Actively performs audits and medical reviews to ensure documentation and accountability on all health insurance claims submitted for payment by conducting random sample reviews.

· Performs other position related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

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To qualify for this position, your resume must reflect sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the position for which you are applying. Your resume is key in evaluating your experience, as they relate to this position. Therefore, we encourage you to be clear and specific when describing your work experience.

BASIC REQUIREMENT(S):

· GS-05: One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-04 grade level; OR, Four (4) years above high school.

· GS-06: One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 grade level.

NOTE: Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for all grade levels and positions for which both education and experience are acceptable.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE DEFINED FOR THE GS-05: Searches and retrieves individual patient health records to gather and compile information for billing for outpatient services and inpatient hospitalizations. Reviews medical records of individual patient's condition and diagnoses to generate indicators of health status and health statistics from the ICD-CM coding volumes and CPT coding system. Monitors inpatient daily census on a concurrent basis. Performs daily inpatient interview to obtain specific demographic and insurance information in a diplomatic and confidential manner, upon admission to the facility. Bills the applicable agency for services provided to a patient. Knowledge of, and ability to apply the Alternate Resources regulations. Knowledge of the total program, operation, priorities and goals of the Alternate Resources Program.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE DEFINED FOR THE GS-06: Is to abstract and interpret data from records in preparation and submission of third party claims. Knowledge of accounting procedures to maintain ledgers of submittals and collections, commitment registers, interpret computer printouts, vouchers and schedules derived from system financial coding reports and data. An understanding of established and standardized bookkeeping and accounting procedures and techniques sufficient to handle duties, such as classifying account transactions associated with the Alternate Resources procedures.

Time-In-Grade Requirements: Merit Promotion (status) candidates must have completed one year of service at the next lower grade level. Time-In-Grade provisions do not apply under the Excepted Service Examining Plan (ESEP).

NOTE: Your education may be used to substitute specific requirements and/or experience. Your education and work experience may be combined to meet the "Qualification Requirement" of this position. IF selected and you are "Qualified" based on your education you must provide "Official Copies" of your transcripts at that time. (See Qualifications Section of this Vacancy for Requirements).

You must meet the requirements of the job by 11:59 Eastern Standard Time (EST) of the closing date: Tuesday, December 16, 2014

HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:

You will be rated based on the information provided in your resume (your resume must state specific duties that relate to this position) and your responses to the assessment questions will be evaluated against the duties you provided in your resume, along with your submitted documentation to determine your ability to demonstrate the following:

· Attention to Detail: Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.

· Arithmetic: Performs computations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division correctly using whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percentages.

· Planning and Evaluating: Organizes work, sets priorities, determines resource requirements; determines short- or long-term goals and strategies to achieve them; coordinates with other organizations or parts of the organization; monitors progress, evaluates outcomes.

· Interpersonal Skills: Show understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations; is sensitive to cultural diversity, race, gender, disabilities, and other individual differences.

· Teaching Others: Helps others learn through formal or informal methods; identifies training needs; provides constructive feedback; coaches others on how to perform tasks; acts as a mentor.

You will receive a numeric rating based on your responses to the Assessment questions. If after reviewing your resume and responses to the assessment questions, a determination is made that you have overstated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration.

The following links below provide information on how you may be eligible for various hiring authorities. If you are a Veteran, qualified CTAP and ICTAP eligible, or an individual with a disability, please refer to the following links below for additional guidance:

Veterans , i.e. (VEOA, VRA, and 30% or more disabled)

Career Transitional Assistance Program (CTAP )

Interagency Transitional Assistance Program (ICTAP)

Schedule A Appointments for the Disabled

Click here to view vacancy questions: View Assessment Questions. All documents above MUST be received by 11:59 Eastern Standard Time (EST) of the closing date of, Tuesday, December 16, 2014, to be considered.

BENEFITS:

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The Federal Government offers a comprehensive benefits package. Explore the major benefits offered to most Federal employees at https://my.usajobs.gov/ResourceCenter/Index/Interactive/Benefits

OTHER INFORMATION:

This position meets the criteria specified in pillar number one of the five pillars of the PHS Commissioned Corps. PHS Commissioned Officers interested in performing the duties of this position within the Commissioned Corps MUST apply online under the merit promotion announcement indicated above in order to receive consideration. For more information on PHS Commissioned Corps, visit the website at: http://www.usphs.gov/

Additional selection(s) of candidates may be possible within 90 days from the date the certificate of eligibles was issued for this announcement.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

A one/two-year probationary/trial period may be required upon selection/placement.

Position covered under P.L. 101-630

Security Clearance: (CNACI) If you are selected for this vacancy, you must undergo a fingerprint check. Fingerprint results must be cleared prior to hire. You will receive instructions on how to obtain and submit fingerprints. After you begin your employment, your continued employment is contingent upon the outcome of a complete background investigation as determined by the sensitivity level of your position. The investigation must find that you are suitable for Federal employment in your position. If you are found not suitable, you will be terminated after you begin work. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or subject to possible criminal charges.

Selectee will be required to be immunized against Measles and Rubella and provide documentation prior to or at the time of their start date. Special consideration may be allowed to individuals who are allergic to a component of the vaccine or are currently pregnant.

Selectee must have documented immunity to Rubella and Measles.

Males over the age of 18, and born after December 31, 1959, are required to be registered with the Selective Service System (or have an exemption) in order to be eligible for employment with the Federal Government.

Selectee(s) are required to have a viable bank account at a financial institution for electronic direct deposit of salary payment.

IHS - Operated Properties are tobacco free

HOW TO APPLY:

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To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents below.

Click 'Apply Online' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.

Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire and upload required documents.

Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application.

Applications must be received by the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.

Check application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, clicking Application Status, then More Information for this position. Return to an incomplete application by clicking Apply Online in the vacancy announcement and re-selecting your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account.

To fax supporting documents you are unable to upload, complete this cover page http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf using the following 1261268. Fax your documents to 1-478-757-3144.

You are highly encouraged to submit your application package and complete your assessment questionnaire on-line. If you cannot complete your application package online:

Click to view and print the assessment questionnaire View Occupational Questionnaire.

Print this 1203FX form to provide your response to the assessment questionnaire http://www.opm.gov./Forms/pdf_fill/OPM1203fx.pdf

You are limited to selecting 10 locations.

Fax the completed 1203FX form along with any supporting documents to 1-478-757-3144. Your 1203FX will serve as a cover page for your fax transmission.

PLEASE NOTE: When completing the 1203-FX, be sure to select only one response for each question. Selecting more than one response for a question may result in your application package being rated ineligible. In Section 25 of the Occupational Questionnaire, you may notice that the numbering restarts with number one. When entering your responses on the 1203-FX form please continue to enter your responses on the next available number within this section. The numbers on the 1203-FX will not match the Occupational Questionnaire once it restarts with number one.

Submission of a resume' or a 1203FX form alone IS NOT a complete application. This position requires the completion of additional forms and/or supplemental materials as described under Required Documents section.

The IHS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Human Resources Office (Nathan Anderson, (218)444-0493, and/or NATHAN.ANDERSON@IHS.GOV.) The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.

For additional questions please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) found here: http://www.ihs.gov/jobs/index.cfm?module=search&option=faq

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

Required Documentation for Eligibility and Preference:

Resume: You are highly encouraged to use USAJOBS Resume Builder.

Indian Preference Applicants: - If claiming Indian preference for the first time, or if you have no previous documentation of preference, applicants must provide a completed copy of the Form BIA-4432 (expiration date 11/30/2014), "Verification of Indian Preference for Employment in the BIA and IHS Only." Indian preference will not be given unless a properly signed and dated form is submitted with your application, including any verification by an authorized Tribal Representative or BIA Official of tribal enrollment records. For detailed instructions, see form BIA-4432. You must also complete the family history chart if necessary. Current IHS employees with a BIA form on file in their Official Personnel Folder are required to submit a copy of that form with their application. Refer to BIA-4432 link: http:/www.bia.gov/cs/groups/xbie/documents/text/idc015515.pdf

Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) or other Veterans preference (VRA and 30%or more disabled) – include a copy of your DD-214, if you're claiming Vet preference. For more information please see link at: http://fehb.opm.gov/StaffingPortal/vetguide.asp

Career Transitional Assistance Program (CTAP)/Interagency Career Assistance Program (ICTAP) – If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP, follow the instructions below: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/ctap_guideline.pdf.

Current or former Federal employee: Include your most recent SF50.

Childcare Addendum form must be included for this position and is available for downloading at: http://www.ihs.gov/NonMedicalPrograms/DHR/Documents/ChildcareAddendumOMBApprovedForm.doc

Transcripts (Unofficial are acceptable during the application process); You may submit copies of any "Certificates and/or License(s)" you would like the staffer to consider during the rating of you application. These may be submitted with your on-line application.

All applicants are required to submit the following supporting document type(s):

·Resume

Applicants may also submit the following supporting document type(s),which may not be required for all applicants:

·Cover Letter

·DD-214

·OF-306

·Other (If applicable the BIA4432 form, Childcare Addendum)

·Other Veterans Document

·SF-15

·SF-50

·Transcript

Your application package MUST be complete by 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on Tuesday, December 16, 2014, the closing of this announcement.

AGENCY CONTACT INFO:

Nathan Anderson

Phone: (218)444-0493

TDD: (301)443-6394

Email: NATHAN.ANDERSON@IHS.GOV

Agency Information:

Indian Health Service HR Center

IHS/Division of Human Resources

522 Minnesota Avenue

Bemidji, MN

56601

WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:

Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. Applicant MUST verify the completeness and successful submission of their applications by logging into the USAJobs Application Manager to check the "Status". Your qualifications for the job will be reviewed against other applicants to determine, if you will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interviews. We will notify you of the outcome after each of these steps have been completed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.

You will no longer need to call the HR Office to determine your application status. USAJOBS has added an alert setting to their system to provide status updates for applicants. You can elect to activate the status updates from your USAJOBS profile at any point during the application process.

If all required documentation is not submitted with your application you will lose consideration. It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information and documents entered, uploaded, or faxed is received, legible and accurate. HR will not modify answers submitted by an applicant.

~ ~ ~ Indian Health Service (IHS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer~~~