Litigation Paralegal
Rochester, NY
GENERAL PURPOSE:
Under general direction from Senior Counsel, and with significant latitude for independent judgment, manages the litigation and settlement of a large portfolio of hospital and faculty group collection matters; coordinates the filing and processing of claims and subpoenas; and investigates and responds to Small Claims litigation matters. Additionally assists with qui tam investigations, investigative research, and routine contract matters involving insurance and indemnification issues. This work requires knowledge of legal concepts, federal, state and local laws and the ability to research legal matters.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Collections
Oversees the day-to-day activities related to collections
Manages the collection process and work related to past-due patient accounts (inpatient, outpatient, and professional medical services) from Strong Memorial Hospital and University of Rochester Medical Faculty Group. This includes pursuing self-pay balances due, drafting pleadings and related litigation papers for attorney signature, submitting bankruptcy and estate claims to relevant courts and perfecting hospital liens.
Collects/receives payment for delinquent accounts, bills, claims, or other indebtedness owed to the institution by self-pay patients for inpatient, outpatient and professional medical services.
Prepares and files bankruptcy claims, estate claims, and hospital liens on behalf of the University and affiliates. Drafts relevant pleadings (ex. summons and complaint). Secures judgments,
Identifies estates of patient debtors who have passed away leaving estates under public or private administration; perfects proofs of claims in bankruptcy proceedings involving patient debtors.
Develops strategies to collect on outstanding monies. Designs and pursues collections strategies while negotiating settlements and collection matters.
Under the supervision of an attorney, follows the status of each case through the pleading stage, preparing and filing judgments, and completes judgment recovery.
Researches, implements and makes recommendations regarding disposition of cases.
As a member of the self-pay protocol group with Patient Accounts, identifies means in which self-pay patients can pay outstanding bills.
Negotiates claims resolutions with patients on behalf of the hospital and URMFG.
Using analytic tools and available demographic and financial information culled from credit reports and public records, identities patients who owe money to the Medical Center and have sufficient financial means to pay all or some portion of their medical bills.
Maintains a strong relationship with the Financial Counselors in the Medicaid Outreach Unit. Assists in obtaining and securing necessary financial and public information needed by Financial Case Management for completing, processing and filing Medicaid applications for uninsured patients.
Partners with agencies and departments to confirm the identity of patients and assists in obtaining insurance forms from patients that have failed to comply with requests.
Subpoenas
Oversees the day-to-day activities related to subpoenas
Under general supervision of Senior Counsel, responds to questions about subpoenas, medical record authorizations, notice of motions and orders to show cause.
Maintains contact with UR personnel, at all levels, and with external counsel. Monitors requests assuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Responds to demands for testimony by Medical Center staff and providers. Arranges for provision of medical records in response to subpoenas and court orders.
Maintains compliance with federal and state laws regarding patient privacy, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and laws relating to the disclosure of HIV, drug and alcohol and mental health treatment.
Applies knowledge of laws and legal concepts applicable to privacy issues as well as specific federal, state and local court rules and procedures.
Responds to and reviews responses for third-party subpoenas, authorizations, motions, discovery requests and court orders. Applies comprehensive understanding of Medical Center polices pertaining to protection and release of protected healthcare information and explains applicable legal principles and policy to patients, patient representatives, patient counsel, court personnel, district attorneys and law guardians.
Negotiates with outside counsel and courts to resolve questions and disputes pertaining to witness appearances at trials, grand jury proceedings and depositions.
Analyzes medical record disclosure issues.
Responds to various governmental agencies regarding record requests. Liaises between UR personnel and courts for testimony subpoenas.
Contracts
Reviews and manages routine contracts including student affiliation agreements. Identifies and resolves legal issues relating to contract terms including indemnification, insurance and compliance with state laws.
Negotiates contract terms with parties. Liaises with staff and outside vendors.
Verifies accuracy and resolves discrepancies with institutional rules, guidelines and protocols. Ensures accuracy of business terms and compliance with University standard terms.
Ensures accuracy of financial and business terms in contracts.
Maintains relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure timely completion of agreements.
UCC Searches / Miscellaneous Collections for other departments
Works with the attorneys in the office providing UCC searches, due diligence searches and the preparation of demand letters for outstanding balances on several matters.
Prepares and monitors Confession of Judgments and Settlement Agreements for several departments.
With direction from attorneys related to practice and other acquisitions, searches public records at the Federal, State and local level pertaining to the specific identified acquisition. Performs due diligence and UCC searches related to the Medical Center's mergers and acquisitions.
Analyzes materials obtained and summarizes the results of the search for the attorney.
Litigation and Regulatory Paralegal
Works as a Litigation and Regulatory Paralegal, supporting attorneys on various litigation matters relating to government and regulatory investigations.
Conducts internal fact investigations, electronic discovery review and preservation, document and deposition discovery support, preservation notices and other project management related activities.
Liaises with outside counsel as needed.
Small Claims Court Representation
Investigates and responds to Small Claims litigation matters. Upon receipt of a small claims complaint, contacts the affected departments, investigates the claim, identifies and prepares witnesses and assembles relevant documents.
Investigates and responds to small claims court litigation; Settles small claims matters outside of court whenever possible. Defends claims in court when required.
Other duties as assigned
REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor's degree with major course work in social or technical field required;
Master's degree in Library Science, Information Science or related field preferred
Degree in Paralegal Studies or similar preferred.
4-5 years’ experience in the analysis and dissemination of information plus supervisory experience;
5 years’ experience in collections and collections litigation preferred;
or an equivalent combination of education and experience required.
Knowledge of New York State Court procedure, the Fair Debt Collections Practice Act, State and Federal Health Care and Personal Information privacy laws preferred;
A general understanding of the New York State Surrogate Court Procedure and Federal Bankruptcy Procedure preferred;
Detailed knowledge of legal terminology, contract terms and concepts, sufficient to draft review and advise on contract matters preferred;
Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel required;
Knowledge of hospital and medical faculty group billing systems preferred;
Strong organization and communication skills required;
Strong attention to detail with the ability to organize and prioritize workload and deadlines;
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team;
Project management experience.
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.
Pay Range
Pay Range: $ 50,000 - $100,000 Annually
The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job’s compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.
Location: Health Sciences
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Opening: Full Time 40 hours Grade 054
Schedule: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM