How to Apply

We ask that a cover letter is included for your application to be considered. Please attach it to the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline experience that directly relates to it.

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.
Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
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.

Responsibilities*

The Patient Business Associate plays an important role at the School of Dentistry. Educating patients and student providers on insurance coverage, you will use your knowledge of insurance to provide options to patients. Attention to detail, customer service skills and flexibility are key attributes. In addition, you will serve as a subject matter expert within the Dental Business Office, with understanding of maximum insurance utilization.

Insurance Coverage, Prior-Authorizations, and Registration

Research insurance coverage, deductibles, co-insurance, and maximum benefit via payer websites and direct contact with insurance companies.
Explain to students the patient insurance coverage of treatment plans, prior-authorization requirements, payment requirements, and applicable fees.
Send and receive prior-authorizations with several Medicaid and managed care organizations (including all necessary documentation) and communicate receipt of approval/denial.
Register new insurance with correct information and coverage.
Update patient demographics per request or reports.
Run weekly and daily checks of Medicaid eligibility.

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 direction to check-in staff regarding balances to be collected for that days patients.
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.

Incoming and Outgoing Calls

Have a clear understanding of 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.

Cash Handling

Create and review the daily cashier report.
Make change, order monies, and order deposit supplies.

Required Qualifications*

3+ years of experience in a dental or medical office setting.
Experience with a computerized patient management system.
Demonstrated computer skills including proficient use of Microsoft Word and Excel.
Attention to detail and ability to work independently.
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks to meet varying deadlines.
Working effectively with frequent interruptions in a busy environment.
Experience with outstanding interpersonal/communication skills to handle highly confidential information and to communicate with diverse populations including staff, faculty, students and patients.
Demonstrated ability to work as a team.
Excellent attendance and punctuality.

Desired Qualifications*

Experience with using MiDent/Axium software.
Computer experience and Google Suite (Google docs, Google sheets and Google calendar).
Familiar with University of Michigan procedures and policies.

Work Schedule

Position is in-person and eligible for 10-hour days, 4 days per week on-site or 8-hour days, 5 day per week on-site. Occasional evening hours on Thursday's are required.

Work Locations

This position is on-site, located at the School of Dentistry at 1011 N University, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

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.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.