What are the responsibilities and job description for the FINANCIAL COUNSELOR position at Columbia Eye Clinic?
JOB SUMMARY: This position is responsible for obtaining prior authorizations and estimating patient responsibility for all surgeries and procedures by successfully completing the authorization process with payers.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Obtains precertification for all outside doctor’s surgeries and procedures.
- Communicates with patients their financial obligation for all surgeries and procedures prior to the date of surgery and post patient payments accurately.
- Screens patient accounts for past due balances and collect prior to surgery date.
- Communicates with Patient Financial Services Supervisor regarding patient financial issues.
- Accurately notates patient accounts prior to surgery.
- Assists patients with billing inquiries by phone or in person on location.
- Assists in Budget Plan setup.
- Maintains the bad debt process ensuring that bad debt balances are sent to the third party agency in a timely manner and bad debt payments are posted timely.
- Assists the front desk with insurance verification and patient billing inquiries.
- Assists with internal doctors’ pre-certifications/authorizations when needed.
- Serves as backup to other Financial Counselor, providing coverage and support as needed to ensure continuity of Patient Financial Services.
- Must comply with all HIPPA and safety policies, procedures, and regulations.
- This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. To meet the business needs of the company duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Associates degree in accounting and 2 years’ experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
KNOWLEDGE, Skills, and Abilities:
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications
- Knowledge basic accounting principles
- Strong attention to detail with a dedication to accuracy
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Excellent customer service skills
- Familiarity with accounts receivable functions
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Knowledge of NextGen preferred
WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL EFFORT:
- Full-time position with a work schedule of Monday through Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm.
- Position operates in a professional office environment requiring minimal physical activity.
- Building meets required ADA standards and we will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
- Physical demands include but are not limited to:
- The ability to sit, stand, walk, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and telephone to talk and hear.
- The ability to frequently sit and reach with hands and arms.
- The ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
- Must be able to utilize office equipment such as desktop/laptop computers, copiers, printers, scanners, telephones and calculators.