Cashier

Responsibilities

Position Summar y:

With latitude for initiative and judgment the Cashier is responsible for computing, accepting and applying payments to Strong Memorial Hospital (SMH) patient accounts and Medical Faculty Group (MFG) departmental general ledger accounts. The Cashier maintains patient valuables, acts as a custodian for the SMH petty cash fund and is responsible for large dollar amounts and volumes of cash, checks and direct deposits. The Cashiers’ Office customer base includes University employees and department representatives as well as University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) patients and family members. Requires the ability to prioritize work and manage time effectively to meet daily deposit deadlines. The position calls for independent thinking, good communication, customer service, organization and math skills and the ability to pay attention to detail. The Cashier will represent the PFS department and University in a professional manner, protecting confidentiality of patient information at all times.

Supervision/Direction Exercised :

Responsible for monitoring own performance on assigned tasks against procedure standards. May train and coordinate activities of peers as directed by Operations Supervisor and Manager.

Machines and Equipment used :

Point of Sale program (Microsoft Retail Management System), credit card terminal, desktop computer, billing application system (Flowcast) for both SMH and MFG patients, Microsoft Office Excel, check endorser, money counter, surveillance cameras, security system as well as standard office equipment such as adding machine, fax, telephone, printer and photocopier.

Typical Duties :

30% Patient Payments and Departmental Deposits

Patients

• Collects and properly processes patient payments in the form of cash, check and credit card.

• Posts payments in billing application for hospital services and credits departmental ledgers for physician services. Independently determines the appropriate patient responsibility and identifies appropriate payment method to ensure payments are posted to the correct self-pay financial class (FSC) and accounts receivable designation (A/R Counter).

• Using knowledge of a variety of insurance company plans and benefit designs, answers billing-related questions from in-person visits or written correspondence. Utilizes hospital and physician billing application to research patient accounts, invoices and open balances. Analyzes statements produced by billing application and insurance companies. Researches and troubleshoots issues for appropriate resolution or determines applicable contact for follow-up.

• Acts as a liaison for various billing departments in the Medical Center and off site locations to assist patients and customers in problem resolution.

Departments

• Receives, verifies and receipts all department deposits in the form of cash, check, credit card and electronic funds transfer (EFT)/direct deposits applying understanding of each payment method and unique processes associated with each.

• Balances cash and checks to deposit slip totals. Determines which deposits to reject based on discrepancies.

• Researches and provides follow up on departmental questions regarding missing deposits, deposit errors and resolution procedures.

• Manages a high volume of courier bags with organization and attention to detail of individualized processes/department specific procedures at time of intake and return (taking in, opening, processing, sorting and sending bags back to departments via courier, U.S. mail or inter-office mail with appropriate receipt and/or rejected deposits). Securely maintains and organizes a large set of keys to lock/unlock courier bags.

25% Balancing

• Endorses, totals, balances and bundles checks into batches to prepare for bank deposit.

• Balances individual cash drawer daily to assure appropriate reconciliation of funds received and applied.

• Prepares bank deposit by bundling cash.

• Identifies and makes necessary corrections for over/short entries if drawer is out of balance.

• Assists with balancing entire office at the end of the day.

• Prepares end of day reporting for Cashiers’ Office Vault Auditor.

• Compiles and sends daily receipt batches and balance sheet to Data Control in Patient Accounts.

• Organizes and maintains receipts and documentation in files to meet retention standards according to University and auditing policies.

20% Patient Valuables

• Ensures the safe keeping and releasing of patient valuables and belongings delivered to the Cashiers Office in accordance with SMH and PAO procedures.

• Determines when to rejects valuables that are not submitted in the proper “tamper-proof” bag, are missing necessary information or do not meet established criteria.

• Enters visit notes and adds/removes hold bills in billing application when valuables are received and released during in-patient stay as well as time of discharge and post-discharge.

• Utilizes billing application to properly identify and release valuables to patients, family members as well as funeral home representatives for deceased patients

• Prepares written correspondence and makes telephone calls to hospital units and patients regarding valuables being held for pick up. Records related communications in an Excel log to track aging valuables.

• Educates and enforces policies when submission or release does not meet the proper valuables procedures.

• Answers questions from patients or staff regarding valuables and interprets policy.

15% Policies and Procedures

• Evaluates petty cash fund requests to reimburse or advance funds to University staff for travel, conference and other cash expenditures. Calculates expense report and scrutinizes documentation to confirm necessary information is submitted to align with University policy (business purpose, acceptable proof of payment, timely submission, proper approval, current mileage reimbursement rate) prior to dispersing monies.

• Educates staff and enforces University policy when submission for reimbursement does not meet the proper procedures.

• Identifies potential fraud issues such as counterfeit bills and petty cash or valuables forms that are not properly signed or endorsed. Follows University Public Safety procedures to provide details and fill out necessary reports for any fraud related activity.

• Applies security precautions for personal safety and protection of University funds, including awareness of surroundings, alarm system activation and deactivation and the securing of large sums of money.

10% Other Duties as Assigned

• Fills in for the PFS Vault Auditor as needed.

• Handles the sale of interdepartmental receipt orders.

• Copies receipts upon request.

• Posts insurance denials in billing application.

• Processes patient meal reimbursements.

Expectations

• Participates in department/team staff meetings, educational classes and training.

• Stays current on HIPAA guidelines through education and reading monthly emails.

• Participates in educational training such as Strong Commitment ICare and Annual Mandatory In-Service.

• Assists with identifying best practices, updating and maintaining Cashiers’ Office policies.

• Assists with new employee training.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Associates Degree in Accounting and 2 years related cashiering or banking experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Note: This document describes typical duties and responsibilities and is not intended to limit management from assigning other work as required.

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion to advance the University’s mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other status protected by law. This commitment extends to the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates from underrepresented populations, veterans, and persons with disabilities consistent with these values and government contractor Affirmative Action obligations.

How To Apply

All applicants must apply online.

EOE Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled

Location: Strong Memorial Hospital
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Opening: Full Time 40 hours Grade 007 Patient Financial Services