Financial Counselor

Palmetto Retina Center, a busy 10-physician ophthalmology practice specializing in retina diseases, is currently seeking an experienced financial counselor. The Financial Counselor is responsible for collecting payment in full on all accounts, making payment arrangements, determining insurance eligibility and out-of-pocket expenses, obtaining prior authorizations when needed, meeting by telephone or face-to-face with patients to collect patient balances, and processing accounts for collection agencies. This position is a full-time, hourly, non-exempt role that reports to the billing manager. Job Responsibilities •Responsible for collection of all monies personally due from patients

• Responsible for establishing and monitoring written personal payment arrangements.
• Answering patient inquiries regarding accounts.
• Discusses estimated liabilities with patients and establishes payment arrangements
• Researching, identifying, and rectifying any special circumstances resulting in delayed payments.
• Reviewing and communicating with patients regarding accounts that have aged over 30, 60, 90, and 120 days.
• Locating patients for collections of past-due accounts.
• Identifying and communicating with the billing manager about non-collectible accounts to be turned over to collections.
• Participates in professional development efforts to remain current on insurance coverages and regulation matters.
• Cooperates and communicates with all staff members and physicians about patient matters.
• Request, prepare, and ensure the completeness of the patient’s medical record.
• Other duties as assigned. Required Skills and Qualifications Minimum Demonstrated Skills/Qualifications:
• The position requires accuracy, thoroughness, and an understanding of insurance, copy, and referral procedures.
• Work is fast-paced and multi-tasked.
• Requires ability to work as a team member.
• Skill in operating computers, word processing software, fax machines, and copier machines.
• Creative idea-generating individual with excellent follow-through abilities

Minimum Education Requirements:

• High School diploma or the equivalent is required.
• An Associate’s degree in medical office technology, or a related area, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, from which comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities can be acquired, is required.
• Certification as a Medical Coder is preferred.

Minimum Background Requirements:

• Two years of experience cashiering or billing in a healthcare environment is a requirement.
• One year of experience collecting on medical accounts, preferably in a specialty medical office.
• Word processing and computer experience is required.

Physical Demands:

• Requires dexterity to handle and count cash.
• Requires sitting for long periods with occasional bending required.
• Must be able to view and enter data into the computer for extended periods.
• Must be able to communicate via the telephone.

EEO Statement:
Palmetto Retina Center, LLC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.