Description: Job Summary:

Provide information to and problem solve financial issues with members/patients about benefits and associated fees for treatment options. Implement and monitor fee and benefit policies and procedures and role model/coach all staff in appropriate application. Ensure effective outside and internal referral process in clinic.

Essential Responsibilities:
Perform detailed discussions with patients regarding fees and benefits associated with treatment plans. These discussions will occur when there are significant fees or when patients have complex questions or concerns about fees and benefits related to treatment. Refer to and interpret insurance agreements and related Kaiser Permanente policies and procedures as appropriate. Problem solve and consult with providers and other departments as necessary. Set up payment contracts and monitor these contracts. Review account status via SPARCs and/or reports. Contact patients as necessary to discuss delinquent accounts and refer problem accounts to Dental Office Manager.Address member concerns about fee and benefit issues.Arrange for outside or internal specialist referral as directed by dentist. Work to ensure positive relationship with outside and internal referral providers and their staff. Offer provider options to patients allowing patient to make selection. Complete necessary referral paperwork and facilitate transfer of other pertinent information.Train employees on new benefit plans, codes or related fees introduced to clinic. Audit visit documentation to assure appropriate codes and fees are applied. Is available to clinic staff for consultation about fee and benefit issues. Provide support to Permanente Dental Associates dentists by supporting practice philosophy in the performance of all job related duties.Perform duties in a team oriented manner. Act as a team player and role model for other employees always exhibiting courtesy, caring, helpfulness and respect. Cooperate with others in accomplishment of job duties. Actively participate in constructive problem solving and is accountable to help the dental team achieve clinic/program goals.Perform other duties as assigned by supervisory personnel and dentist staff that are consistent with the individuals training and experience in an active and cooperative manner.Responsible for daily cash deposits and researching discrepancies.Perform other duties as requested. Basic Qualifications:
Experience

Minimum one (1) year of dental assistant background or one (1) year as a DMA (front office) with understanding of dental clinical procedures.
Per the National Agreement, current KP Coalition employees have this experience requirement waived.

Education

N/A

License, Certification, Registration

N/A

Additional Requirements:

Understanding of dental insurance concepts including managed care and indemnity insurance.
ADA Coding.
Ability to conduct confidential and complex financial discussions in a caring and tactful manner with a diverse client population.
Ability to negotiate and finalize payment arrangements.
Computer key boarding skills.
Excellent communication and problem solving skills.
Experience with cash handling.
Excellent organizational skills.
Proper phone and reception skills/etiquette.
Ability to handle multiple tasks and work under indirect supervision.
Ability to review and discuss dental treatment plans in lay terminology.
Dental assistant or equivalent knowledge of dentistry, including dental terminology, and dental procedures.

Preferred Qualifications:

Two (2) years or more of Dental Assistant with knowledge of clinical dentistry, AND/OR;
Two (2) years or more of Dental Member Assistant (front office) or a combination of these types of experiences combined with experience in a customer service or insurance setting related to dental services.
Work experience in both front and back dental office.
Assumes that candidate possesses all required knowledge and skills.
Dental Appointing System (TEAM).
Patient Accounting System (SPARCS).
Patient Accounting System (MIPS).
KP Business Practices-payment arrangements/cash handling/deposit procedures.

Notes:

5/8, Mon-Fri
Working hour variable.
Travel Aloha, Beaverton, Cedar Hills, Tanasbourne, Tigard dental.