Hospital Billing Clerk Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the fast-paced world of healthcare, the importance of hospital billing clerks cannot be overstated.

With the constant evolution of healthcare policies and medical billing practices, the demand for skilled individuals who can navigate, manage, and streamline our healthcare billing system continues to grow.

But let’s delve deeper: What is really expected from a hospital billing clerk?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager crafting the profile of the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the behind-the-scenes of hospital billing,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable hospital billing clerk job description template, crafted for easy posting on job boards or healthcare career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Hospital Billing Clerk Duties and Responsibilities

Hospital Billing Clerks are vital to the administrative functions of a hospital.

They maintain and manage patient billing records, ensure the accuracy of billing data, and communicate with patients and insurance providers to settle accounts.

The duties and responsibilities of a Hospital Billing Clerk include:

• Verify insurance coverage and benefits for patients
• Prepare, review, and transmit claims using billing software, including electronic and paper claim processing
• Follow up on unpaid claims and perform necessary actions for claim resolution
• Check each insurance payment for accuracy and compliance with contract discount
• Identify and bill secondary or tertiary insurances
• Answer all patient or insurance telephone inquiries pertaining to assigned accounts
• Set up patient payment plans and work collection accounts
• Update billing software with rate changes
• Review patient bills for accuracy and completeness and obtain any missing information
• Maintain patient confidentiality and adhere to health insurance portability and accountability act regulations
• Perform various clerical and administrative functions, such as mail distribution, typing, and record preparation

 

Hospital Billing Clerk Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a detail-oriented Hospital Billing Clerk to manage the financial transactions of our healthcare facility.

Responsibilities include verifying insurance coverage, interpreting billing codes and processing payments.

The ideal candidate will have excellent communication and organizational skills, be able to work in a high-pressure environment, and have a thorough understanding of medical terminology and the healthcare industry’s billing procedures.

 

Responsibilities

• Verify insurance coverage and benefits for patients
• Prepare, review, and transmit claims using billing software
• Check each insurance payment for accuracy and compliance with contract discount
• Apply payments, adjustments and denials into medical manager system
• Follow up on unpaid claims within standard billing cycle timeframe
• Answer patient inquiries on billing issues
• Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
• Generate and send out invoices
• Perform day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a billing clerk or general accounting experience
• Adherence to laws and confidentiality guidelines
• Proficient in MS Office (especially Excel); Working knowledge of relevant software
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Proven ability to work both as a team and independently
• High degree of attention to detail
• Diploma in relevant field, degree will be considered a plus

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Hospital Billing Clerk
• Work Environment: This role is primarily office-based in a healthcare facility. It requires prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Billing Department Supervisor.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $30,000 minimum to $45,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Hospital Billing Clerk Do?

Hospital Billing Clerks typically work in the administrative department of hospitals and healthcare facilities.

They may also work for medical billing companies that provide services to these institutions.

Their primary responsibility is to manage patient accounts and ensure that the hospital or healthcare facility is accurately compensated for services rendered.

This involves preparing, submitting, and managing insurance claims, working directly with insurance companies to verify coverage and resolve any discrepancies or issues.

They also handle billing paperwork and record-keeping, and they may be involved in negotiating payment plans with patients who are uninsured or underinsured.

Hospital Billing Clerks also interact with patients, answering their billing-related inquiries and explaining charges on their bills.

Moreover, they ensure compliance with healthcare laws and privacy standards when handling patient information.

They play a crucial role in the financial health of the hospital, as they help ensure that the hospital receives the funds it needs to continue providing care to patients.

 

Hospital Billing Clerk Qualifications and Skills

Hospital Billing Clerks should have a combination of administrative abilities, attention to detail, and understanding of healthcare procedures to handle billing efficiently.

Here are some of the qualifications and skills required:

• Proficiency in managing medical billing procedures, and understanding of medical coding and terminology to accurately record and process information
• Strong attention to detail to ensure correct input of patient data, billing details, and insurance information
• Superior organizational skills for maintaining clear, concise billing records and to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Excellent communication skills to interact with healthcare professionals, insurance companies, and patients, and to resolve any billing discrepancies or issues
• Strong numerical skills to accurately calculate medical costs, process payments, and issue invoices
• Proficiency in using medical billing software and general computer skills for data entry, record management, and report generation
• Customer service skills to assist patients with inquiries about their bills, explain charges, and negotiate payment plans if necessary
• Problem-solving skills to identify and rectify any errors in billing, and navigate complex billing issues

 

Hospital Billing Clerk Experience Requirements

Entry-level Hospital Billing Clerks generally have 1-2 years of experience, often gained through internships or part-time roles in a related healthcare administrative field.

These professionals may also gain relevant experience in roles such as Medical Receptionist, Administrative Assistant, or Medical Secretary.

Candidates with 2-3 years of experience often develop their skills and knowledge in entry-level Hospital Billing Clerk roles.

During this time, they become more adept at medical coding, insurance claim procedures, and managing patient accounts.

Those with over 3-5 years of experience are considered experienced Hospital Billing Clerks.

They have a deep understanding of healthcare billing procedures, insurance policies, and patient data management systems.

They may also have some leadership experience, making them suitable for supervisory roles within the hospital billing department.

At this level, continuing education and certification in medical billing and coding can further enhance their career prospects.

Certification courses like Certified Professional Biller (CPB) or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) can provide advanced knowledge and recognition in the field.

 

Hospital Billing Clerk Education and Training Requirements

Hospital Billing Clerks typically require a high school diploma or equivalent as a minimum educational requirement.

They should have a strong understanding of medical terminology, hospital billing procedures, and medical insurance, which can be obtained through formal education programs such as a certificate or diploma in medical billing or health information technology.

It’s also beneficial for Hospital Billing Clerks to have a background in accounting or experience with billing software.

In terms of training, Hospital Billing Clerks should be well-versed in using electronic health records (EHR) systems.

Training for EHR systems is often provided on the job, but can also be obtained through certain educational programs.

Many employers prefer candidates who have professional certification from recognized institutions such as the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) or American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

This certification involves passing an exam that tests knowledge in areas like coding procedures, healthcare regulations, and reimbursement methodologies.

Knowledge of privacy and security regulations, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), is also an important part of the job.

This training is usually provided on-the-job but can also be obtained through certification programs.

Ongoing education to stay updated with the changes in healthcare laws, insurance policies, and medical coding is also essential for Hospital Billing Clerks.

 

Hospital Billing Clerk Salary Expectations

A Hospital Billing Clerk earns an average salary of $34,863 (USD) per year.

This income can vary based on factors such as level of experience, the complexity of the billing tasks, and the geographical location of the hospital.

 

Hospital Billing Clerk Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Hospital Billing Clerk need?

A Hospital Billing Clerk should have strong numerical and analytical skills for dealing with large numbers of billing records.

They must be detail-oriented to ensure accuracy in processing billing information.

Proficiency in using computer systems and billing software is necessary.

They should also possess excellent organizational and multitasking skills as they often need to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

 

Do Hospital Billing Clerks need a degree?

While a specific degree may not be required, a high school diploma or equivalent is typically the minimum educational requirement for a Hospital Billing Clerk.

Some employers may prefer candidates with a degree in finance, accounting or related fields.

However, practical experience in healthcare billing or coding can be an added advantage.

 

What should you look for in a Hospital Billing Clerk resume?

When reviewing a Hospital Billing Clerk’s resume, look for experience in billing and coding, particularly within a healthcare setting.

Knowledge of medical terminology, insurance practices and patient privacy laws is a plus.

Proficiency in billing software and strong computer skills are also important.

Check for any relevant certifications such as Certified Professional Biller (CPB) or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS).

 

What qualities make a good Hospital Billing Clerk?

A good Hospital Billing Clerk is meticulous and has excellent attention to detail to ensure accurate processing of patient bills and insurance claims.

They should be skilled at problem-solving in case of any discrepancies in billing records.

Good communication skills are essential to interact effectively with patients, insurance providers and other hospital staff.

A high level of integrity is also important as they often handle sensitive patient information.

 

What are the daily duties of a Hospital Billing Clerk?

A Hospital Billing Clerk typically starts their day by reviewing patient files and ensuring all medical services provided are accurately recorded.

They prepare and submit invoices to insurance companies or directly to patients.

Throughout the day, they check the status of unpaid bills, handle billing disputes and negotiate with insurance companies over coverage issues.

They also process payments and update patient billing records.

In between, they attend meetings with hospital staff or insurance providers to discuss billing issues and updates.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve uncovered the complexities of being a hospital billing clerk.

And guess what?

It’s not just about sending invoices.

It’s about maintaining the financial health of a healthcare institution, one bill at a time.

With our comprehensive hospital billing clerk job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to step into this vital role.

But why stop there?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your next step towards precision-crafted job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every invoice you handle contributes to the bigger picture.

Let’s maintain that financial health. Together.

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