Billing Specialist I

Title: Billing Specialist I - Bilingual required

Location: Grand Rapids, MI

time type

Full time

job requisition id

JR100595

Job Description:

This is a full time, benefit eligible position typically working Monday - Friday 8am- 5pm. This is a hybrid position needing to work onsite at our downtown Grand Rapids location Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Bilingual in Spanish required.

The role of Billing Specialist II is to ensure that Cherry Health is paid for services rendered and is responsible for all aspects of accurate patient accounts receivable including but not limited to, insurance verification, billing, claims follow-up, and posting of payments.

Must adhere to the organizational Policies, Procedures, Code of Ethics, and all licensing and accreditation standards of the position.  Must represent the organization’s Mission in all actions and communications.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Review and post payments from all insurance, client, and third-party funding sources to ensure accurate patient financial records are maintained.
• Responds to billing and collection inquiries in a timely manner.
• Regularly work outstanding accounts receivable effectively and efficiently to meet accounts receivable management expectations.
• Process payer rejections and outstanding claims timely to ensure maximum reimbursement is received.
• Communicate and educate payer requirements and changes to front-end staff of your assigned locations.
• Research payer updates and requirements as needed and communicate with leadership on findings.
• Communicate tactfully with patients regarding bills by telephone, mail, and in person.
• Utilize the collection agency as stated in Agency policy.
• Assist and maintain reconciliation for annual cost reporting required by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
• Post insurance and patient payments as needed.
• Serve as a mentor and role model by providing guidance, support, and training to team members.
• Maintain an approachable and collaborative demeanor to foster a positive and supportive work environment.
• Other duties as assigned.

SKILLS / KNOWLEDGE / ABILITIES:

• Strong knowledge of medical billing processes, payer rules, and reimbursement methodologies, including Medicaid/Medicare and commercial insurance.
• Understanding of accounts receivable management, payment posting, and reconciliation procedures.
• Familiarity with payer rejections, denials management, and claims resubmission processes.
• Proficiency with electronic health records (EHR), practice management systems, and billing software.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to research and interpret payer updates, identify discrepancies, and resolve issues.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for professional interactions with payers, patients, staff, and leadership.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and achieve A/R goals.
• Commitment to confidentiality, compliance, and accuracy in maintaining patient financial records.
• Adaptability to changing payer requirements, organizational needs, and workflow adjustments.
• Bilingual skills may be helpful.

COMPETENCIES:

• Customer Service
• Collaboration
• Integrity
• Respect
• Professionalism
• Learning

EDUCATION / LICENSES / CERTIFICATES:

High school graduate or GED required.

Certification from a certifying body dependent on assigned specialty is preferred.  Examples are the following:

• Certified Professional Biller (CPB)
• Community Health Billing and Coding Specialist (CH-CBCS)
• Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA)
• Registered Health Information Technologist (RHIT)
• Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS)

Staff hired prior to September 2025 will not be required to obtain a certification.

EXPERIENCE:

At least two years’ experience as a biller in a health care setting preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job listed above. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Possible exposure to patients/clients with illnesses and/or infections.   Frequent telephone and computer use, requiring manual dexterity for writing and computer use.  Sitting, standing or walking for extended periods of time. Specific vision abilities required by this job may include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus. May require bending, squatting, or kneeling and lifting up to 50 pounds.  Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required. 

CLIENT POPULATION SERVED:

May serve all patient populations.

Who we are:
Cherry Health, Michigan’s largest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), operates in six counties across the state, is based in Grand Rapids. With a team of more than 800 health care professionals at 20 locations, Cherry Health focuses on removing barriers, expanding access, and delivering comprehensive quality health care services to underserved communities, regardless of an individual’s insurance status or ability to pay. We provide primary care, dental, vision, behavioral health, pharmacy services, substance abuse services, residential re-entry services, school-based health centers and more.

Our Mission: 
Cherry Health improves the health and wellness of individuals by providing comprehensive primary and behavioral health care while encouraging access by those who are underserved.

Our Vision: 
Our community will be healthier because we will seek out and welcome those who need our services. All will be treated as family with integrated, coordinated care to improve health and personal well-being.

Our Values:

• Collaboration – Support the Cherry Health mission by encouraging teamwork to accomplish organizational goals.
• Customer Service – Serve internal and external customers in a welcoming manner with compassionate care.
• Innovation – Embrace creativity to improve patient care and workplace efficiency while remaining curious and open to learning.
• Integrity – Uphold the highest ethical standards by being honest and trustworthy.
• Professionalism – Create a positive work environment where we care accountable for our decision, our action and the results.

Benefits:
Cherry Health has excellent benefit offerings dependent on employment status.  Check out a sample of the benefits available to our team members below!

• Loan repayment through the NHSC and Michigan State Loan Repayment Program for select roles
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance for you and your family
• Generous Paid Time Off benefit – 4 weeks per year for full time
• Paid holidays - 8 full day paid holidays (Including Black Friday!) and 2 half day paid holidays!
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with generous employer match - $ for $ match up to 5% 
• MET and MESP 529 Savings Plans
• Pet Insurance!
• Employee Assistance Program  

Our policy is to offer all employees and applicants for employment equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, height, weight, sexual orientation, gender identity, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, or any other protected category.