Patient Business Associate

How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Mission Statement

Mission Statement of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry:
Enhancing health through education, service, advocacy, research, and discovery.

Vision:
As a global leader in integrated health, we drive innovation through groundbreaking research and transformative education, preparing future-ready leaders to deliver equitable, exceptional care and advance the dental profession.

Core Values:

• Compassion:
  • We approach each interaction with collegiality, empathy, and professionalism, recognizing the unique contributions of each individual.
• Leadership:
  • We empower each person to lead and contribute to our shared goals.
• Excellence:
  • We uphold high standards and drive progress in healthcare.
• Responsibility:
  • We promote integrity, professionalism, and accountability to ensure ethical decision-making.
• Trust:
  • We commit to an honest, transparent environment that fosters healthy relationships.
• Creativity:
  • We approach problems with bold thinking by crafting innovative solutions that benefit our community.
• Belonging:
  • We embrace and celebrate our diverse community by fostering a sense of inclusion and belonging.
     

Job Summary

The University of Michigan School of Dentistry, founded in 1875 in Ann Arbor, is a top-ranked, world-renowned institution for dental education, research, and clinical care. It consistently ranks among the top dental schools globally, offering DDS, dental hygiene, and advanced graduate programs, including a unique program for internationally trained dentists.

You will assist patients and providers, in person, with questions and issues related to insurance and coverage. You will collect and balance all incoming payments and maintain the cash-on-hand vault, and facilitate sending of prior authorizations to Medicaid and other payer organizations, as well as receipt. You will also conduct Registration Review activities to ensure accounts are prepped and ready for future visits and perform insurance registration, verification and eligibility checks for add-on patients.  This position also handles questions from potential patients regarding fees and insurance plans accepted. 

Responsibilities*

60% Insurance Coverage, Prior Authorizations, and Registration

• Understand and be able to explain to patients their insurance coverage, deductibles, coinsurance, and maximum benefit amounts by visiting provider portals and calling insurance companies for clarification. Collect patient agreement with Financial Arrangements (FA). 
• Understand and be able to explain to students the patient's insurance coverage of treatment plans, prior-authorization requirements, lab stamp requirements, and applicable fees. 
• Send and receive prior authorizations with several Medicaid and managed care organizations (including all necessary documentation) and communicate with provider receipt of approval/denial.
• Register new insurance with correct information and coverage for add-on patients (within a 4-hour window).
• Update patient demographics per request or reports. 

20% Financial Counseling and Billing

• Be able to assess need and eligibility and write up financial arrangements.
• Financially counsel patients on out-of-pocket amounts when payments are expected.
• Provide a review of accounts in Axium for patients with active treatment in Epic, reconciling any differences to ensure
• Provide documentation in record of outstanding balances to HER, regarding balances to be collected for tomorrow's patients by check-in staff.
• Be available for in-person discussions with patients on balance-due disputes.
• Assess balance due vs. insurance coverage to find discrepancies and make necessary corrections (rebill). 

10% Cash Handling

• Manage cash by providing change, ordering monies, and daily balancing of safe.
• Check all end-of-day balance sheets of all individuals collecting payments for errors; collect all checks and cash for deposit; collect cash bags from assigned individuals; complete daily balancing of all collected funds; and secure funds until pick-up for deposit.  

10% Incoming and Outgoing Calls

• Have a clear understanding of SOD fees, accepted insurances, and be able to answer any incoming patient calls regarding insurance and fees. 
• Reach out to patients who have a loss in benefits and upcoming appointment. 

Required Qualifications*

• Graduation from high school or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 2-3 years of progressively complex registration, billing and third-party experience or working with health insurance or in a healthcare setting.
   

Skills You Have

• Clear verbal and written communication
• Basic computer skills
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced clinical environment.
• Ability to communicate with diverse populations
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality.
• Excellent organization skills and attention to detail.
• Reliable attendance.
• Enthusiasm, dependability, initiative, and prioritization skills.
• Professional and positive demeanor.
   

Desired Qualifications*

• Associate's degree in healthcare administration, business, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 1-2 years of experience in healthcare billing, insurance verification, or related revenue cycle roles.
• Strong understanding of insurance coverage, benefit plans, and payer guidelines.
• Proficiency in using billing systems and electronic medical records (EMR).
   

Why Work at Michigan?

The School of Dentistry is consistently ranked as the #1 dental school in the United States and the world. We embrace diversity in many forms and champion diversity of thought and culture. Our Mission, core values, and additional information about our school can be found on our website. The University of Michigan also offers comprehensive benefits to help you stay well and to support you as you plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous paid time off for vacations, holidays, sick time, season days, and paid parental leave.
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions after the first year of employment.

• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance

• Life insurance
• Work-life programs to strengthen a workplace culture that supports personal and family life, including child care, elder care, lactation resources, and mental and emotional health services.
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
   

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Work Schedule

• Monday - Friday, hours to be determined
• 1 opening for 4 days per week, 10-hour shift
• 1 opening for 5 days per week, 8-hour shift
• Required minimum of 4 days working on-site

Work Locations

School of Dentistry, 1011 N. University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48109

Additional Information

We are committed to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment for everyone. As part of the onboarding process, all candidates are required to submit their immunization records to Occupational Health Services (OHS) prior to their appointment start date to verify their immunization status. The process includes completing a two-step TB test for all new hires and providing proof of Hepatitis B immunization for clinic-facing roles. Additional immunizations may be necessary based on public health guidance or specific job responsibilities.

Union Affiliation

This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.