Financial Counselor Oncology

Oncology Financial Navigator works with patients and their families to help them reduce stress or hardship related to the cost of treatment for a medical condition, such as cancer. Financial navigators help patients understand their out-of-pocket expenses and what their health insurance plans may cover. Financial navigators may also help patients set up payment plans, gain access to care, find cost-saving methods for treatments, and improve access to health care services that the patient needs.

MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS

• MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Financial Counselor Oncology Job Duties:

• Serves as a “point person” for financial navigation for Beacon Oncology patients. 
• Completes an assessment with new cancer patients, in person or via telecommunication, focusing on their financial needs and advocates for patient’s financial needs throughout the system. Obtains detailed patient insurance benefit information for all aspects of the cancer treatment process. Discusses benefits and other financial issues with patients and/or family members during initial evaluation.
• Assists patients /representatives in the process of applying for alternative medical benefits, including those from Medicaid or other patient assistance funds.
• Works in close collaboration and communication with physicians and other members of the health care team in order to optimize patient’s health care coverage and total financial picture, reduce distress associated with Financial Toxicity, and minimize the financial impact that the patient’s plan of care has on their financial status.
• Establishes positive, supportive relationships with newly diagnosed cancer patients, always using effective customer service/interpersonal skills, and rendering financial counseling and psychosocial interventions to address sensitive financial issues.
• Collaborates with patient and family to facilitate understanding of insurance coverage, cost of care, expected out of pocket expenses, various program eligibility criteria, and navigates them over time as the patient's condition and financial needs change.
• Partners with patients, families, nurse navigators, social workers, financial counselors, billing and denials staff and other health care providers to ensure that the patient is supported , financial distress is lessened, and that health care is uninterrupted due to financial concerns.
• Ability to successfully obtain estimated patient responsibility for all cancer services lines, communicate estimated responsibility to patients and collect estimated patient responsibility portion of claim.
• Identifies options for insurance optimization/financial assistance individuals and families across the cancer service line, focusing on strategies that will promote optimal financial health.
• Responsible for working with billing office staff to set up payment plans within practice guidelines for patients who cannot pay balance in full.
• Responds to crisis situations and engage with patients and families to access the appropriate interventions.
• Answers billing and insurance questions as needed.
• Establishes and maintains a database and creates reports of patient funding secured; distributes reports at regular intervals and in a timely manner. Actively monitors and gains understanding of new public and private cancer resource programs that could assist cancer patients and their families with their financial needs.
• Serves as a resource for patients and their family members on financial matters. Addresses insurance coverage gaps via alternative funding options. Assists patients /representatives in the process of applying for alternative medical benefits, including those from Medicaid or other patient assistance funds.
• Responds to crisis situations and engages with patients and families to access the appropriate interventions.

Performs other functions to maintain personal competence and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the department by:

• Completing other job-related assignments and special projects as directed.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Complies with established organization and department policies.
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

Commitment to Beacon's six-point Operating System, referred to as The Beacon Way:

• Leverage innovation everywhere.
• Cultivate human talent.
• Embrace performance improvement.
• Build greatness through accountability.
• Use information to improve and advance.
• Communicate clearly and continuously.

Education and Experience

• The knowledge, skills, and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through the successful completion of a High School Diploma. Previous experience in customer service or a related field is preferred. An advanced degree is preferred.  General knowledge of insurance.

Knowledge & Skills

• 2-5 years of relevant experience in a health care, insurance reimbursement, government programs, financial assistance resources, psychosocial assessment and interventions preferred. 
• 1 year of relevant experience in an outpatient, ambulatory setting such as oncology preferred. 
• Minimum of 2 years' experience in a professional healthcare environment or as financial biller in a healthcare setting or social worker (required)

Working Conditions

• Works in an office environment.

Physical Demands

• Requires the physical ability and stamina to perform the essential functions of the position.