THE ROLE:

Plays a vital role in the organization’s fiscal health through maximization of revenue cycle performance, use of data and project management systems to analyze revenue cycle operations, identification of opportunities for improvement, and optimization of reimbursement. Responsible for the accurate billing of clients and third-party payors and other day-to-day activities of the billing department. Provide day-to-day supervision of revenue cycle staff, managing claims submission, claims follow-up, collections processes, client billing, customer service and support, and performing tasks where necessary to assist revenue cycle staff.

THE ORGANIZATION:

Through clinical services, education, and research, The Family Institute at Northwestern University is one of the nation’s leading relationship-based behavioral health organizations committed to strengthening and healing families, however, you define family. We provide services across all life stages, for individuals, couples, and children and adolescents. Each year, we provide over 90,000 therapy sessions and educate over 800 graduate students to meet the emerging behavioral health needs of our communities. When you join The Family Institute, you are joining a team of over 280 collaborators comprised of clinicians, educators, researchers, therapists-in-training, and administrators across four service sites, all focused on advancing the world of behavioral health.

Primary Responsibilities

Requirements:

• Ensure adherence to standards and workflows of all revenue cycle processes of the billing team
• Assign work and ensure adequate staffing to meet desired service levels
• Ensure accurate and timely billing is occurring in accordance with specific payer requirements
• Monitor billing holds and coordinate with other departments to obtain needed information
• Establish and implement controls to ensure appropriate submission, billing, and payment cycles
• Direct staff of all existing and future back-end revenue cycle work: data entry, charge capture, cash posting, insurance claims processing
• Establish and monitor auditing and clinical billing office policies and procedures to maximize revenue.
• Ensure that account receivables are kept at an acceptable level consistent with TFI expectations and TFI targets for established performance metrics
• Ensure timely activity on accounts receivable to generate the highest possible revenue in a compliant manner
• Keep current on reimbursement and billing issues, as well as implement the billing changes needed to ensure reimbursement in a timely manner.
• Ensure all guidelines are followed and all corresponding reconciliation and month-end reports are completed accurately and timely.
• Provide timely feedback to direct reports regarding their assigned area(s) of oversight
• Demonstrate expertise in project management systems and electronic health records to ensure efficient and optimal use of revenue cycle functions.
• Cross-train staff for backup coverage, staff skills development, and staffing efficiencies.
• Supervise, coach, mentor, and develop staff, leading by example.
• Identify and communicate opportunities for continuous improvement as well as risks to the Director of Operations
• Complete staff performance evaluations

Revenue cycle optimization and continuous performance improvement:

• Design and compile regular and ad hoc financial reports for management to include analysis of revenue and clinical service activity
• Develop a monthly dashboard for management, exhibiting key revenue cycle metric performance and trends relative to benchmarks and/or targets
• Identify opportunities for charge capture improvement by implementing and analyzing the results of routine, random audits
• Develop tools to track and identify potential areas of lost revenue
• Review changes in pricing, CPT codes, HCPCS codes, and revenue codes for accuracy and compliance with all applicable billing guidelines and optimization of reimbursement
• Analyze staff productivity in addition to reimbursement and denial data to develop plans for process standardization, quality outcomes, and a positive work environment
• Perform root cause analysis using appropriate tools available in the business office (e.g., EHR, denial management software, etc.)
• Coordinate initiatives with Client Care, clinicians, and the Director of Operations to address efficient billing obstacles caused by upstream errors
• Orchestrate departmental reviews, use subsequent data to identify opportunities for improvement, and launch initiatives in under-performing areas or workflows
• Other responsibilities as business needs arise

Knowledge and Skills:

• Excellent interpersonal skills; customer service oriented
• Professional yet empathic demeanor with a diverse range of people
• Proficient in both oral and written communication
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) and internet programs
• Ability to multi-task; perceptive teamwork skills
• Experience with an electronic health record
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills

Job Requirements

Minimum Hiring Specifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred
• Billing and/or accounting experience
• Supervisory experience

EOE Statement

The Family Institute is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Reasonable Accommodation Notice

The Family Institute believes in providing access to employment opportunities for people with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, please email us at hr@family-institute.org.