SUMMARY:
The Financial Counselor is responsible for providing patients with a positive financial experience by helping patients navigate and understand insurance benefits and potential financial liability. Position is the liaison and the patients’ point of contact for financial assistance questions including between the patient and their insurance companies; often coordinating payments and answering questions for both parties. Position collects payments, sets up payment arrangements as appropriate, creates estimates, advises patients in person and over the telephone on their insurance benefits and coverage, and in some cases, assess patient referrals for appropriateness. Assists patients with eligibility for government programs, SCHC’s programs, and other options for managing medical liabilities. Position is responsible for handling financial obligations so that patients and clinical staff can focus on healthcare. Independent judgement and decision making are required to address the full range of tasks and responsibilities. This position requires the ability to plan, schedule, and organize numerous tasks that directly impact clinic reimbursement.

FINANCIAL COUNSELOR* TASKS: *

• Support the Revenue Cycle in all aspects of department operations
• Advocates for the financial wellbeing of the organization
• Maintain, prepare, inspect, and deliver regular financial reports
• Uphold standards of quality and adherence to all regulations

ESSENTIALDUTIESANDRESPONSIBILITIES:

• Answers all incoming billing calls
• Takes patient payments over the phone, as well as walk-in payments
• Researches and responds to all patient billing complaints
• Escalates problems timely and consistently to Patient Financial Services (PFS) Leadership
• Coordinates with clinic Cash Application team on daily reconciliation of all cash drawers in both clinics
• Educate patients about payment options and financial assistance
• Support patients through the Medicaid application process
• Coordinates with the PFS leadership on Collections, Bad Debt and Financial Assistance
• Responsible for reporting accurate Medicare Bad Debt, with supporting documentation, annually to the Chief Financial Officer
• Communicate with patients and insurance companies on the telephone
• Assist patients, if needed, with Market Place enrollment or any other financial resources available
• Negotiate and strategize patient payment arrangements
• Review and process patient and insurance company forms
• Make the final determination on outstanding balances, do they remain in house, or transfer to outside collections
• Coordinate external third-party audits
• Works closely with SCHC Patient Advocates to ensure all patient financial needs are being addressed
• Works closely with the department managers/providers concerning patients requiring service authorizations
• Responsible for financially clearing patients for scheduled appointments
• Special Projects as directed and other duties as assigned

EDUCATIONand/orEXPERIENCE:
Graduation from high school or the equivalent. A Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field preferred. Education and or experience equivalent may be considered. Patient Financial Counselors must be able to communicate effectively with patients, families, doctors, and insurance providers. Strong customer service is also required. Thorough knowledge of Microsoft office products such as Excel, Word, Outlook, as well as SCHC’s Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
SpecializedKnowledgeandSkills:
Knowledge of CPT and ICD coding principles. Knowledge and experience with third-party reimbursement from traditional health insurance plans, Medicare, and Medicaid.
Retirement Plans With Up To a 4% match
Student Loan Payment Options
Paid: Health Insurance, Life, AD&D, and Long Term Disability Insurance Plans
Paid: Holidays
Paid: Personal Leave
Paid: Vacation
Voluntary: Dental, Supplemental Life, and Supplemental AD&D Insurance Plans

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $21.00 - $23.00 per hour