Financial Counselor

Job Description

Job Description

About Company:

Founded in 1993, Intercoastal Medical Group is an association of more than 100 highly credentialed physicians encompassing many medical specialties serving Sarasota County and Manatee County, Florida with nine locations. Intercoastal is the premier provider of choice in the Sarasota / Bradenton area.

Intercoastal Medical Group also prides itself on offering this area’s most current technology and resources. Extensive laboratory and diagnostic equipment and a day surgery center allow for fast and accurate diagnostic tests and procedures at conveniently located Intercoastal facilities.

We are always looking for qualified and compassionate professionals to join our team of dedicated providers and staff. If you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment where you can truly make a difference in the lives of patients, then Intercoastal Medical Group is the place for you.

About the Role:

The Financial Counselor serves as a key member of the Oncology-Hematology care team by assisting patients and families in understanding the financial aspects of medical treatment. This position provides financial counseling, insurance verification, prior authorization support, and access to financial assistance resources to help patients navigate the complexities of treatment-related costs. The Financial Counselor works closely with physicians, nurses, billing staff, pharmacies, and external organizations to ensure patients have access to medically necessary care while minimizing financial barriers.

Location: 5951 Cattleridge Avenue in Sarasota

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am to 5pm

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent; Associate’s degree or higher in healthcare or related field preferred.
• At least 1-2 years of experience in financial counseling, patient advocacy, or healthcare billing.
• Strong knowledge of medical billing, insurance processes, and healthcare financial assistance programs.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to explain complex financial information clearly.
• Proficiency in using electronic health records (EHR) systems and financial software.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a healthcare or social assistance setting.
• Bilingual abilities, especially in Spanish or other commonly spoken languages in the United States.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to handle sensitive financial discussions with empathy.

Responsibilities (may include but not limited to):

• Verify patient insurance eligibility and benefits before treatment initiation.
• Review coverage for chemotherapy, immunotherapy, biologics, specialty medications, radiation therapy, and supportive care treatments.
• Collaborate with authorization specialists to obtain required prior authorizations and referrals.
• Monitor authorization status and communicate any delays or coverage issues to clinical staff.
• Screen patients for eligibility for financial assistance programs.
• Assist patients in applying for manufacturer co-pay assistance programs, patient assistance programs (PAPs), foundation grants, and other charitable resources.
• Maintain knowledge of available oncology and hematology financial support programs.
• Coordinate with pharmaceutical companies, foundations, and specialty pharmacies to secure funding assistance.
• Meet with patients and caregivers to explain insurance benefits, coverage limitations, deductibles, co-insurance, co-payments, and out-of-pocket expenses related to oncology and hematology treatments.
• Provide accurate estimates of patient financial responsibility for services, medications, infusions, laboratory testing, and procedures.
• Educate patients regarding available payment options and financial policies.
• Document all patient financial discussions in the electronic medical record (EMR) and practice management systems.
• Work closely with billing and collections staff to resolve insurance denials and patient account issues.
• Review accounts with high patient balances and identify available assistance opportunities.
• Assist with payment plan arrangements and collection of patient payments in accordance with practice policies.
• Stay current on changes in insurance regulations, Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial payer policies.

Skills:

The Financial Counselor utilizes strong communication skills daily to clearly and compassionately explain financial information to patients from diverse backgrounds. Analytical skills are essential for assessing patients’ financial situations and determining eligibility for assistance programs. Proficiency with healthcare billing software and electronic health records enables efficient management of patient accounts and documentation. Interpersonal skills facilitate collaboration with healthcare providers, insurance companies, and patients to resolve financial issues effectively. Additionally, problem-solving abilities help the counselor develop tailored payment plans and navigate complex insurance policies, ensuring patients receive the support they need.

Intercoastal is a drug free workplace and EEO compliant.