Financial Counselor

Job Description

Job Description

Job Posting: Financial Counselor

Department: Patient Financial Services
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Reports To: Manager of Revenue Cycle
Location: Vista Medical Center (Waukegan, IL)

Vista Medical Center is seeking a detail-oriented and patient-focused Financial Counselor to support our Patient Financial Services team. This role is responsible for assessing patient financial status, educating patients on payment options, and facilitating financial arrangements in compliance with hospital policies and regulatory requirements.

The Financial Counselor plays a critical role in ensuring patients clearly understand their financial obligations while delivering compassionate, service-oriented support.

• Review daily admissions and registrations for completeness and accuracy, including after-hours activity
• Identify outstanding patient balances and proactively contact patients/families to discuss payment solutions
• Verify insurance coverage, including Medicaid eligibility, using appropriate verification tools
• Refer self-pay patients to designated vendors for Medicaid, charity care, and indigent care screening
• Assist patients in completing required financial assistance applications

• Request payment in full for estimated patient responsibility when appropriate
• Accept and process payments (cash, check, credit card, and payroll deductions for employees)
• Negotiate and establish payment arrangements in accordance with organizational guidelines
• Evaluate financial eligibility and determine appropriate payment plans based on financial assessment tools
• Escalate extended payment arrangements for appropriate leadership approval

• Collaborate with leadership and physicians when financial clearance cannot be obtained for elective procedures
• Support rescheduling decisions when financial obligations cannot be reasonably met

• Maintain compliance with all organizational, departmental, and regulatory standards
• Follow established policies, procedures, and confidentiality requirements
• Participate in required education, competencies, and professional development activities

• Utilize the AIDET communication framework in all patient interactions
• Uphold Vista's Standards of Behavior, including professionalism, responsiveness, and patient privacy
• Provide clear, compassionate communication regarding financial responsibilities and options

• High School Diploma or equivalent required

• Minimum of three (3) years of office experience
• At least one (1) year of healthcare reimbursement or revenue cycle experience required

• Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to handle sensitive financial discussions with professionalism and empathy
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and problem-solving abilities
• Knowledge of insurance verification, Medicaid eligibility, and patient financial processes preferred

• Primarily sedentary role with frequent sitting and computer use
• Occasional standing, walking, bending, and lifting (up to 50 lbs)
• Daily exposure to bloodborne pathogens and healthcare environment conditions
• Ability to manage high-volume interactions and handle sensitive situations

• Must be able to work flexible hours, including on-call or call-in support as needed
• Travel between Vista Health sites may be required
• Ability to interact effectively with patients, physicians, staff, and external partners

• Supportive, mission-driven healthcare environment
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Commitment to patient-centered care and community service

Vista Medical Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws.

This job description is not a contract of employment. Vista Medical Center reserves the right to modify duties and responsibilities at any time based on operational needs.