Financial Counselor

Overview

The Financial Counselor is part of the Financial Investigation Department that serves all locations within OBH and is a key liaison between patients and the revenue cycle departments. The counselor interviews patients to provide financial counseling by screening for eligibility for third-party insurance coverage or financial assistance, estimating balances due, and offering opportunities for payment. This role recognizes and complies with all confidentiality standards for patient and hospital information and is customer-focused with an emphasis on financial security for the patient account. This position requires an on-site, patient-facing presence across various OBH locations to assist patients with Medicaid enrollment and related services. The staff member may be scheduled to work at multiple locations throughout the week based on operational and patient care needs..


Responsibilities

Multi-Site System Operations:

• Conduct patient interviews and financial counseling both in-person at designated hospital locations and remotely via telephone, video conferencing, or other secure virtual methods.
• Provide coverage and financial counseling across all facilities within OBH system as scheduled, which may involve travel to different sites.
• Utilize multiple system applications to perform analysis, update patient accounts, and track productivity across the hospital system.
• Maintain a working knowledge of policies and procedures specific to each hospital and the system as a whole.

Insurance Verification:

• Accurately verify patient eligibility and record third-party insurance data, updating records as needed to reflect current patient information.
• Complete pre-certification and authorization for patient visits and admissions in a timely manner and document within the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system.
• Notify insurance carriers of patient admissions electronically or verbally when required.
• Follow up with patients until all requested information is gathered or payment arrangements are made.
• Collaborate with other departments, such as Case Management, physicians, and Registration, to ensure the financial security of each account.

Financial Counseling:

• Screen patients, family members, or community-based patients to identify existing third-party coverage or assist in procuring documents for Medicaid or hospital financial assistance applications.
• Follow up with patients via all available communication methods (e.g., telephone, email, virtual meetings) to finalize arrangements.
• Navigate current New York State portals for submitting and tracking applications. Recent portals include:
  • NY State of Health website: Used for online applications for Medicaid and other health plans.
  • ACCESS HRA: The online portal for applying for Medicaid and other benefits for residents of New York City.
  • eMedNY Provider Services Portal (PSP): This portal is used by providers to verify eligibility and manage claims.
• Maintain accurate EMR documentation of application submissions, decisions received from relevant agencies, and all patient communications.
• Communicate financial obligations clearly and respond to patient questions regarding insurance benefits, payment options, and financial assistance programs.
• Determine financial eligibility for patients applying for financial aid, discounts, or other assistance programs offered by the multi-hospital system.

Qualifications

Education:

• High School diploma or GED equivalent required; some college preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum one (1) year experience with demonstrated knowledge of patient access, patient accounting, or hospital reimbursement services, required. Or,
• Experience with the NY State of Health Marketplace and local district Medicaid application processes, required.
• Experience in a multi-facility or health system environment is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in insurance verification, patient access, or revenue cycle operations within a safety net hospital or multi-facility setting, preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong customer service skills with the ability to communicate empathetically with patients.
• Proficient with automated systems, electronic medical records (EMR), and other electronic verification systems such as ePACES.
• Strong knowledge of commercial, Medicaid insurance plans.
• Proficiency with computer systems and Microsoft Office products.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Well-developed problem-solving and detail-oriented skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively in both on-site and remote settings.
• Ability to demonstrate continuous personal development regarding the responsibilities of the position.

License, Certification:

• New York State Certified Application Specialist certification required.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work both remotely and in a hospital environment, which may include prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and using a computer.
• Position may require occasional periods of standing and walking between hospital departments.
• Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 25 pounds, as needed.

The salary range and/or hourly rate listed is a good faith determination of potential base compensation that may be offered to a successful applicant for this position at the time of this job advertisement and can be modified in the future. When determining a team member's base salary and/or rate, several factors may be considered as applicable (e.g., site, specialty, service line, years of relevant experience, education, credentials, negotiated contracts, budget and internal equity).

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of One Brooklyn Health (OBH).

OBH is an equal opportunity employer, it is our policy to provide equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, military status, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability or handicap or other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.