Private Patient Billing Officer

Job description

Detailed job description and main responsibilities
• Prepare cost estimates for consultants and patients by completing cost estimate documentation using the appropriate procedure codes and prices, referring to the current Private Patient Tariff
• Verify the accuracy of information provided by clinical departments, including the Chelsea Wing, Endoscopy, and Private Outpatients, by checking Cerner (Electronic Patient Records) and E-Proc systems before raising invoice requests.
• Collate and record details of patients' tests and procedures using the BUPA Schedule of Procedures and the Private Patient Tariff. Populate and maintain individual patient invoice templates, ensuring tariffs and contracted rates for insured patients are applied correctly.
• Prepare supporting documentation received from Admissions Officers and outpatient clinics, ensuring policy numbers, authorisation details, and guarantee letters of payment from embassies and insurance companies are included. Where information is incomplete, liaise with the relevant department to obtain the required documentation.
• Process private patient re-bill and credit note requests for both inpatient and outpatient activity, including self-funded patients, embassy-sponsored patients, and private maternity cases, as directed by the Finance Lead.
• Investigate and resolve billing and account queries received in person, by telephone, or email, dealing with patients sensitively and professionally. Liaise effectively with internal departments and external organisations, including insurance providers and embassies.
• Maintain accurate, organised, and up-to-date filing systems for all financial and patient-related documentation.
• Always ensure strict confidentiality of patient information, in accordance with the Trust's Confidentiality Policy and Information Governance requirements (GDPR).
• Develop and maintain proficiency in Trust financial systems, including Compucare, and other relevant IT systems such as Cerner Patient Administration System (PAS), to verify patient information and support financial processes.
• Provide cover for the Assistant Service Manager when required, supporting the day-to-day operation of the Private Patients service.
• Process payments securely from patients using debit and credit cards over the telephone by entering details directly into Compucare. Issue payment confirmations and receipts to patients via email.
• Participate in the team rota and work evenings and weekends when required to meet service needs.

This job description may be subject to change according to the varying needs of the service. Such changes will be made after discussion between the post holder and his/her manager.

All duties must be carried out under supervision or within Trust policy and procedure. You must never undertake any duties that are outside your area of skill or knowledge level. If you are unsure, you must seek clarification from a more senior member of staff.

Person specification

Experience

Essential criteria

• Demonstrate well developed, effective interpersonal skills and communication skills
• Knowledge of medical terminology.

Desirable criteria

• Experience within a Private Patients Department

Education and qualifications

Essential criteria

• Technical Apprenticeship in Customer Service
• NVQ Level 4 Customer Services

Desirable criteria

• AAT Level 2 basic accounting or equivalent knowledge or experience

Important

• There may be some occasions when we have to close a vacancy earlier than the advertised closing date, this will be due to a high volume of applications. You are therefore advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
• Please check your emails regularly (and your junk folder) as this is how we will communicate with you throughout the recruitment process.
• In submitting an application, you authorise the Trust to confirm any previous NHS service details via the Inter Authority Transfer (IAT) process, should you be appointed to the post.
• During the recruitment process your identity documentation (ie passport, driving licence, visa etc) will be scanned using a device which recognises UV, infrared and machine-readable zone security features of the documents provided.
• Employment at the Trust is offered subject to successful completion of a six month probationary period.
• Some roles may require weekend shift working across multiple sites
• We operate a joint recruitment hub across the North West London Acute Provider Collaborative Group. As part of this, your application and personal data may be shared with partner trusts within the group for recruitment and workforce purposes, in line with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

Right to work

If you need sponsorship to work in the UK, please visit the Home Office website for information on sponsorship and visa status before you fill in your application form. Due to recent changes in the UK immigration rules which affect Skilled Worker Visas, Global Business Mobility, Higher Skill Level and Increased Salary Thresholds, please ensure that you are able to meet the requirements to live and work in the UK before applying. Further information about eligibility is available on