Patient Access Representative (Financial Counselor)

Financial Counselor

Opportunities at Northern Light Health, in strategic partnership with Optum. Whether you are looking for a role in a clinical setting or supporting those who provide care, we have opportunities for you to make a difference in the lives of those we serve. As a statewide health care system in Maine, we work to personalize and streamline health care for our communities. If the place for you is at a large medical center, a rural community practice or home care, you will find it here. Join our compassionate culture, enjoy meaningful benefits and discover the meaning behind: Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

The Financial Counselor primary function is to ensure a constant and reliable cash flow, maximize revenue collections, minimize accounts receivable losses (bad debt) and promote excellent public relations. The Financial Counselor is responsible to ensure all accounts passing through the unit are screened for linkage opportunities and appropriate actions are completed.

This position is full-time, Monday - Friday. Employees are required to work between the hours of 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM EST including the flexibility to work occasional overtime and weekends based on business need.

We offer 1-3 months OR longer of paid onsite training. The hours during training will be 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM EST from Monday-Friday. Training will be conducted onsite at 489 State Street in Bangor, ME.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Screens appropriate patients for possible healthcare coverage or financial assistance opportunities to determine eligibility, coverage levels and billing requirements
• Counsels' patients as to financial responsibility while assessing suitability for in-house programs of Free Care, Discounted Care and Payment Plans. Ensure all accounts are screened for linkage opportunities and appropriate actions are completed
• Performs a daily check of all qualifying patients and assesses/offers financial assistance
• Functions as the liaison with various departments for determining financial options and financial counseling for scheduled procedures and price-shopping
• Records and prepares statistics for outreach of financial assistance programs offered
• Maximize revenue collections
• Minimizes accounts receivable losses (bad debt) by use of workflows, technology and tools provided
• Maintains a safe environment complying with NLH policies and procedures; reports directly address environmental hazards and violations of patient safety policy and/or protocol when involved or observed
• May perform other duties upon request
• Identifies outstanding balances from patient's previous visits and attempts to collect any amount due
• Functions as a Superuser for primary computer systems
• Proactively identifies process improvement opportunities
• Works on Special Projects as needed
• Performs the duties of a Financial Counselor (Patient Access)
• Maintains up - to - date knowledge of specific admission, registration and pre - registration requirements for all areas

You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear directions on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma/GED (or higher)
• 2+ years of experience in a hospital or medical setting
• Intermediate level of proficiency in Windows, Excel and Microsoft Office, including the ability to type at the speed of 35+ WPM (words per minute)
• Ability to train onsite for 3 months OR longer at Northern Light Health & Medical Center, 489 State Street in Bangor, ME
• Ability to work any shift between the hours of 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM EST from Monday - Friday including the flexibility to work occasional overtime
• Full Flu vaccination is an essential job function of this role. Candidates located in states that mandate Flu booster doses must also comply with those state requirements. UnitedHealth Group will adhere to all federal, state and local regulations as well as all client requirements and will obtain necessary proof of vaccination, and boosters when applicable, prior to employment to ensure compliance. Candidates must be able to perform all essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation
• Must be 18 years of age OR older

Preferred Qualifications:

• 1+ years of electronic health record experience
• 1+ years of experience in a Hospital Patient Registration OR Patient Account Services

Soft Skills:

• Verbal and written aptitude for adequate communication with the public, physicians, physician office staff, Registration staff and other healthcare professionals
• Must demonstrate the ability to work well with others and to work independently without direct supervision
• Must exhibit a caring attitude toward patients, co - workers and other customers
• Ability to handle multiple priorities successfully
• Ability to demonstrate close attention to detail
• Ability to present in a professional manner
• Strong interpersonal, communication and customer service skills
• Ability to use multiple systems and multi-task

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The hourly pay for this role will range from $17.98 to $32.12 per hour based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes - an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.

UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

UnitedHealth Group is a drug - free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.