Financial Counselor

Willamette Valley Medical Center is operated jointly with Lifepoint Health. We are driven by a profound commitment to prioritize your well‑being so you can provide exceptional care to others. As a Medical Office Assistant joining our team, you’re embracing our promise to provide superior patient care that exceeds industry standards as well as patient expectations. Join us on this meaningful journey where your skills, compassion and dedication will make a remarkable difference in the lives of those we serve. Job Summary A Financial Counselor maintains, and processes all assigned patient accounts and counsels patients regarding the admitting and discharging processes and payment alternatives. Work is of a confidential nature. Reports to: Manager of Patient Access, CFO FLSA Status: Non-Exempt How you’ll contribute A Financial Counselor who excels at this role: Counsels patients (or responsible parties) to establish payment method. Contacts patients, in advance of admission, to obtain missing information, particularly patient’s signature for accepting obligation to pay. Estimates and informs patient of portion of bill which must be paid directly. Establishes a payment for patients unable to pay the estimated portion of bill upon discharge. Identifies and reports to manager patients with whom payment difficulties arose in the past. Ensures completeness of pre‑admission and admission information, following through as needed, to obtain and document missing information/signatures prior to patient’s admission date. Checks for, and identifies patients with histories of payment problems, and informs supervisor of any found, prior to patient’s admission date. Accurately interprets insurance policy provisions and calculates self‑pay portion of patient’s bill based on expected length of stay and services rendered, so that final accounting of self‑pay amount is within a reasonable variance from estimate. Patiently, clearly, and accurately advises patient of self‑pay obligations and estimate and ensures that patient signs acceptance of such obligation on the designated forms. Collects self‑pay monies in advance, upon entry, or at discharge according to circumstances. In cases where patient is unable to pay self‑pay portion due upon discharge, ensures that a mutually agreed upon payment agreement is documented and signed by all parties, in compliance with established guidelines and procedures. Selects and applies appropriate communications based on the age of the patient/customer. Maintains knowledge of regulatory and compliance requirements related to state and federal agencies such as Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, Veterans Administration and other demonstrates this knowledge by the accurately obtaining information and updating records to remain in compliance. Collects and Controls cash receipts. Collects patient deductible, co‑pays and non‑covered patient charge amounts. Maintains and balances cash drawer. Prepares daily cash report and submits to Cashier with collected monies and copies of Relay Account Report/Daily Deposit Reconciliation. Determines the appropriate amount due from the patient through eligibility and insurance verification, by evidence of the insurance card, or in the event of no insurance, follow Self‑pay processes/policies. Maintains control over cash payments, so that receipts balance to cash drawer. Performs other duties as assigned. What we are looking for Minimum Education: High school diploma required; advanced education preferred. Medical terminology preferred. Excellent customer service and telephone skills a must. Minimum of one year of business or related experience including bookkeeping with use of calculating equipment and collection of monies is required. Hospital or medical business office experience preferred. Benefits We believe that investing in our employees is the first step to providing excellent patient care. In addition to your base compensation, this position also offers: Comprehensive Benefits: Multiple levels of medical, dental and vision coverage for full‑time and part‑time employees. Financial Protection & PTO: Life, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity insurance, short‑ and long‑term disability, paid family leave and paid time off. Financial & Career Growth: Higher education and certification tuition assistance, loan assistance and 401(k) retirement package and company match. Employee Well‑being: Mental, physical, and financial wellness programs (free gym memberships, virtual care appointments, mental health services and discount programs). Professional Development: Ongoing learning and career advancement opportunities. EEOC Statement Willamette Valley Medical Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Willamette Valley Medical Center is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity for all applicants and employees and complies with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment in employment.” #J-18808-Ljbffr