CPB Certified Professional Biller Certification Practice Exam

What is the primary responsibility of a Debt Collection Assistance Officer (DCAO)?

1. Coordinate patient care services

2. Assist with the financial recovery of debts

3. Manage clinical billing processes

4. Establish hospital policies for billing

The correct answer is: Assist with the financial recovery of debts

The primary responsibility of a Debt Collection Assistance Officer (DCAO) is to assist with the financial recovery of debts. This role is focused on managing and facilitating the processes involved in collecting owed amounts from patients or third-party payers, ensuring that the organization's financial interests are protected while also adhering to ethical and legal standards. In this capacity, the DCAO may work closely with patients to understand their financial situations, negotiate payment plans, and provide information about available resources for debt management. Their expertise is critical in maximizing recoveries while also maintaining positive relationships with patients. The other choices do not align with the primary role of the DCAO. Coordinating patient care services is more aligned with clinical staff roles. Managing clinical billing processes typically falls under the purview of billing specialists or medical coders, whereas establishing hospital policies for billing is typically a function of administrative leaders or policy-makers rather than a specific officer focused on debt collection.