Financial Counselor I

Job Summary

The Financial Counselor I is responsible for ensuring correct processing of patient accounts and coordinating all facets for patient accounts, credits and collections. This role ensures duties are completed accurately and timely while acting as a team player for optimum flow and excellent patient account care. The Financial Counselor I may also be responsible for verifying insurance and providing financial counseling to assist with self-pay accounts, as well as billing and collection of insurance and self-pay accounts.

Essential Functions

• Establishes payment arrangements according to departmental procedures.
• Accurately completes financial assistance applications with patients.
• Completes adjustment request and monitors requested adjustments to ensure accuracy of patient accounts.
• Reviews daily admission and missed opportunity report to ensure all accounts have a payment source and financial counseling.
• Requests appropriate actions from other departmental areas as needed.
• Answers patient questions regarding account and insurance information. Returns all patient calls in a timely manner.
• Monitors assigned accounts to ensure adherence to established payment program.
• Establishes and maintains communication with patient prior to visit, in-house and after discharge to facility POS collections and account management.
• Documents all actions/activity which impacts and account in the HMS/Star system using the correct comment type.
• Identifies patient's problems and resolves timely. Completes any research necessary to resolve issue.
• Demonstrates proficient office telephone and e-mail etiquette.
• Follows departmental procedures when requesting refunds.
• Assists in retrieving voice mail from the department's customer service telephone lines. Communicates effectively.
• Establishes and maintains two way communication with peers, staff, leaders, and administration.
• Follows through on problems using the appropriate chain of command.
• Cooperates well with peers and supports group decisions.
• Communicates appropriate information to lead staff member, supervisor, manager or director in a timely manner.
• Completes required education in a timely manner.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• Other completion of two years of college level classes required
• Associate Degree preferred
• Bachelor's Degree preferred
• 1-3 years of customer service or clerical office experience required
• 2-4 years registration/insurance verification experience in an acute care hospital or physician practice group preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Good analytical skills
• Excellent customer service and organizational skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong decision-making, problem solving, and organization skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to communicate verbally in person, on the phone, and in writing in a clear, concise and professional manner.
• Working knowledge of Federal and State insurance regulations and payer regulations
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.