Billing Specialist – Denials & Revenue Recovery at Community Health Center of Fort Dodge, Inc – Fort Dodge, Iowa
About This Position
Billing Specialist – Denials & Revenue Recovery
DepartmentRevenue Cycle / Finance
Reports ToRevenue Cycle Manager / Billing Manager
FLSA StatusNon-Exempt (recommended)
LocationFQHC – Multi-Site (Remote Work Available after 90 days)
Position SummaryThe Billing Specialist – Denials & Revenue Recovery is responsible for identifying, analyzing, correcting, and resubmitting denied and underpaid claims to ensure accurate and timely reimbursement for services provided by the Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). This role focuses on denial prevention, appeal submission, payer follow-up, and continuous improvement of billing workflows in compliance with HRSA, Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial payer requirements.
Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesDenial Management & ReworkReview, research, and resolve denied, rejected, or underpaid claims across all payer types (Medicaid, Medicare, Medicare Advantage, commercial, and grant-related services).
Identify root causes of denials, including coding errors, eligibility issues, authorization deficiencies, documentation gaps, and payer-specific billing rules.
Correct claims and resubmit within payer-specific timely filing limits.
Prepare and submit first-level and second-level appeals with supporting documentation as required.
Track denial trends and recommend corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Apply FQHC PPS/APM billing rules accurately for Medicaid and Medicare.
Ensure correct encounter billing, including wraparound and crossover claims where applicable.
Verify proper use of modifiers, place of service, revenue codes, and diagnosis codes for FQHC services.
Collaborate with clinical and coding staff to resolve documentation or medical necessity issues impacting reimbursement.
Conduct payer follow-up via portals, phone calls, and written correspondence.
Maintain detailed documentation of payer communications and claim status updates in the billing system.
Escalate unresolved claims or payer discrepancies to the Billing Manager as appropriate.
Maintain denial logs and workqueues to ensure timely resolution.
Monitor aging reports and prioritize high-dollar or time-sensitive claims.
Assist with monthly denial trend analysis and performance metrics (e.g., denial rate, recovery rate, days in A/R).
Support audits, payer reviews, and internal compliance activities related to billing and reimbursement.
Ensure compliance with HRSA, CMS, state Medicaid, and payer billing requirements.
Follow all organizational policies related to privacy, HIPAA, and compliance.
Participate in process improvement initiatives to improve clean claim rates and reduce denials.
Stay current on billing regulations, payer rule changes, and FQHC reimbursement updates.
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Minimum of 2 years of medical billing experience, with demonstrated denial management experience.
Strong understanding of medical billing, claims processing, and payer rules.
Experience working with Medicaid and Medicare required.
Proficiency with EHR and billing systems (Epic preferred).
Strong attention to detail, analytical skills, and ability to work independently.
Prior experience in an FQHC or community health center.
Knowledge of FQHC PPS/APM billing, wraparound claims, and encounter-based reimbursement.
Certified Professional Biller (CPB), Certified Coding Associate (CCA), or similar certification.
Experience with Medicare Advantage plans and denial appeals.
Familiarity with revenue cycle reporting and denial trend analysis.
Denial analysis and root-cause identification
Claims correction and appeal writing
Payer communication and follow-up
Regulatory and payer compliance
Time management and prioritization
Cross-department collaboration
Prolonged periods of sitting and computer use.
Ability to manage multiple workqueues and deadlines.
Occasional travel between clinic sites may be required.
Timely resolution of assigned denial workqueues.
Reduction in repeat denials through corrective action feedback.
Accurate and compliant claim rework and resubmission.
Consistent documentation and communication within the billing system.
Positive collaboration with clinical, coding, and registration teams.