Financial Counselor

POSITION SUMMARY

The Financial Counselor supports patients and the organization by providing financial counseling, insurance verification, payment arrangement coordination, and financial assistance screening services. This position reviews inpatient and outpatient accounts to identify reimbursement opportunities, determine financial responsibility, maximize point-of-service collections, and connect patients with available financial resources. The Financial Counselor serves as a patient advocate while supporting accurate reimbursement, revenue cycle performance, and a positive patient financial experience. Task Expectations Financial Counseling & Collections Review inpatient and outpatient self-pay accounts and determine patient financial responsibility. Assess patient ability to pay and recommend appropriate payment arrangements. Maximize point-of-service collections while maintaining a positive patient experience. Establish payment plans in accordance with hospital policy. Review outstanding balances and assist with account resolution. Insurance Verification & Reimbursement Support Obtain and validate insurance coverage, benefits, authorizations, and reimbursement information. Complete insurance verification documentation accurately. Collaborate with insurance verification staff and payors to resolve reimbursement issues. Enter and maintain complete account information in designated systems. Identify and communicate registration or collection discrepancies. Financial Assistance & Patient Support Assist patients with charity care, indigent care, and financial assistance applications. Gather required financial documentation and maintain accurate records. Coordinate with vendors and internal resources to identify available programs. Educate patients regarding financial options and next steps. Operational & Administrative Responsibilities Maintain accurate collection reports and financial logs. Attend interdisciplinary meetings as assigned to support discharge and reimbursement planning. Respond to patient billing inquiries professionally and timely. Identify opportunities to improve financial counseling workflows and patient experience.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Education: High School Diploma or GED required Associate degree in Healthcare Administration, Business, Finance, or related field preferred Experience: Minimum one (1) year of hospital, physician practice, healthcare collections, patient access, revenue cycle, or financial counseling experience required Experience working with insurance verification, patient collections, or financial assistance programs preferred Experience interacting directly with patients and the public required. #J-18808-Ljbffr Gateway Regional Medical Center, Inc.