What are the responsibilities and job description for the Financial Counselor position at Southern Oncology Specialists PLLC?
About the Role:
The Financial Counselor at Southern Oncology Specialists PLLC plays a critical role in supporting patients through the financial aspects of their oncology care. This position is responsible for guiding patients and their families in understanding insurance benefits, payment options, and financial assistance programs to alleviate the burden of medical expenses. The counselor collaborates closely with clinical and administrative teams to ensure accurate financial information is communicated and that patients receive timely support. By proactively addressing financial concerns, the counselor helps improve patient satisfaction and access to necessary treatments. Ultimately, this role contributes to the overall mission of providing compassionate, comprehensive care by removing financial barriers for patients.
Minimum Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in finance, healthcare administration, or related field preferred.
- Minimum of 2 years experience in medical billing, financial counseling, or patient financial services.
- Strong knowledge of health insurance policies, medical billing procedures, and financial assistance programs.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with patients, families, and healthcare teams.
- Proficiency with electronic medical records (EMR) systems and financial software.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working in oncology or specialty healthcare settings.
- Familiarity with Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance claim processes.
- Bilingual abilities, particularly in Spanish, to support diverse patient populations.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to manage sensitive financial information with discretion.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct thorough financial assessments for patients to determine eligibility for insurance coverage and financial assistance programs.
- Explain insurance benefits, billing procedures, and payment plans clearly to patients and their families.
- Obtain authorizations for medications.
- Understand the buy and bill process.
- Work with our Specialty Pharmacy.
- Assist patients in completing necessary financial aid applications and documentation.
- Maintain accurate records of patient financial interactions and follow up on outstanding accounts.
- Provide ongoing support and counseling to patients regarding their financial obligations throughout their treatment journey.
- Work closely with the billing department to ensure timely and accurate processing of patient accounts.
Skills:
The Financial Counselor utilizes strong communication skills daily to clearly explain complex insurance and billing information to patients and their families, ensuring they understand their financial responsibilities. Analytical skills are essential for assessing patient financial situations and determining eligibility for assistance programs. Proficiency with EMR and billing software enables efficient management of patient accounts and documentation. Collaboration skills are important for working with insurance providers and internal teams to resolve coverage and billing issues promptly. The ability to multi-task and work with your team and the clinical teams. Additionally, empathy and discretion are critical in handling sensitive financial discussions, fostering trust and support for patients navigating their healthcare journey.