Have you ever wondered how a human-centric ambulance billing process works? Let’s find out! In this blog series, EMERGICON will walk you through the daily personalized service offered by our 100% Texan team members and show how our Texan Touch® approach is unique. This week, we shine the spotlight on the Cash Applications team.
The Cash Applications Department is responsible for posting payments. We spoke to Cash Applications Assistant Manager Kim Bogue and Cash Applications Specialists Debbie Martinez and Bindy Locklin to better understand the department’s responsibilities.
Daily Tasks
“Our work comes from the efforts of the Billing and Accounts Receivable teams. Once the bill goes out and the healthcare coverage pays that bill, we post the payments in the system, reconcile the claim, and bill the balance when appropriate, if any is left,” explains Bogue. According to the Assistant Manager, the balance can be billed to the patient or a second insurance provider. For example, a patient may have Medicare and Commercial Insurance coverage or even Medicare and Medicaid.
For Cash Applications Specialists, a strategic routine is essential to guarantee the accuracy of their tasks. “I start my workday by downloading the deposit reports and updating my clients’ spreadsheets. I remain focused throughout the day, posting all the received payments and ensuring everything is balanced,” describes Martinez.
“First, I check in on the credit card system to see what was processed, review the daily report, and post it to the correct client and patient. After that, I post any money that’s come into my file from other payment methods. I consider it a successful day whenever I can perform extra duties and still achieve my daily transaction goals promptly,” states Locklin.
The Texan Touch®
The Cash Applications team demonstrates the personalized approach that distinguishes EMERGICON by displaying their efforts to go above and beyond for the clients. That’s what we call the team’s Texan Touch®. “We try to keep track of any trends. We pay attention to anything abnormal and so that we can be on top of correcting anything that seems off. When we catch them, that helps the whole revenue cycle move smoothly,” states Martinez.
The team’s work dynamic is a crucial ingredient for achieving success. “We care for each other, stand behind ideas, listen, and cheer for all team members. That unity is visible in our excellent work quality,” says Bogue. “We try to find ways to work smarter, not harder. We don’t do things just because that’s the way they’ve always done it. And when we learn something new that is helpful, we share it with the whole team,” notes Locklin.
Sense of Purpose
Asked why they love their jobs, the Cash Applications team members proudly emphasized their coworkers. “I love the camaraderie with the whole team and every employee in the company,” comments Bogue. “We all have people we can reach out to, even when it comes to just being able to express yourself. Sometimes you need those people to lean on. And there isn’t a single person on our team that I can’t reach out to. Ultimately, when we need to get the job done, and someone can’t complete it for whatever reason, we get it done together,” Locklin added.
Being thoughtful of clients and patients was the answer to why your job makes a difference. “I like to keep the clients and patients in mind. In a 911 call, they already have a lot of stress on themselves. Knowing that handling an account correctly can help lessen that burden; while allowing agencies to be prepared to help people gives my job meaning. We could all be in the patient’s position someday,” concludes Martinez.
If you are interested in this career path, we have great news! EMERGICON is always accepting job applications. Check the current positions available on our Careers page or send your resume to jobs@emergicon.com.