Job Description
The Dental Insurance & Financial Coordinator is responsible for all aspects of dental insurance verification, claims management, billing, accounts receivable, and patient financial arrangements. This person is the bridge between clinical treatment and the business side of the practice, making sure claims are filed cleanly, payments are collected promptly, and patients always know what to expect financially before treatment begins. This is a key role in a small office, so the right candidate is self-directed, organized, and comfortable being the go-to expert for anything involving insurance and money.
Key Responsibilities:
Insurance Verification & Benefits Using the robust functionality of Open Dental's insurance breakdowns, verify dental insurance eligibility and benefits for all scheduled patients in advance of their appointments. Maintain accurate, up-to-date insurance information in the practice management software. Track plan frequencies, maximums, deductibles, waiting periods, and downgrade clauses so estimates are reliable. Educate the team on the newest insurance coding and billing standards when applicable. Claims Management Prepare, submit, and electronically transmit primary and secondary insurance claims daily. Attach all required documentation, such as radiographs, periodontal charting, intraoral photos, and narratives, especially for specialty procedures like implants, sedation, and oral surgery. Submit pre-treatment estimates and pre-authorizations for orthodontics, implants, sedation, and other major or specialty cases. Monitor outstanding claims, follow up on unpaid or aging claims, and resolve rejections. Manage claim denials, write effective appeals, and resubmit corrected claims. We aim to keep all claims within the 0 to 30 day range. Anything beyond that is expected to be a unique circumstance, such as the insurance company requesting further documentation. Billing & Payment Posting Post insurance payments and adjustments accurately, reconciling against expected reimbursement. Post patient payments and process daily transactions. Reconcile end-of-day reports and assist with month-end closing as needed. We strive to maintain a collection rate of 98% or better, and we have laid a strong foundation to continue that. Patient Financial Coordination Prepare clear, accurate treatment plan estimates for patients, including specialty and multi-visit cases. Present treatment plans and financial arrangements to patients with warmth and clarity, answering questions about coverage and out-of-pocket costs. Schedule both hygiene and treatment patients Set up and manage payment plans, and coordinate third-party financing options such as CareCredit. Discuss balances with patients, send statements, and manage collections in a professional and respectful manner. Accounts Receivable & Reporting Manage the accounts receivable process and work aging reports regularly to keep balances low. Run and review insurance aging, production, collection, and adjustment reports. Identify and communicate trends or issues to the doctor and office leadership. Practice Support Maintain and update fee schedules and in-network participation information. Stay current on dental insurance rules, CDT coding updates, and payer requirements. Support the front desk team and contribute to a smooth, welcoming patient experience. Protect patient privacy and maintain full HIPAA compliance at all times. Provide assistance to the front office team with scheduling recall and treatment ensuring a full schedule 7 days in advance. Pay:
$30.00 - $40.00 per hour Benefits:
Paid time off Experience:
Dental Administration:
5 years (Preferred) Work Location:
In person