Patient Financial Counselor

Join to apply for the Patient Financial Counselor role at Michigan Medicine This range is provided by Michigan Medicine. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more. Base pay range $49,836.00/yr - $72,321.00/yr How to Apply A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position. Job Summary Under general supervision, assist patients, families and internal customers of Michigan Medicine with a broad range of financial activities. Includes assisting patients and families with Hospital and Professional billing and insurance concerns, pre-screening eligibility for MSupport, cash collections, establishing payment agreements, providing Hospital and Professional charge estimates, and collaborating with various billing departments, specialty clinics, hospitals, and health centers on all related billing concerns. Works independently and efficiently to assist families. Independently prioritizes work to achieve the best financial experience for patients and families. This position provides extraordinary seamless financial services to internal and external customers. This position works remotely in a high volume call center environment. Responsibilities Provide exceptional customer service to all patients/callers by offering assistance and ensuring customer satisfaction Depending on assignment, answer patient calls for at least 80% of workday, effectively respond to patient inquiries via telephone encounter or through the patient portal, return patient calls left on department voicemail, respond to patient correspondence received via mail, or work on accounts with early out vendor Sees walk‑in and scheduled patients and their families Answer inbound customer phone calls for patients requiring financial assistance and direction/education Work closely with inpatient staff (i.e. providers, social workers, admin managers) to resolve complex accounts and accounts sensitive in nature requiring high level of business acumen, empathy and personal integrity Help eligible patients and families apply for Healthy Michigan Plan, Children Special Health Care Service, Medicaid and Washtenaw Health Plan As a Certified Application Counselor through the Affordable Care Act, assist with private Health Insurance Marketplace applications and plan selection Provide charge and out‑of‑pocket estimates for medical procedures and episodes of care Educate and explain to customers financial related items such as referrals, authorizations, waivers and Advanced Beneficiary Notices (ABNs) May serve as a liaison in the community, providing education and offering financial assistance Serve as the point person who links various areas of a complex health system into seamless service, coordinating communication between internal and external customers Investigate patient financial problems to discover root causes and possible solutions via various hospital and payer systems Read and interpret insurance plan benefits; explain benefits to patients, families and internal customers and interpret Michigan Medicine insurance plan participation status and explain how contract status impacts patient?s/family?s out‑of‑pocket costs Investigate and resolve issues with third party payers including Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, commercial plans, motor vehicle coverage, worker?s compensation and COBRA Identify performance improvement opportunities across revenue cycle including registration, clinic operations, information technology, charge entry, coding, documentation, billing, etc. Create payment plans (within established guidelines) at the conclusion of each patient contact as appropriate Commit to team efforts, quality improvement and lean thinking initiatives Respond quickly and act professionally/appropriately in stressful situations including de‑escalation Able to handle challenging patients and customers effectively and professionally Demonstrate personal integrity, enthusiasm and empathy to internal and external customers Takes initiative in independently and effectively resolving a variety of complex billing issues and problems Demonstrate and communicate patient financial advocacy Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in business, finance, healthcare or an equivalent combination of education and experience Minimum of 3 years billing and/or claims experience in Revenue Cycle or healthcare setting with progressive levels of responsibility Demonstrated teamwork, interpersonal, communication and customer service skills Knowledge of medical terminology, ICD-9, CPT-4, and CDM codes Knowledge of C‑Snap, Web Denis, CHAMPS and other payor sites Familiarity with Lean method of process improvement Extensive knowledge with clinical business operation systems Knowledge of 3rd party payer rules and (Medicare, Medicaid, BCBSM, commercial, MVA, worker's compensation) Excellent record of attendance and punctuality Demonstrate the highest standards in written communication, utilizing available and emerging technology and systems to maximize efficiency Demonstrate cultural humility in communications with others Desired Qualifications Collections/Payment experience Experience providing customer service in a call center environment Knowledge of MiChart (Epic) Knowledge of University policies and procedures, especially the UMHS Standard Practice Guide Able to understand and resolve complex patient billing issues In-depth knowledge of billing systems Knowledge of medical terminology and coding including CPT, ICD-9/10 Work Locations This is a remote position where you will work from home virtually. High speed internet is a requirement for this position and its cost is the responsibility of the staff member. There may be occasions where the staff member will need to report to the business office location, including meetings, computer or technology requirements, or to complete work that is not possible to handle remotely. The business location will have space available to reserve for onsite work when required. The business office is located in the Eastern Time Zone and work hours must accommodate interactions, including video conferencing, with colleagues during these hours. Computing resources including required software applications, VPN, desktop or laptop computer, monitor, keyboard and mouse, will be provided by the employer. Remote staff are not provided with a mobile phone but are provided with computer telephone and fax technology. Office equipment such as desk, chair, and printer are not provided. Basic supplies such as paper and pens are stocked at the business location and are available to remote staff for pick‑up should they choose. Unless otherwise agreed to in advance with your manager, additional hardware, software, printing, and cost of office supplies preferred by the staff member, are the responsibility of the employee. Technology Skills Required Technology Skills required include the ability to set‑up computer and monitors and connect accessory items such as mouse, keyboard, and web cams. Remote computing support is available 24/7 via phone, chat, or ticketing system to all staff members. Staff will be expected to effectively communicate and resolve most computing issues directly with computing support resources. Modes of Work Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes. Union Affiliation This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U‑M and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment. Application Deadline Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended. U‑M EEO Statement The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer. Seniority level Mid‑Senior level Employment type Full‑time Job function Finance and Sales Industries Hospitals and Health Care #J-18808-Ljbffr Michigan Medicine