The Patient Account Specialist is critical to the Radiation Oncology department’s operational efficiency and patient care quality:

• Revenue Cycle Efficiency: By managing charge entries, claims, and appeals, the role ensures accurate billing and reimbursement, which is vital for the department’s financial sustainability. This reduces revenue loss from denials and supports resource availability for patient care.
• Patient Support and Satisfaction: The specialist’s direct interaction with patients—assisting with insurance, payments, and records—enhances patient experience by addressing financial concerns and facilitating access to care. This builds trust and reduces stress for patients undergoing radiation therapy.
• Administrative Backbone: Handling calls, mail, schedules, and Tumor Board logistics ensures smooth departmental operations. Accurate patient data verification in EPIC and Aria systems supports clinical decision-making and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Team Coordination: As a liaison across EVMS and Sentara staff, the role fosters collaboration, ensuring seamless communication between clinical and administrative teams. This supports providers in focusing on patient care rather than administrative burdens.
• Adaptability and Support: The specialist’s ability to handle special projects and assist with daily tasks provides flexibility, allowing the department to adapt to changing needs and maintain high-quality service delivery.

Overall, the Patient Account Specialist is critical in ensuring financial, administrative, and patient-facing functions run smoothly, directly impacting the department’s ability to deliver effective care and maintain operational excellence.

• Revenue Cycle Management: Handles charge data entry for radiation therapy treatments, consults, and follow-up appointments, using patient charts and EPIC database. Assists with resolving accounts payable tasks, claims issues, appeals for reimbursement, and disability/insurance-related requests.
• Patient Interaction and Support: Answers and routes departmental calls, assists patients with insurance benefits, claims processing, payment plans, and obtaining records for third-party payouts (e.g., AFLAC). Processes patient payments per EVMG Cash Receipts Policy.
• Administrative Duties: Manages incoming faxes, retrieves and distributes mail, coordinates office supplies, and verifies patient information (insurance, demographics, etc.) using Aria and EPIC systems. Distributes Tumor Board agendas and Zoom links, supplying patient records for physician review.
• Team Collaboration: Acts as a liaison with EVMG, Sentara clinical staff, and EVMS administrative staff. Supports practice managers and providers with daily administrative tasks and special projects.
• Technical Proficiency: Utilizes Microsoft Office, Outlook, and Sentara software (Mosaiq/Aria/EPIC) for documentation and scheduling.