Financial Counselor

Key Responsibilities:

• Financial Counseling: Provide clear and comprehensive financial counseling to patients before, during, and after their healthcare services. Explain insurance coverage, out-of-pocket costs, payment options, and potential financial assistance programs.
• Insurance Verification: Verify insurance eligibility and benefits, ensuring that patients are aware of their coverage and out-of-pocket costs. Assist patients in understanding what is covered by their insurance plan.
• Financial Assistance: Assess patients' financial situations and assist them in applying for financial assistance programs, sliding scale fees, or charity care when applicable.
• Billing support: Help patients understand their medical bills, including itemized charges, insurance payments, and outstanding balances. Guide patients through the payment process and discuss available payment plans.
• Payment plans: Set up and manage payment plans for patients, ensuring they are aware of payment schedules and the available options to pay their bills.
• Documentation: Accurately document all interactions with patients and insurance companies in the patient management system. Maintain detailed records of financial assistance applications and payment plans.
• Customer Service: Offer empathetic, professional, and timely support to patients with financial concerns. Address and resolve patient inquiries regarding billing and financial matters.
• Collaboration: Work closely with the billing, insurance, and clinical teams to ensure a smooth process for patients from pre-service to post-service care.
• Compliance: Adhere to all federal and state regulations, as well as hospital policies, when discussing financial information and managing patient accounts.

Qualifications:

• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent required; Associates or Bachelor's degree in Finance, Healthcare Administration, or related field preferred.
• Experience: 2 years of experience in a healthcare or insurance related field, preferable with a focus on patient financial counseling or billing.

Skills:

• Strong knowledge of insurance plans, billing procedures, and healthcare financial policies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to handle sensitive financial discussions.
• Ability to explain complex financial and insurance information in a clear and understandable manner.
• Proficiency with medical billing software and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, etc.).
• Strong problem-solving and organizational skills.

Certifications: Certification as a Patient Financial Counselor (such as through the National Association of Healthcare Access Management) is a plus.

Physical requirements:

• Ability to work in a fast-paced office environment.
• Sit for extended periods and use a computer for prolonged times.