What are the responsibilities and job description for the Financial Counselor position at White River Health System Inc?
Job Summary
Works with health insurance providers to determine coverage and benefit limits. Counselors will advise patients of procedure costs and alternative sources of funding if applicable. Under general supervision is responsible for assisting patients with setting up payment arrangements, collection of insurance co-payments and deposits and completing financial assistance applications. Comprehensive information is obtained to protect the patient’s well-being and the financial interest of the hospital. Accurately complete patient accounts based on departmental protocol, policies and procedures, and compliance with regulatory agencies, to include but not limited to pre-admission, admissions, pre-registration, and registration functions. Financial Counselor in all cases should arrange payment options with the patients and screen patients for government funding sources.
Job Duties:
- Conducts financial screening.
- Collect deposits and co-pays when applicable.
- Sets up payment arrangements or arranges for financing with patients that are in need.
- Evaluates patients for and provides information regarding financial assistance program.
- Attempts to collect any outstanding balance that financial arrangements have not been made.
- Makes room visits to inpatients to ensure financial arrangements are made before patient is discharged.
- Provides financial assistance information forms to patients as needed.
- Reviews all inpatient admits for correct and complete financial arrangements.
- Ensures all financial documents are signed and completed.
- Acts as cashier when needed.
- Ensure documentation to support proper handling of accounts, inquiries, and complaints.
- Post’s payments accurately to accounts.
- Balances cash drawer daily and prepares deposits.
- Runs credit card payments and posts to account.
- Performs other duties as assigned by supervision.
Qualifications:
- Education: high school diploma or equivalent required, two- or four-year degree preferred.
- Training and Experience: A minimum of 2 years working hospital service access, clinical services access, physician office or billing and collections is preferred.
- Job Knowledge:
- Must meet and manage deadlines.
- Manage difficult or emotional situations.
- Function as part of Patient Financial Services team and exhibit orientation to the larger objectives and goals of the organization.
- Document accounts in detail.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Ability to maintain accuracy.
- Professional demeanor and excellent public relation skills.
- Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
- Proficient with Windows, MS Office, Excel Outlook, and Internet Explorer.
- Must be able to report to work fit for duty and free of any adverse effects of illegal drugs, medical marijuana, prescription medication, and/or alcohol.
- Demonstrate an independent work initiative, sound judgment and strong work ethic.
- Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Must be able to communicate clearly with patients, staff, and managers both verbally and in writing.
- Shows objectivity and openness to other’s views; gives and welcomes feedback.
- Employee must demonstrate basic computer skills.