Financial Counselor

Responsible for verifying and advising patients of insurance coverage, screen patients for financial assistance, inform patients of payment options available, and collect patient pay amounts due following departmental and hospital policies and procedures; third party billing procedures, and regulatory agency requirements. Strives for superior performance by consistently providing a product or service to leadership and staff that is recognized as ultimately contributing to the patient and family experience. Recognizes and demonstrates understanding of patient and family centered care. PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES Demonstrates knowledge of, and supports, Memorial Healthcare’s mission, vision, value Statements, Standards of Behavior, policies and procedures, operating instructions, HIPAA Privacy and confidentiality standards, corporate compliance plan, code of ethical behavior and commitment to service excellence. Displays superior customer service skills when working with patients, their families, outside agencies and other departments within the hospital. Verifies and updates demographic and insurance information as needed in the patient account. Provides estimates to patients according to established guidelines or upon request from the patient. Explains and answers questions regarding patient’s insurance benefits and hospital charges. Performs a Financial assessment on self-pay patients according to established guidelines via electronic resources provided. Screen patients for financial assistance based upon established guidelines. Collects payments due and discusses payment options with patients who are unable to pay at time of service according to hospital policy. Make visits to inpatients to advise them of deductible or co-insurance/co-pay due. Thoroughly documents all patient interaction in the patient account. Keeps logs related to activity and collections as requested by manager and/or director. May be required to assist to initiate a pre-certification process for admissions. Assist patients in completing Medicaid applications and redetermination or refer to Medicaid eligibility partners for further assistance. Must treat all clinical and financial patient information as highly confidential at all times. Must be able to demonstrate patience, compassion and kindness to all patients at all times. Must be able to effectively communicate financial information to all patient populations. Performs other related responsibilities as necessary. Demonstrates knowledge of and supports hospital mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality statements, corporate compliance plan, customer service standards, and the code of ethical behavior. DEPARTMENTAL AND ADDITIONAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES Demonstrates knowledge of hospital and departmental policies and procedures. Maintains current knowledge of and complies with regulations and requirements of third-party insurance carriers, regulatory agencies, etc. Provides accurate information to patients regarding their insurance coverage and financial obligations. Demonstrates a level of knowledge of medical terminology appropriate to the work performed. Enhances individual and unit professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, in-services, meetings and reading current literature concerning scope of practice. Acceptance of and ability to relate to diverse populations of internal and external customers. Uses resources in a cost-effective manner. Makes sound decisions independently, within the scope of practice. Must be able to perform duties effectively with limited supervision. Other duties as assigned. JOB SPECIFICATIONS EDUCATION High School graduate or GED required and post-high school courses in medical terminology, insurance billing or documented knowledge and experience required. Associates Degree preferred. EXPERIENCE Documented excellence in customer service. Professional telephone and written communication skills required. Word processing and computer skills required. Experience with internet-based applications required. Preferred experience working with Medicaid Eligibility and Financial applications. Must possess mathematical skills the equivalent of those obtained in high school level coursework. ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL ABILITIES/MOTOR SKILLS These physical requirements are not exhaustive and additional job-related physical requirements may be added on an as needed basis. Corrective devices may be used to meet physical requirements. Sedentary Work: Frequently required to stand, kneel and crouch. On a daily basis may be required to move about, sit, climb stairs and bend. Is frequently required to lift and carry up to 20 lbs. May be required to push/pull/carry items between 20-100 lbs. Vision: Requires the ability to perceive the nature of objects by the eye. Near acuity: Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less. Midrange Acuity: Clarity of vision at distances of more than 20 inches and less than 20 feet. Motor Coordination: While performing the duties of the job, it is required to regularly perform functions that include using hand and finger movement, handle or feel objects, be able to use tools or equipment that requires reaching with hands and arms. Must be able to travel independently throughout the hospital; access patients/families including areas confined by space and/or equipment. Speaking/Hearing: Ability to give and receive information through speaking and listening. ESSENTIAL TECHNICAL ABILITIES Proficiency using modern office, computer and telephone equipment as used by Memorial Healthcare. ESSENTIAL MENTAL ABILITIES Ability to adapt and maintain focus in fast paced, quickly changing or stressful situations. Ability to read and interpret a variety of documents including, but not limited to policies, operating instructions, white papers, regulations, rules and laws. ESSENTIAL SENSORY REQUIREMENTS Able to see for the purpose of reading information received in formats including but not limited to paper, computer, reports, bulletins, updates, manuals. Able to hear for work-related purposes. INTERPERSONAL SKILLS Ability to interact with co-workers, hospital staff, administration, patients, physicians, the public and all internal and external customers in a professional and effective, courteous and tactful manner, at all times, physically, verbally and in all written and electronic communication. Required to remain calm when adversity is encountered. Open, honest, and tactful communication skills. Ability to work as a team member in all activities. Positive, cooperative and motivated attitude. #J-18808-Ljbffr