What are the responsibilities and job description for the Women's Health Services Financial Counselor position at Albany Area Primary Health Care?
JOB SUMMARY
Under the direction of the Women’s Health Regional Director, performs collections and financial counseling activities. Maintains and utilizes current information as it relates to the collection activity. Uses independent judgment in making payment arrangements and in adjusting bad debt accounts. Works closely with the medical staff as the collection activity relates to their patients.
JOB CLASSIFICATION:109
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
1.Meets with patients during OB/GYN center visit to explain Sliding Fee Scale (SFS), answer questions and assist with application process.
2.Reviews patient accounts via electronic medical record to identify "self-pay" patients that should qualify for SFS.
3.Interpret and explain information such as eligibility requirements, application details, payment methods, and applicant’s rights and responsibilities.
4.Counsel’s patients on financial assistance programs for those with inability to pay for OB/GYN procedures to include admission to hospital for surgery.
5.Evaluates patient financial status and establishes a budget payment plan.
6.Updates EHR on all patient accounts that have incorrect information and provides additional information that will enhance potential for reimbursement.
7.Identifies delinquent accounts, aging period, and payment sources while actively working each account.
8.Performs collection actions including contacting patients by telephone and referring appropriate claims for insurance follow-up.
9.Following financial protocols, reports status of delinquent accounts to Operations Manager, and submits adjustments to bad debt according to policy.
10. Review financial payment arrangements to collect patient past due balances.
11.Assist Women’s Health Services with accounts/receivable to include collection of payments at front desk.
12.Assist patients with creation and maintenance of CareCredit accounts.
13.Discuss with patients all OB/GYN procedures and inform patients of payments.
14. Assist patients with account information, payment history, and payment arrangements/agreements.
15.Participate in cross-training opportunities to help the organization operate.
16.Provide positive customer service via telephone, email, and or face-to-face encounters.
17. Send patient correspondence as required through proper procedure.
18.Performs other duties as assigned by Operations Manager or Regional Director.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES
Knowledge of medical billing/collection practices.
Knowledge of basic medical coding.
Knowledge of legal and regulatory provisions related to collection activities.
Knowledge of computer systems and data entry.
Ability to communicate courteously regarding financial matters that are sensitive to our patient population.
Ability to maintain strict patient confidentiality.
Demonstrate clear, pleasant, and courteous verbal and written communication using appropriate grammar, tone, and pronunciation.
Cultural Competency
Time Management
Problem Solving
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
High school diploma/associate degree preferred.
Mathematical aptitude.
Bilingual preferred.
Two years of collection experience preferred.
Two years of customer service experience preferred.
TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Requires sitting for extended periods of time. Working in an office environment. Some bending and stretching required. Working under stress and use of telephone required. Manual dexterity required for use of calculator and computer keyboard. Requires lifting papers or boxes up to fifty pounds occasionally.
TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in an office environment. Involves frequent contact with staff, patients, and the public. Work may be stressful at times. Contact may involve dealing with angry or upset people. Occasional evening or weekend work.
JOB RELATIONSHIPS
Supervised by:Regional Director/Operations Manager
Employees supervised:None
