Patient Financial Counselor

JOB SUMMARY This position is responsible for assisting and the follow up of patients that are seeking financial health care assistance through the various funding programs. Conduct face to face or phone interviews with patients to make eligibility determination and advice of potential eligibility status. Serve as direct contact / referral agent to proper counselor or agency for potential funding. This job requires interaction with admission staff, physicians, nurses, administration and various other departments and agencies. Documentation in various areas of hospital systems is required. This position is responsible for a work list that requires daily follow-up and completion. Typically required to do the following: Financially screen patients and educate on historical visit balances, payments and budget plans. Request and post deposits in hospital system and keep batches and cash drawer balanced at all times. Set-up pre-admit visits in hospital system and look up charges for various procedures. JOB SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES Review/Interview of patients for funding/information ZG process and understanding of what to look for on each screen. Chart / File review Perform basic adult/child screening for patients. Review all referrals in a timely manner Update all demographic registration information Appropriate review, documentation and completion Appropriate completion of basic adult/child screenings Completion of Lexis Nexis and county appraisal district search for all LCMI cases and as appropriate. Appropriate completion of ZF comments and/or SSI tracking system and Notes B Appropriate completion of various program applications (LCMI, VVC, MCD, CIHCP, SSI, etc.) Appropriate follow-up with program agencies, patients and others as appropriate for status of applications, police reports, bills, extensions, denials, approvals, etc. Appropriate Process Correct use of review codes on work list Appropriate future review on work list Appropriate follow-up on work list Timely referrals to AC/RC Hold bill follow-up and correction ZE process TE process ZH process Appropriate Follow Up and Completion Work-list Admits, Referrals Requests for police reports, bills, etc. Request extensions as appropriate. Request information and other agency f/u Filing of information, files, bills, etc. Contacting hospitals/agencies Understanding and practice of: Federal, State, County & local programs Use of various eligibility systems (M-fax, CEI, TMHP, IDX-EL, etc) Be knowledgeable of all available resources and continue to stay abreast of updates and / or changes to funding sources. Dependability Meets deadlines/get tasks/assignments done on time Performs additional duties when needed Follows through as expected and as agreed Successful interaction with all co-works and all other hospital employees Utilizes time appropriately when all work is completed Work next day accounts/files Assist co-workers Seek assignments from management Demonstrates acceptable punctuality in reporting to work and keeps attendance issues to a minimum Follows & completes daily schedule requirements Resolves and/or defers situations which results in a favorable outcome when necessary or when management is not available Appropriate cash processing. Daily reconciliation and deposit of cash. Open and close batches daily. Open/close and balance cash box daily. Posting cash and printing receipts. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE High school graduate or equivalent Minimum of one year business office atmosphere with customer service experience and preferably county, state and federal health care program knowledge. REQUIRED LICENSURES/CERTIFICATIONS/REGISTRATIONS None SKILLS AND ABILITIES Must be able to conduct timely, impartial and accurate interviews. Timely and accurate documentation including data entry into hospital systems. Must develop and maintain knowledge of hospital office practices and procedures. Must be able to interpret program policies and regulations accurately and implement them accordingly. Possesses ability to work with hospital-based computer system. INTERACTION WITH OTHER DEPARTMENTS AND OTHER RELATIONSHIPS This position has verbal and written interaction with fellow employees in various departments within the facility, other agencies outside of the facility, as well as patients and family members. PHYSICAL CAPABILITIES Occasionally exerts up to 20 pounds of force and or frequently exert a small amount of force to lift, carry , push, pull and move objects. Work involves sitting most of the time, but may also involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. ENVIRONMENTAL/WORKING CONDITIONS This position is subject to inside environmental conditions; protection from weather conditions, not necessarily from temperature changes. DIRECT REPORTS UMC Health System provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. *Request for accommodations in the hire process should be directed to UMC Human Resources.* Benefits Resilience program Emotional Physical Spiritual Financial Career Community On-Site Professional Counselors (EAP) Discounted Pharmacy Cost Cash Retention Bonus (only one in our region) Retirement Benefits w/Employer Match PTO & Extended Illness Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance And more at: UMC Vision, Mission and Standards Vision: To Serve Our Patients in the Best Teaching Hospital in the Country Mission Statement: Service is our passion. We serve by providing safe, high quality care to all, achieving excellent financial performance, and training tomorrow’s healthcare professionals. Standards of Excellence: Attitude, Communication, Responsiveness, Compassion, Teamwork, Ownership, Safety and Respect About UMC Magnet Designated 501 licensed beds 62 Site locations Regions only Level I Trauma Center Regions only BICU DNV accredited Primary teaching hospital for the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) Ranked as one of the Best Places to Work in Texas by Texas Monthly UMC Physicians Culture, Vision, Mission, and Standards: UMC Physicians Culture, Vision, Mission, and Standards Culture: Service is Our Passion Vision: The best place to work and the best place to receive healthcare. Mission Statement: To improve the quality of life for our community by providing the best patient experience for every patient. Standards: Teamwork, Respect, Accountability, Compassion, Kindness About UMCP 35 Practice Locations – private practices and urgent care centers Over 125 physicians and advanced practice providers Ranked as \"One of the Best Places to Work in Texas\" by Texas Monthly Employee Engagement Score of 96% measured by Press Ganey Associates #J-18808-Ljbffr