Collection Specialist I - Behavioral Health

Job Title:  Collection Specialist I

Location: Murfreesboro, TN
Job Type: Full-Time, Monday-Friday
Department: Behavioral Health Department

We are seeking a detail-oriented and compassionate Collection Specialist I to support our healthcare revenue cycle operations. This entry-level role focuses on patient account collections, insurance follow-up, cash posting, and reconciliation. The ideal candidate will be comfortable communicating with patients and payers, navigating billing systems, and ensuring accurate financial documentation and timely resolution of outstanding balances.

Key Responsibilities

• Contact patients regarding outstanding balances


• Educate patients on billing statements and payment options


• Establish and monitor payment plans


• Document all collection activities and patient communications


• Follow up on unpaid claims from Medicare, Medicaid, Managed Care Organizations (MCOs), and other third-party payers


• Resolve claim denials and discrepancies


• Submit appeals and additional documentation as needed


• Maintain current knowledge of payer guidelines and reimbursement policies


• Post payments from patients, insurance companies, and third-party payers to patient accounts


• Reconcile daily deposits and payment batches to ensure accuracy


• Verify insurance coverage prior to billing to ensure eligibility and benefits


• Perform other tasks as assigned by management

Qualifications

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent


• 1+ years of experience in healthcare collections, billing, or finance


• Familiarity with medical terminology and insurance processes


• Strong communication and customer service skills


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and billing software

Preferred:

• Experience with EHR/EMR systems


• Knowledge of HIPAA and healthcare compliance standards

Skills & Competencies

• Accuracy and attention to detail


• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion


• Empathetic approach to patient interactions


• Strong organizational and time management skills


• Problem-solving and analytical thinking

• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions with precision

Benefits

• Competitive salary


• Health, dental, and vision insurance


• Earned time off


• Retirement plan options


• Career development and training opportunities

NHC HealthCare Corporate Office offers a competitive compensation package for full time employment including health, dental, vision, life, disability insurance, paid time off, 401 (k) with generous company match, stock options, and more.   

The NHC environment is one of encouragement and challenge ... innovation and improvement ... teamwork and collaboration ... and honesty and integrity. All NHC employees are committed as partners, not only to the health of our patients, but to the well-being of the communities we serve. 

If you are interested in working for a leader in senior care and share NHC's values of honesty and integrity, please apply online or find out more about us at  nhccare.com/

We look forward to talking with you! NHC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.