Patient Access Representative (Financial Counselor)

Financial Counselor (Patient Access)Opportunities at Northern Light Health, in strategic partnership with Optum. Whether you are looking for a role in a clinical setting or supporting those who provide care, we have opportunities for you to make a difference in the lives of those we serve. As a statewide health care system in Maine, we work to personalize and streamline health care for our communities. If the place for you is at a large medical center, a rural community practice or home care, you will find it here. Join our compassionate culture, enjoy meaningful benefits and discover the meaning behind: Caring. Connecting. Growing together.The Financial Counselor (Patient Access) primary function is to ensure a constant and reliable cash flow, maximize revenue collections, minimize accounts receivable losses (bad debt) and promote excellent public relations. The Financial Counselor is responsible to ensure all accounts passing through the unit are screened for linkage opportunities and appropriate actions are completed.This position is full-time, Monday - Friday. Employees are required to work between the hours of 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM EST including the flexibility to work occasional overtime and weekends based on business need.We offer 1-3 months OR longer of paid onsite training. The hours of training will be 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM EST from Monday - Friday. Training will be conducted onsite at 489 State Street in Bangor, ME.You'll enjoy the flexibility to telecommute* from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges.Primary Responsibilities:Screens appropriate patients for possible healthcare coverage or financial assistance opportunities to determine eligibility, coverage levels, and billing requirementsCounsels' patients as to financial responsibility while assessing suitability for inhouse programs of Free Care, Discounted Care and Payment Plans. Ensure all accounts are screened for linkage opportunities and appropriate actions are completedPerforms a daily check of all qualifying patients and assesses/offers financial assistanceFunctions as the liaison with various departments for determining financial options and financial counseling for scheduled procedures and price-shoppingRecords and prepares statistics for outreach of financial assistance programs offeredMaximize revenue collectionsMinimizes accounts receivable losses (bad debt) by use of workflows, technology, and tools providedMaintains a safe environment complying with NLH policies and procedures; reports and directly addresses environmental hazards and violations of patient safety policy and/or protocol when involved or observedIdentifies outstanding balances from patient's previous visits and attempts to collect any amount dueFunctions as a Superuser for primary computer systemsProactively identifies process improvement opportunitiesWorks on Special Projects as neededPerforms the duties of a Financial Counselor (Patient Access)Maintains up - to - date knowledge of specific admission, registration, and pre - registration requirements for all areasMay perform other duties upon requestWhat are the reasons to consider working for UnitedHealth Group? Put it all together - competitive base pay, a full and comprehensive benefit program, performance rewards, and a management team who demonstrates their commitment to your success. Some of our offerings include:Paid Time Off which you start to accrue with your first pay period plus 8 Paid HolidaysMedical Plan options along with participation in a Health Spending Account or a Health Saving accountDental, Vision, Life& AD&D Insurance along with Short-term disability and Long-Term Disability coverage401(k) Savings Plan, Employee Stock Purchase PlanEducation ReimbursementEmployee DiscountsEmployee Assistance ProgramEmployee Referral Bonus ProgramVoluntary Benefits (pet insurance, legal insurance, LTC Insurance, etc.)You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear directions on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.Required Qualifications:High School Diploma/GED1+ years of Patient Access experience in a Hospital Registration Department, physician office or any medical setting1+ years of experience using medical terminology1+ years of health insurance experienceIntermediate level of proficiency in Windows, Excel, and Microsoft OfficeAbility to type at the speed of 35+ WPM (words per minute)Ability to work remotely with occasional onsite as neededAbility to train onsite for 3 months OR longer at Northern Light Health & Medical Center, 489 State Street in Bangor, MEAbility to work any shift between the hours of 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM EST from Monday - Friday including the flexibility to work occasional overtime and weekends based on business needsFull Flu vaccination is an essential job function of this role. Candidates located in states that mandate Flu booster doses must also comply with those state requirements. UnitedHealth Group will adhere to all federal, state and local regulations as well as all client requirements and will obtain necessary proof of vaccination, and boosters when applicable, prior to employment to ensure compliance. Candidates must be able to perform all essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodationMust be 18 years of age or olderPreferred Qualifications:1+ years of electronic health record experience1+ years of experience in a Hospital Patient Registration OR Patient Account ServicesSoft Skills:Verbal and written aptitude for adequate communication with the public, physicians, physician office staff, Registration staff, and other healthcare professionalsMust demonstrate the ability to work well with others and to work independently without direct supervisionMust exhibit a caring attitude toward patients, co - workers, and other customersAbility to handle multiple priorities successfullyAbility to demonstrate close attention to detailAbility to present in a professional mannerStrong interpersonal, communication and customer service skillsAbility to use multiple systems and multi-taskPay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The hourly pay for this role will range from $18.00 to $32.00 per hour based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.Application Deadline: This will be posted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes - an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.UnitedHealth Group is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.