Financial Counselor

Job Purpose Under the supervision of the Revenue Cycle Manager, performs a wide variety of administrative, secretarial and clerical duties in support of department operations. Education & Training High School Diploma. Bi-Lingual preferred Required Licenses/Certifications BLS preferred Work Experience 2 years' experience in healthcare experience in a business office setting. One year on-the-job training Physical Demands & Working Conditions Ability to stand/walk between 1 to 2 hours, sit between 6 to 8 hours. Requires the motion to bend, reach, lift, and carry up to 1/3 of the time. Continuous use of hands in gross and precise motor function. Lift up to 10 pounds up to 1/3 of the time Special Requirements Verbal and writing ability required to communicate effectively in informing employees of activities and policies. Numerical ability required. Ability to receive, comprehend, and carry out instructions; ability to work safely with equipment, supplies, and materials; ability to comply with attendance requirements; ability to comply with Human Resource policies. Manage anger, fear, hostility, and stress appropriately. Work alone and with others effectively. Handle multiple priorities and the ability to make decisions under pressure. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Run daily FC report and call to inform patients of their out-of-pocket costs based on insurance benefits prior to scheduled elective recommended procedures for treatment at least 1 week out. Serve as the point of contact for all financial assistance related questions. Communicate with patients to identify and understand financial, social, and medical histories and other relevant patient information. Gather all relevant information required to process financial assistance applications; including but not limited to working with providers on financial arrangements. Document all communication and follow up in the patient account. Assess the current financial situation of patients through the verification of patient insurance benefits; serving as the technical expert in confirming patients benefit coverage and hospital reimbursement: Determine the patient's financial ability to pay and explain insurance coverage and benefits to the patient. Initiate the financial screening process as appropriate to evaluate eligibility for assistance programs. Assist the patient in completing financial statements and gathering supporting financial documentation. Complete the financial assistance application process for patients with financial risk Explain USMD Hospital at Arlington's payment policy to patients if they are not eligible for Financial Assistance. Calculate and explain any patient's liability before or at the time of service. Counsel patients on out-of-pocket liabilities. Collect deductibles, pre-payments, and outstanding balances following established collection procedures; or alternatively, create a payment plan with the patient and document the agreement appropriately. If unable to establish acceptable payment arrangements for elective procedures, inform the provider and patient that services will be rescheduled or cancelled if a financial override is not approved. Communicate financial coverage status and applicable financial decisions with all appropriate parties: patient, referring physicians and Revenue Cycle Manager. Support co-workers and engage in positive interactions. Communicate professionally and timely with internal and external customers. Demonstrate friendliness by smiling and making eye contact when greeting all patients. Provide helpful assistance in anticipating and responding to the needs of our patients. Ability to stay calm under pressure and deal effectively with difficult situations. All other duties as assigned.