Patient Financial Advocate, FT

Patient Financial Advocate - "The Patient Financial Advocate provides compassionate, high‑quality support to patients as they navigate the financial aspects of their care. This role serves as a trusted resource, helping patients understand their medical bills, available financial options, and steps needed to ensure their accounts are handled accurately and responsibly.

 The Patient Financial Advocate will work directly with patients to conduct screenings for programs such as Hospital Discounted Care (HDC) and our internal charity care options. They will guide patients through applications, documentation requirements, and eligibility criteria with empathy, professionalism, and respect. In addition, this role assists patients in establishing reasonable and sustainable medical financing arrangements—particularly for those facing significant financial responsibility. The Advocate collaborates closely with internal teams to ensure accurate information, seamless workflows, and a supportive patient experience.

Benefits:

Here at Gunnison Valley Health, your good work will be rewarded.  In addition to a competitive salary, a generous and affordable medical/dental/vision plan, and a dollar for dollar 401(a) match, up to 3%, there are other great perks including:

• Up to $250 in your first year toward your unique Lifestyle Spending Account, matched retirement starting on day 1, and a dependent care matching plan
• A culture that values continuing education, backed up by a robust tuition reimbursement plan, and an all-access subscription to LinkedIn Learning and Headspace.  
• Paid time off benefits with an accrual rate of 10.77% in your first year of employment
• Monday through Friday 8a - 5p schedule!
• Access to mental health, financial health and wellness as well as life coaching with our Employee Assistance Program
• Free nutrition consultations, and discounted fitness membership at Western Colorado University Fieldhouse
• Deep discounts on food and drink in the cafeteria
• No traffic, and a scenic commute to the office

Requirements:

Education: High school diploma or equivalent. 

Experience: Requires ability to work cooperatively with other employees, other departments and the public.  Must have the ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines. Knowledge of insurance claims and billing is preferred. The ability to audit and review claim information for accuracy is preferred. Must have familiarity with common computer systems and a comfort learning new software. Bilingual English and Spanish is preferable.

Essential Functions:

• Determines patient financial obligation for services. Ensures that patient understands their estimated financial obligation and determines how they will meet that obligation.
• Screens patients for eligibility in state insurance programs and Gunnison Valley Hospital Financial Assistance Program.
• Collects payments from patients before services are received. Establishes Medical financing arrangement for patients facing large financial obligations before services are received.
• Processes monthly report to Revenue Cycle Director regarding accounts to forward to third party receivables vendor
• Reviews all self-pay patient information for accuracy. Reviews all daily face sheets and prepare to contact patient to verify self-pay status
• Reviews daily census report and verifies insurance/financial classification. Visits patient at bedside to confirm information. Notifies patient/guarantor on hospital options for self-pay admissions.
• Audits self-pay bills for charges, duplications and overlapped accounts before billing, making any necessary adjustments and documenting appropriately.
• Works closely with PFS Account Representatives when insurance information is received through follow-up phones calls to patients/guarantors.
• Receives and answers billing related questions with regard to payment and/or financial arrangements for all self-pay patients and patients with financial responsibility after insurance pays.
• Processes GVH financial assistance program applications and works closely with the Revenue Cycle Director regarding assistance program recipients. Responsible for the processing of HDC applications. Interviews and collects required documentation for program applicants. Determines qualification and benefits available to applicant. Processes necessary posting information for GVH charity patients and state HDC reports

Shift - Day

Schedule - 8a - 5p

Status - Full Time

Compensation: $20.84 - $25.53/hr, depending on experience.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. Gunnison Valley Health provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Benefits Eligibility

Medical, dental, vision, health care FSA, dependent care FSA, and Lifestyle Spending Account: All active employees working 40 or more hours per pay period in a Full Time or Part Time position are eligible for benefits on the first of the month after hire.

Full Time staff are automatically enrolled in 401A plan as of date of hire.

Life and AD&D insurance: All active employees working 40 or more hours per pay period are eligible for benefits on the first of the month after hire date.

Short-term and long-term disability: All active employees working 60 or more hours per pay period are eligible for benefits on the first of the month after hire date.

Physical Requirements:

Occasionally - Standing, changing position, reaching, reach across midline,  crouching/squatting, stooping, stairs, lifting/lowering (0-20 lbs), carrying (0-20 lbs), pushing/pulling (20-50 lbs)

Frequently – Walking, sitting, handling, fingering

Continuously – See with corrective eyewear, hear clearly with assistance

Salary : $21 - $250