Financial Advocate

Description

Make a meaningful impact beyond healthcare.


As a Financial Advocate in our oncology clinic, you will serve as a trusted resource for patients and families, helping them understand insurance benefits, explore financial assistance programs, and access the care they need. Join a team dedicated to supporting patients every step of their treatment journey.

Highlands Oncology began in 1996 with three physicians and a desire to change the face of oncology care in our community. Dr. Malcolm Hayward, Dr. Dan Bradford, and Dr. Thad Beck knew that patients do better at home, in the community where they live and work, and where their support system is already in place. In furthering that goal, Highlands has grown with the region from a single location 26 years ago, to 6 locations in Northwest and Northcentral Arkansas today employing more than 800 diverse team members.

As Northwest Arkansas continues to grow, so must the services and providers available in the region. Highlands Oncology is committed to remaining on the cutting edge to ensure our community has access to the very best cancer care. What we have is something quite unique right here in our own backyard with a caring multidisciplinary team focused on treating patients like family.

Job Summary:

The Financial Advocate is responsible for assisting patients with any account balance questions. Will set up monthly payment plans, enroll patients to co-pay programs, and will provide financial hardship guidance.

Job Duties / Responsibilities:

• Will review the daily schedule for possible patient enrollments to co-pay assistance programs or grants; will be required to fill out all necessary forms for program enrollment.
• Stay abreast of available co-pay assistance programs and grants.
• Counsel outside infusion patients of any monies due before time of service, or of any available co-pay assistance programs.
• Follow-up on claim submissions to co-pay programs or grant foundations to ensure reimbursement.
• Assist any walk-in patients with questions about their accounts.
• Answer phone calls in a respectful and courteous manner.
• Provide CCM paperwork to patients, as needed.
• Provide a Good Faith Estimate to Self-Pay or Underinsured patients.
• Evaluate each account/patient individually to determine if any coverage can be attained for the patient to assist with the cost of care at Highlands.
• Work with patients to set up self-pay payment arrangements including generating self-pay quotes, proactive patient outreach, and regular monitoring and collection of monthly payments including balances past due.
• Monitor patient balances and payment plan compliance, including if a patient account is in default.
• Discuss insurance coverage, copays, deductibles with patients and educate them on their insurance coverage as needed.
• Ability to fill-in at all clinic locations.
• Maintain a professional relationship with physician teams.
• Maintain patient/clinic confidentiality.
• Maintain a pleasant/helpful attitude towards patients and staff.
• Perform all related duties as required by Revenue Cycle Manager(s), Business Office Director, CFO, and CEO.

Requirements

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Proficient in computer skills.
• Communicates clearly and concisely.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to maintain good working relationships.
• Demonstrates attention to detail.
• Demonstrates professionalism in appearance/dress code.

Certifications/Licenses/Education/or Experience in a related field:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of 1-2 years of medical office experience, preferred.
• Financial Advocate/Counselor experience preferred.
• Knowledge of g4/PM System & OncoEMR.
• Knowledge of TailorMed platform.
• Knowledge of co-pay assistance programs and grants.
• Knowledge of ICD-10-CM, HCPCS, and CPT codes.
• Strong knowledge of medical terminology.

Physical Requirements:

• Sitting for prolonged periods of time at a desk.
• Computer use that requires visual acuity, typing, use of mouse/keyboard, and staring at a screen for extended periods of time.
• Occasionally lifting objects of up to 25 pounds such as files, office supplies, assisting patients when needed, etc.
• Walking and standing for continuous periods around the office or clinic as needed.
• Fine motor skills for tasks like typing, writing, handling small objects or equipment and materials.

Work Environment:

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• Due to the nature of our business and the use of radiation and hazardous chemicals, it is imperative that all employees foster a culture and environment of safety.
• Safety Sensitive: In accordance with the Arkansas code this position is designated as a safety sensitive position wherein the employee performing the job duties under the influence may constitute a threat to health or safety.