What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Patient Financial Services position at St. Vincent's Hospital Westchester?
Reports To: VP of Finance and Operations
Location: Harrison, NY
Position Summary:
The Director of Patient Financial Services Behavioral Health is responsible for the strategic leadership and operational oversight of all patient financial services functions within the behavior health campus of the main hospital. This includes billing, collections, insurance verification, OMH, OASAS, DOH, financial counseling, and revenue cycle optimization. The role ensures compliance with regulatory requirements while maximizing reimbursement and enhancing the patient financial experience.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership & Strategy
- Provide direction and leadership for all Patient Financial Services (PFS) operations.
- Develop and execute strategies to optimize revenue cycle performance and cash flow.
- Collaborate with executive leadership on financial planning and organizational goals.
- Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and patient-centered service.
Revenue Cycle Management
- Oversee end-to-end revenue cycle processes, including:
- Patient registration and insurance verification
- Charge capture and coding coordination
- Billing and claims submission
- Denials management and appeals
- Collections and payment posting
- Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as days in A/R, denial rates, and collection ratios.
- Implement best practices to improve efficiency and reduce revenue leakage.
Compliance & Regulatory Oversight
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including Medicare/Medicaid guidelines and payer contracts.
- Strong Knowledge of OMH, OASAS and DOH guidelines for billing (REQUIRED)
- Oversee internal and external audits related to billing and collections
Patient Financial Experience
- Enhance patient satisfaction by improving transparency, communication, and financial counseling services.
- Ensure clear billing practices and accessible financial assistance programs.
- Address patient concerns and resolve escalated billing issues.
Team Management & Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop PFS supervisors and staff.
- Establish performance expectations and conduct regular evaluations.
- Promote training and professional development initiatives.
Technology & Process Improvement
- Evaluate and implement revenue cycle technologies and automation tools.
- Partner with IT and clinical departments to improve system integration and workflows.
- Drive process improvement initiatives using data analytics and benchmarking.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Finance, or related field (required)
- Master’s degree (MBA, MHA, or related) preferred
Experience
- 7–10 years of progressive experience in healthcare revenue cycle or patient financial services
- 3–5 years in a leadership or director-level role
- Strong Microsoft Excel Skills a Must
- Experience in hospital/health system setting required
- Proficiency with hospital Netsmart and Oracle/ Cerner billing systems, EHR platforms
Skills & Competencies
- Deep knowledge of revenue cycle operations and payer systems
- Strong analytical and financial management skills
- Expertise in regulatory compliance and healthcare billing practices related to behavioral health guidelines
- Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to drive change and lead cross-functional initiative