PATIENT FINANCIAL COUNSELOR

Financial Counselor

The Patient Financial Counselor (FC) supports the PHP mission, vision and values by serving as the hospital's primary contact for resolution of the patient's account balance, in accordance with PHP policies. The FC serves to help patients, especially those who are uninsured, underinsured, and have low incomes, assess and determine a plan for resolution of their financial responsibilities. This includes establishing payment plans and other financial arrangements, evaluating patient's eligibility for Medicaid, state and hospital-sponsored charity care programs and other available funding sources such as grants. The FC is also responsible for calculating and collecting the patients' estimated balances at pre-service or at the point of service. The FC understands the hospital's financial and discounting policies and possesses the ability to use critical thinking skills to provide the best resolution based upon the patient's situation. The FC collaborates with other departments within the hospital and outside eligibility vendors as necessary. The FC uses financial systems to document data and conducts procedures to assist the patient in filing for Medicaid and/or other public assistance programs. Integrity, good judgment, and trust are also necessary to ensure patient confidentiality.

Education

Minimum Level of Education Required: High School completion / GED

Additional requirements:

Preferred educational qualifications: Associates Degree preferred in related field.

Position specific testing: Preferred Windows-based computer typing 25 wpm.

Licensure/Certification/Registration

Medical Terminology and coding knowledge preferred.

Experience

Minimum Level of Experience Required: 3 - 5 years of job related experience

Preferred experience: Experience working with the public is preferred. Courses/workshops in compliance, medical self-pay accounts receivable management, Medicaid, medical billing preferred Familiarity with statutes and regulations regarding self-pay collections practices and financial assistance is preferred.

Other experience requirements: Overall knowledge of patient registration, third party collections, verification of insurance benefits, Medicaid and other government programs, financial assistance, hospital billing and/or managed care contracts is required. 4 + years of recent financial assistance, billing, insurance verification, or self-pay accounts receivable management experience in a healthcare/medical setting or financial institution setting with oversight of functions such as processes credit applications; verifies credit references and information; determines lines of credit. Prepare reports on the status of credit and collections, and other operating statements is required. Must possess good math skills and pass a skills test which includes calculating co-pays and deductibles.

Knowledge/Skills

1. Ability to perform a variety of tasks, often changing assignments on short notice.

2. Must be adept at multi-tasking.

3. Will be required to learn and work with multiple software/hardware products to be used during the course of an average work day.

4. Must possess excellent verbal and listening communication skills.

5. Must be able to maintain a professional demeanor in stressful situations.

6. Must be adept with machinery typically found in a business office environment.

7. Possesses mathematical aptitude to make contractual calculations and estimate patient financial obligations to achieve financial clearance.

8. Able to build productive relationships with all contacts.

9. Must be proficient in Windows-based computer technology, including keyboarding and typing at least 30 wpm.

10. Prefer minimally one-year experience in a hospital, medical office/clinic, or insurance company.

11. Overall knowledge of third party collections, registration, billing and contracts is preferred.