Financial Counselor

Columbia Basin Hospital is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment (including application for employment) on any basis Including race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sex, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, and federal law.

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with disabilities act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the way things are normally done which will ensure an equal employment opportunity
without imposing undue hardship on Columbia Basin Hospital. Please contact Human Resources if you need assistance completing this application or to otherwise participate in the application process.

Columbia Basin Hospital offers a comprehensive benefit package with medical, dental, vision, voluntary life insurance, company paid life insurance and retirement including employer match.

The Financial Counselor is a key position within the Revenue Cycle. This position oversees the self-pay collection processes, which organizes the self-pay AR, patients payment plans, charity care, and counseling to all patients who seek help. This position is required to obtain their certification from Washington State HCA.

This position is customer service focused, which will guide our patients to seek our help with any financial questions or concern they have. We will treat all patients in a kind and compassionate manner to ensure we meet their needs, and they understand hospital and clinic billing and what their out-of-pocket balances are.

DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Perform daily, systematic reviews of self-pay accounts, whether after insurance, or uninsured within a timely manner.
• Ensures appropriate information and correspondence is documented in accounts. Documenting information such as communication with the patient or payor, an explanation of payment, and denials or rebill.
• Runs reports, manages work queues daily, and resolves patients issues to maintain assigned patient accounts.
• Works credit balance work queues and reports to process refunds.
• Reviews remittance advice to make sure the balance has been properly moved to patients out of pocket.
• Collaboratively work with the billing team to ensure all claims are worked timely.
• Meet productivity goals/benchmarks as set by the Director for the department.
• Serve as the primary customer service representative for patient inquiries, responds to all calls with professionalism, and transfers calls appropriately. Responsible for tracking and resolving all issues timely.
• Promote teamwork, open communication, and contribute to a positive atmosphere with other employees. Assist co-workers as needed to complete all department daily tasks or special projects.
• Serves as a back up to the registration team when they need coverage or additional help.
• Self-reports all workflow volumes and progress of productions requirement to the Director.
• Reviews patient account billing statements for accuracy.
• Works collections accounts by contacting patient for payment to set up payment plans, assist with charity applications, verify insurance eligibility, or turn accounts over to collections.
• Work closely with the collection agency to ensure accurate date is sent and we follow all collection laws.
• Within the first 6 months, you are expected to become certified by the Washington State Healthcare Authority to be a Navigator.
• Demonstrates knowledge of collection regulations to assure patient balances are accurate and patient is being billed correctly.
• Demonstrates willingness to be cross trained to perform other duties as necessary.

High school graduate or GED required. One-year experience in Healthcare or business-related field. Experience in a hospital collections position is preferred. Organization skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of Windows based software required. Must have the aptitude to retain and understand billing and collection regulations while maintaining accuracy and confidentiality. Must be able to balance payment posting and deposits. Must be able to speak, read, write, and follow oral/written instructions in English.