Accounts Receivable (AR) calling is an important aspect of the healthcare revenue cycle management process. It involves contacting patients or insurance companies to follow up on unpaid medical bills and ensure that payments are made in a timely manner. AR caller jobs requires a specific skill set and knowledge of medical billing, coding, denial management, insurance, and payment posting. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what AR calling is, why it’s important, and how you can prepare for a career as an AR caller.
What is AR Calling?
AR calling, also known as medical collections, involves contacting patients or insurance companies to follow up on unpaid medical bills. It is a crucial part of the healthcare revenue cycle management process, as it ensures that healthcare providers are reimbursed for their services. AR calling requires a detailed understanding of medical billing and coding, as well as knowledge of insurance policies and denial management.
Why is AR Calling Important?
AR calling is important because it helps healthcare providers ensure that they receive payment for the services they provide. Without proper AR calling, healthcare providers would struggle to keep their practices financially stable. AR calling also helps to improve patient satisfaction by addressing billing questions and concerns promptly.
How to become AR Caller
To become an AR (Accounts Receivable) caller, typically you need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some relevant experience in customer service or collections. However, some employers may require a bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field.
The role of an AR caller is to contact customers who have outstanding balances or delinquent accounts, and work to collect payment or arrange a payment plan. AR callers may also be responsible for resolving billing issues, maintaining accurate records of customer accounts, and communicating with other departments within the company to ensure timely payment and resolution of disputes.
The specific duties of an AR caller may vary depending on the employer and industry, but generally include:
- Contacting customers via phone, email, or mail to request payment
- Negotiating payment plans or settlements with customers
- Resolving billing discrepancies or disputes
- Updating customer account information and maintaining accurate records
- Collaborating with other departments such as billing, sales, and customer service to ensure timely payment and resolution of issues.
AR calling can be a challenging role, as it involves dealing with difficult customers and navigating complex billing and payment systems. However, it can also be a rewarding career path for those who enjoy problem-solving, communication, and working with numbers.
Few Sample Questions for Medical Billing AR Calling job Interview
- What experience do you have in medical billing and collections?
- Can you explain the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
- How do you ensure compliance with HIPAA regulations when communicating with patients or other healthcare providers?
- Have you worked with any medical billing software or systems? If so, which one(s)?
- Can you describe a time when you successfully resolved a billing issue with an insurance company or healthcare provider?
- How do you handle a situation where a patient has a question about their medical bill or insurance coverage?
- Can you explain how you would appeal a denied insurance claim?
- How do you ensure accuracy and attention to detail when entering patient and billing information into a system?
- Have you ever worked with any electronic medical record (EMR) systems? If so, which one(s)?
- How do you prioritize and manage your workload when dealing with multiple delinquent accounts or insurance claims?
How to Prepare for AR Caller Jobs?
If you’re interested in pursuing a career as an AR caller, there are several steps you can take to prepare for this role.
- Gain Knowledge in Medical Billing and Coding
To be successful in AR calling, you need to have a thorough understanding of medical billing and coding. You can gain this knowledge by completing a medical billing and coding program or by obtaining a certification from a professional organization such as the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).
- Familiarize Yourself with Denial Management
Denial management is the process of handling rejected insurance claims. As an AR caller, you’ll need to be familiar with the denial management process so that you can help patients and insurance companies understand why their claims were rejected and what steps they can take to resubmit their claims successfully.
- Learn About Insurance Policies
To be effective in AR calling, you need to understand the intricacies of insurance policies. This includes understanding deductibles, co-pays, and coverage limits. You should also be familiar with the various types of insurance plans, such as HMOs, PPOs, and POS plans.
- Develop Communication Skills
AR calling involves a lot of communication with patients and insurance companies. To be successful in this role, you need to have excellent communication skills. This includes being able to explain complex billing and insurance concepts in a way that is easy for patients and insurance companies to understand.
- Practice Time Management
AR calling can be a time-consuming process, as you’ll need to follow up on multiple accounts and ensure that payments are made on time. To be successful in this role, you need to be able to manage your time effectively and prioritize your tasks.
