What are the responsibilities and job description for the FINANCIAL COUNSELOR position at Humboldt General Hospital?
POSITION SUMMARY
Under general supervision, the Financial Counselor facilitates access to Humboldt General Hospital. Accurately completes various applications and patient accounts based on departmental protocols, policies and procedures, and compliance with regulatory agencies. Ensure all insurance and eligibility or authorization requirements are met prior to patients' arrival and inform patients of their financial liability prior to arrival for services. Arrange payment options or provides information to patients and screens patients for government or alternative funding sources.
TASK LETTER CODE
PRIMARY DUTIES
(Are the essential job tasks or primary responsibilities that the individual who holds the position mist be able to perform unaided or with the assistance of an accommodation. For example: DO (action verb) WHAT (object) Collects vitals from patients at the being of the visit according to clinic protocol.
% OF TIME PERFORMING DUTY
A
Must demonstrate ability to tactfully handle difficult situations with patients, families and physicians; excellent problem solving and critical thinking skills
B
Must portray a positive, courteous and professional manner to patients, families, visitors, co-workers and physicians, having excellent communication skills, customer service and privacy etiquette
C
Must maintain strict confidentiality of patient information, ensuring accuracy and quality of work product
D
Analyze insurance coverage and benefits for service to ensure timely reimbursement.
E
Facilitate payment sources for uninsured patients. Determine if patient's condition is the result of an accident and perform complete research to determine the appropriate source of liability/payment.
F
Explain payment and billing processes according to HGH credit and collection policies
G
Implement appropriate collection actions and assist financially responsible persons in arranging payment
H
Make referral for financial counseling, presumptive eligibility and charity. Determine necessity of third party sponsorship and process patients in accordance with policy and procedure.
I
Enter and update referrals as required. Communicate with carriers regarding clinical information requested and to resolve issues relating to coverage and payment for all patient statuses.
J
Collects patient balances, including copayments, coinsurances and deductibles, as well as any former or current balances outstanding
K
Selected positions will be responsible for insurance verification, counseling and compliance questions for all payers, whether inpatients or outpatients.
L
Assists in information for transfers/discharges and readmits to acute, ambulatory or specialty units as directed, including ER.
M
Understanding and compliance with HIPAA, HITECH, Red Flag and other Privacy and CMS Regulations
N
O
Other related duties as assigned.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
MINIMUM EDUCATION: High School Diploma
PREFERRED EDUCATION: Knowledge of insurance coverage and billing
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE: Two years receptionist/cashier or other related experience/business school training; Hospital, Medical, Office, Billing, Admitting and computer experience preferred
REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS: None
PREFERRED CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES: None
SPECIAL SKILLS:
SUPERVISES: None
PHYSICIAL DEMANDS: For physical demands and working conditions, see next page.
