Financial Counselor

BASIC FUNCTION:

The Financial Counselor provides point-of-care service to register patients for hospital inpatient and emergency department services. This role accurately collects relevant patient and billing information to ensure the hospital collects revenue. The Patient Navigator enters collected information into the hospital information system, as well as updating previously entered information as needed. Additionally, this role leverages criteria to proactively identify patients requiring financial assistance and assists patients in utilizing these programs.

SHIFT DAYS/HOURS:

7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday; Hours are subject to change based on business necessity.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Experience: Previous experience in healthcare billing required. Previous customer service experience preferred.

Certificates, License, Registrations: None required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Basic computer proficiency, including spreadsheets
• Basic insurance understanding
• Excellent organizational and prioritization skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail
• Customer service skills
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Maintain compliance with HIPAA and patient confidentiality

Physical: Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently. Requires walking or standing to a significant degree, or requires sitting most of the time, but entails pushing and/or pulling of arm or leg controls.

INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS:

Supervision Received: Patient Engagement Manager

Supervision Exercised: None

Other: Patients, families, visitors, other hospital personnel, medical staff, other medical facility personnel, community program personnel, mortuary personnel, EMS personnel, members of the general public

EXPOSURE TO HAZARDS:

According to OSHA standards, this position is classified as low risk with little or no risk of exposure

EQUIPMENT USED:

Computer, printer, photocopier, telephone

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Collect complete demographic and insurance information from patients.
• Enter collected information accurately into hospital information system.
• Obtain copies of necessary documentation.
• Obtain patient signatures as required.
• Leveraging standard criteria, proactively identify patients in need of financial assistance.
• Determine appropriate assistance program and assist patient in application process.
• Monitor OB departments for newborns requiring enrollment in Medicaid and assist in enrollment.
• Assist in promoting patient compliance with collection policies on all self-pay/contractual accounts.
• Greet patients and families in a professional manner and respond to requests or guide patient to the appropriate department or individual.
• Engage Patient Accounts Clerk for assistance in setting up payment plans.
• Create or generate reports as needed by the Patient Engagement Manager.
• Receive patient payments and enter into hospital information system.
• Assist with Switchboard and Admissions when not with a patient.
• Other duties as assigned.