Job Detail

Job Title:Financial Advocate

Req:2023-0303

Location:VMC Main Campus

Department:Financial Advocate

Shift:Days

Type:Full Time

FTE:1

Hours:9 - 5:30

City State:Renton, WA

Salary Range:Min $22.76 - Max $38.33/hrly. DOE

Job Description:

TITLE: Financial Advocate

ROLE: This position is responsible to provide financial advocacy for both patients and Valley Medical Center by exploring all payment options so that our accounts are financially secure. Provides price quotes, information regarding financial assistance programs, payment options and administers prompt pay discounts.

AREA OF ASSIGNMENT: Patient Access

HOURS OF WORK: As assigned.

RESPONSIBLE TO: Director Patient Access

PREREQUISITES:

High School Graduate or equivalent (G.E.D.) preferred.

Demonstrates basic skills in keyboarding (45 wpm) and using a personal computer in the Windows 2000 or XP environment

Excellent customer service skills.

Minimum two years experience in a hospital admitting or business office environment required.

Demonstrates ability to communicate in writing and verbally in the English language in an effective manner. Effective communication includes ability to spell accurately and write legibly

Has knowledge of medical terminology and abbreviations and can spell and understand commonly used terms.

Mathematical ability to calculate patient responsibility and provide price quotes and discount amount, income levels, balance payment log and daily deposit ledger.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Demonstrates ability to interact professionally on the phone and in person with all patients, their families and insurance companies.

Demonstrates effective communication and interpersonal skills with a diverse population.

Able to follow through with assignments independently and exercise good independent judgment.

Excellent organizational, time management and conflict resolution skills.

Demonstrates ability to handle telephone calls or personal interactions with poise, tact, courtesy and respect.

Neat and well groomed in appearance, following department personnel standards.

Demonstrates reliable attendance and job performance

UNIQUE PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS, ENVIRONMENT, AND WORKING CONDITIONS: Same as generic description

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Generic Job Functions: See Generic Job Description for Administrative Partner

Unique Job Functions:

Essential Functions

Measurable Expectations

Demonstration of knowledge, skills, abilities, behaviors and attitudes.

Responsible for assisting patients with billing questions

Is able to research billing questions using the hospital information systems payers resources and is able to resolve, or refer the customer to the appropriate resource.

Provides screening for uninsured patients to determine appropriate program.

Responsible to screen uninsured patients for COBRA, Medicaid, TPL. Charity or other payer source completing and submitting applications as required.

Timely Communication

Returns all phone calls within 24 hours of receipt of message or, if unable, ensures that supervisor is informed of potential service delays.

Financial Clearance

If insurance verification has not been finalized prior to service, is able to step in and work with the payer, insurance company and hospital departments to determine if a service should proceed or be rescheduled after the service has been authorized or a payment source has been confirmed.

Payment Arrangements

For patients who are unable to pay their balance or deductable prior to service or within 30 days of an unscheduled admission, will provide the patient and/or family with all discounts and payment options including setting up a bank loan or short term interest free payment plan.

Resource to Registration and Insurance Verification Staff

Assists the registration and IV staff with expedited financial clearance, accepting credit card payments, understanding our payment plans and other financial options.

Responsible for Complete Account Documentation

Ensures that any action or conversation with a patient or staff member regarding an account is documented immediately so that all hospital staff that may be collaborating on the account is able to assist the patient at check in or for account resolution.

Responsible for data integrity

Collaborates with the Business Office, HIM, UM and Information Systems regarding appropriate documentation. Coordinates insurance referral/authorization requirements with UM. Ensures accuracy of all in-patient insurance related registration. Works with department staff and Patient Access leadership team to ensure communication.

Actively Participates in Process Improvement

Is enrolled in all workflow design or process improvement work groups, as assigned by supervisor or director and demonstrates the awareness of the importance of cost containment for the department. manager.

Maintains professional growth and development

Attends continuing education workshops and other activities to keep current in all related hospital billing practices.

Understands Role in Revenue Cycle

Maintains knowledge of payer requirements and, new potential payer sources for our patients. Denial prevention and up front screening is key to ensuring Valley's financial viability.

Maintains confidentiality of records or medical center information at all times.

Confidential information & conversations are secured from general public access.

Is aware of and follows Valley Values.

Performs all job functions in a manner consistent with Valley's cultural expectations defined as Valley Values. These characteristics include quality performance, demonstrating compassion, respect, teamwork, community-centered awareness and innovation.

Performs other duties as assigned

Willingly accepts projects and work assignments as assigned by director.

Job Qualifications:

PREREQUISITES:

High School Graduate or equivalent (G.E.D.) preferred.

Demonstrates basic skills in keyboarding (45 wpm) and using a personal computer in the Windows 2000 or XP environment

Excellent customer service skills.

Minimum two years experience in a hospital admitting or business office environment required.

Demonstrates ability to communicate in writing and verbally in the English language in an effective manner. Effective communication includes ability to spell accurately and write legibly

Has knowledge of medical terminology and abbreviations and can spell and understand commonly used terms.

Mathematical ability to calculate patient responsibility and provide price quotes and discount amount, income levels, balance payment log and daily deposit ledger.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Demonstrates ability to interact professionally on the phone and in person with all patients, their families and insurance companies.

Demonstrates effective communication and interpersonal skills with a diverse population.

Able to follow through with assignments independently and exercise good independent judgment.

Excellent organizational, time management and conflict resolution skills.

Demonstrates ability to handle telephone calls or personal interactions with poise, tact, courtesy and respect.

Neat and well groomed in appearance, following department personnel standards.

Demonstrates reliable attendance and job performance