Financial Counselor

Financial Counselor

The Financial Counselor serves as a vital member of the Revenue Cycle team by helping patients understand and manage the financial aspects of their healthcare. This position provides compassionate financial counseling by explaining insurance benefits, estimated patient responsibility, hospital billing practices, and available financial assistance programs. The Financial Counselor verifies insurance eligibility, assists patients with Medicaid and charity care applications, establishes payment arrangements, and collaborates with internal departments to resolve financial concerns. This role plays an important part in improving the patient experience while supporting accurate reimbursement, regulatory compliance, and the hospital's financial health.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• One year of experience in healthcare registration, insurance verification, patient financial services, billing, and collections.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Basic mathematical and analytical skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to prioritize multiple assignments while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hospital or physician revenue cycle experience.
• Experience assisting patients with Medicaid, Medicare, financial assistance, charity care, or payment arrangements.
• Knowledge of commercial insurance, managed care, workers' compensation, automobile insurance, and self-pay billing.
• Experience using electronic health records (EHR), patient accounting systems, insurance eligibility platforms, and payer portals.
• Previous experience working in a healthcare financial counseling or patient access environment.

Responsibilities

• Meet with patients to explain insurance coverage, estimated costs, and payment options.
• Verify insurance eligibility and review patient financial information.
• Assist patients with Medicaid, financial assistance, charity care, and payment plan applications.
• Provide cost estimates and explain hospital billing policies.
• Establish payment arrangements and collect patient payments when appropriate.
• Maintain accurate documentation of financial counseling activities.
• Collaborate with clinical and revenue cycle departments to resolve account issues.
• Ensure compliance with HIPAA, hospital policies, and applicable regulations.
• Deliver compassionate customer service while supporting the hospital's revenue cycle.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

• Knowledge of healthcare insurance, billing, and financial assistance programs.
• Strong communication, customer service, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to explain financial information clearly and compassionately.
• Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently.
• Proficiency with electronic health records, patient accounting systems, and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.