Financial Counselor

POSITION: FINANCIAL COUNSELOR

REPORTS TO: Controller

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Financial Counselor supports patients and staff by managing all aspects of financial services related to treatment obligations. This includes assisting patients with billing inquiries, insurance coverage, payment plans, and financial counseling, as well as collaborating with staff to ensure smooth financial operations.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School diploma required. Associate degree in related field highly desirable.
• A minimum of two years’ experience in medical billing with patient facing responsibilities. Ophthalmology experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrate knowledge of HIPAA/HITECH regulations and adherence to compliance standards
• In-depth understanding of insurance coverage, authorizations, referrals, and workflows related to patient financial and demographic information.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Proficiency in Practice Management Systems and Electronic Health Records (EHR).
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office suite including Power Point, Word, and Excel.
• Competency with Outlook email, calendar system and SharePoint.

Skills:

• High level of initiative, judgment, discretion, and decision-making to achieve organizational goals.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess situations accurately and take effective action.
• Excellent organizational and prioritization skills, including the ability to create and maintain status reports and tracking systems.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Proficiency in spelling, grammar, and other English language skills.
• Advanced attention to detail and commitment to professionalism.
• Strong customer service orientation with a focus on maintaining effective working relationships with patients.

Abilities:

• Ability to independently manage tasks in a rapidly changing environment.
• Demonstrate ability to calculate and explain patient out-of-pocket costs accurately.
• Capable of maintaining strict confidentiality regarding patient information and organizational policies.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Patient Assistance
• Assist patients with billing inquiries in-person and via phone.
• Explain insurance benefits, including copays, deductibles, and co-insurance, and guide patients through financial obligations and out-of-pocket costs.
• Counsel patients on financial strategies for treatment plans and set achievable goals.
• Assist patients with applications for credit programs, including Alphaeon and CareCredit.
• Collect payments from patients, including for premium surgeries and other services.
• Operational Support
• Provide timely responses to staff billing inquiries in person and via phone and internal chat.
• Process returned billing mail by updating patient demographics.
• Create and manage patient payment plans.
• Collaborate with the Controller and Surgical Services Lead to address financial and procedural issues.
• Assist the outsourced billing company with patient follow-ups.
• Administrative Duties
• Ensure compliance with HIPAA/HITECH regulations and organizational confidentiality policies.
• Organize and participate in monthly staff meetings for training and updates.
• Maintain accurate and professional communication with staff, physicians, and third-party entities.
• Provide backup support for the financial responsibilities of the Retina Patient Care Specialist as needed.
• General Responsibilities
• Handle phone inquiries professionally and efficiently.
• Review anesthesia and third-party fees with patients.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Requires sitting for long periods of time.
• Must be able to assist patients in wheelchairs and walkers.

WAGE:

• $21.63 - $26.97

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $21.63 - $26.97 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• Medical billing: 2 years (Preferred)
• Ophthalmology: 1 year (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Lacey, WA 98503 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $22 - $27