Patient Collections Specialist

Ascend Vision Partners seeks a Patient Collections Specialist to support ophthalmology and optometry practices across the Southeast. In this role, you'll manage patient billing outreach, explain balances, set up payment plans, and ensure timely collections while delivering a respectful, patient-centered experience. You'll review accounts, resolve discrepancies, document all activity, and collaborate with clinic and revenue cycle teams. This position is ideal for someone detail-oriented, empathetic, and motivated by improving both financial outcomes and patient satisfaction in a fast-growing, innovative healthcare environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage outbound and inbound patient billing calls with professionalism and empathy

• Review patient accounts to verify balances, payment plans, and insurance remittances

• Educate patients on statements, payment options, and financial assistance policies

• Process payments, set up recurring payment plans, and update account information

• Research and resolve patient billing discrepancies and escalate complex issues as needed

• Document all collection activities and communications in the practice management system

• Collaborate with clinic, revenue cycle, and insurance teams to improve collections workflows

• Monitor aging reports and meet or exceed collection and call quality goals

• Protect patient privacy and maintain HIPAA and compliance standards

• Contribute ideas to streamline processes and enhance the patient financial experience Required Skills

• Medical billing and collections

• Patient account reconciliation

• Healthcare revenue cycle knowledge

• Payment posting and processing

• Call center or high-volume phone communication

• EHR/practice management systems

• Insurance explanation of benefits (EOB) review

• HIPAA and patient privacy compliance

• Microsoft Excel and reporting basics

• Negotiation and conflict resolution