AMBULANCE BILLING SPECIALIST I

Recruitment #2301-0166-001

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Introduction

The Tucson Fire Department is seeking detail-oriented candidate for Ambulance Billing Specialist I to perform medical billing functions by verifying information on ambulance Electronic Patient Care Reports, recording information, entering, and reviewing data in the system for accuracy, copying, filing and coding EMS ambulance Electronic Patient Care Reports for billing insurance carriers or patients. Work requires demonstrated expertise in all phases of medical billing to include accounts receivable management, ICD coding, HCPCS codes and third-party reimbursement. A qualified candidate must have knowledge of medical and insurance terminology and must possess interpersonal skills sufficient to interact effectively with patients, families, and payor personnel. The candidate must have the ability to problem solve, prioritize work and adapt to changing situations in a fast-paced environment.

General Description

This classification is a first-level employee that will be responsible for performing billing for Advance Life Support transport claims and necessary follow-up with Medicare, Medicaid, primary and secondary insurance companies, and private payers to ensure claim accuracy. This classification will have broad knowledge of all federal and state regulations applying to each individual insurance carrier. Employees in this classification must be able to understand and apply appropriate ICD-10 codes, medical terminology and human anatomy for billing purposes.

Essential Functions

  • Verifies service details, including pick-up and drop-off addresses, date and time, call type, response priority and transport priority.
  • Verifies patient demographics, including name, address, date of birth, social security number, insurance information and eligibility, and updates as needed. 
  • Ensures trip tickets received is equal to the total trips for that day by reviewing dispatch logs and patient care reports. 
  • Utilizes EMS practice management software to enter necessary claim details and patient information. 
  • Reviews patient care reports and medical reports for medical necessity and to apply the appropriate service code, ICD-10 diagnosis code, condition code, and origin/destination modifier. 
  • Initiates clean electronic or paper claims to the appropriate payer source to ensure timely reimbursement from payers and patients.
  • Communicates between patients and payers regarding the status of claims and to help resolve issues by providing requested information.
  • Performs basic claim corrections, appeals, and follow up activities with payers and patients.
  • Prepares and reconciles daily deposits.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Minimum Education Level & Type: 6 months post High School
  • Minimum Experience Qualifications: At least 1 year of experience in medical or ambulance billing and ICD coding 
An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of this position may be considered.

Special Job Requirements

This position requires satisfactory criminal background and reference checks, and may require a Motor Vehicle History Report and Public Records Check. Employment offers are contingent upon successfully passing any of the above requirements.  In addition, the Fire Department will verify that an applicant's name does not appear on the Office of Inspector General's List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (OIG LEIE). This verification will be performed by the Fire Department upon hire and monthly thereafter. If an employee's name is found on such a list, the offer of employment will be rescinded.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Certified Ambulance Coder (CAC) Certificate or Certified Professional Coder (CPC) Certificate.
  • Knowledge of Medicare / Medicaid regulations for state of Arizona. 
  • Current or previous EMT Certification. 

Selection Plan

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to a written exam scheduled to be held on March 14, 2023; those passing the exam will be invited to a panel interview scheduled to be held on March 20-21, 2023.

Upon completion of all examination processes, the highest scoring applicants will be placed on the Civil Service Employment List. An applicant's ranking on the Civil Service list will be based on their final score which will be calculated as: 

  • 40% of your rating for written exam 
  •  60% of your panel (oral board) interview
This recruitment will establish a civil service list that will be utilized to fill vacancies occurring within the next 6 months. 

Veterans, Native American, or Disability preference points will be added to the final score for those that are placed on the Civil Service Employment List. If you qualify for preference points as outlined in the Employment Profile, you must upload your documentation as part of the application process or email it to TucsonFireJobs@tucsonaz.gov. The DD 214 must be a copy that indicates characterization of service. 

If you are in need of Americans with Disabilities Act-related accommodation during the testing process, please call Pamela Lyons at 520-837-7020 at least 48 hours prior to the evaluation.

Conclusion

Communications throughout this process will be sent via email exclusively so please ensure your browser accepts emails from Jobs@tucsonaz.gov or TucsonFireJobs@tucsonaz.gov and check your email account regularly.  Failure to respond or follow instructions will result in disqualification.  All email inquiries should be directed to Shelly Urias, Pamela Lyons or Stacey Higashi at TucsonFireJobs@tucsonaz.gov.

Pre-employment Medical Testing Requirements

None

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To ensure accurate payroll information for tax purposes, the successful candidate will need to provide their original Social Security Card or original letter from the Social Security Administration with their social security number prior to beginning work with the City of Tucson. 

The City of Tucson hires lawful workers only - US citizens or nationals and non-citizens with valid work authorization - without discrimination. Federal immigration laws require all employers to verify both the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. In its efforts to meet the law's requirements, the City of Tucson participates in the E-Verify program established by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to aid employers in verifying the eligibility of workers. 

Retired City of Tucson employees receiving benefits from the Tucson Supplemental Retirement System who are considering reemployment with the City should be aware that pursuant to Section 22-37(g) of the Tucson City Code, retirement benefits shall be suspended during the period of reemployment with the City of Tucson unless you have been separated at least twelve consecutive months before returning to work AND you return to a non-permanent employment classification. Creditable service does not accrue during any reemployment period.