Financial Counselor

Job Description

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 Job Requirements Minimum Education High school diploma required; advanced education preferred. Proficient in use of software programs. 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. Medical terminology preferred. Required Skills Familiarity with organization and functions of each hospital department Ability to problem-solve effectively and handle stress in a positive manner Maintain harmonious relationships with nursing personnel, medical staff, hospital administration, and all hospital departments Ability to work varying shifts (evenings, weekends, holidays) Essential Functions 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. Accurately prepares deposit documentation and delivers deposits. Operates and maintains assigned equipment and maintains work area. Ensures that no damage or undue wear and tear occurs to assigned equipment due to failure to operate or maintain it in accordance with specifications. Has demonstrated adequate knowledge and proficiency in using the patient financial services accounts receivables system (Paragon) and other supporting software. Keeps assigned work areas neatly organized on a continuous basis. Participates in hospital and departmental support activities requiring stand-by and re-call at times. Performs miscellaneous duties as needed. Functional Demands Ability to work 12 hours shifts required, day or night Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds Must be able to sit long periods of time Work requires physical ability such as walking, standing and bending Must be able to talk and listen in order to communicate with patients Must be able to read and write effectively Exposure to blood, body fluids and hazardous wastes is frequent and one must carry out universal precautions according to hospital policy May be exposed to injury by irrational and disturbed patients, patients with communicable diseases and/or potentially dangerous equipment