Patient Financial Advocate

The Patient Financial Advocate (PFA) is responsible for ensuring accurate and efficient registrations of patients for medical services. This role is crucial to the hospital's success as it sets the foundation for the revenue cycle by ensuring proper billing and registration. The advocate serves as the first point of contact for patients, welcoming and assisting patients, verifying insurance information, accurately
entering patient data, explaining financial policies, answering patient inquiries, and ensuring a smooth registration process for a positive patient experience.

Patient Financial AdvocateResponsibilities & Duties

• Enters patient information into computer and routes appropriate copies and forms to designated departments.
• Obtains signatures on Conditions of Admission and initiates the advance directive process. Communicates with Nursing Services when no advance directive is available.
• Communicates with Business Office Director daily for all financial questions.
• Works with patients and family members to answer questions and resolve concerns related to patient billings and payment options following HIPAA guidelines.
• Develops patient payment options prior to the time of service and assists patients in establishing payment plans in compliance with the hospital credit policy.
• Uses the daily hospital census to determine which patients should receive financial counseling.
• Works with Utilization Review on inpatient and outpatient pre-authorizations for necessary procedures.
• Maintains relevant knowledge of Teton Valley Health financial management and patient records software.
• Utilizes software and additional tools to identify patient’s insurance eligibility and payment responsibilities.
• Aids the Revenue Cycle Director in creating estimates for health services.
• Meets with all self-pay patients or responsible party within 24 hours of admission or next working day, whichever comes first. Gives patients assistance in completing Medicaid, Social Security or County assistance and Charity Care applications.
• Courteously greets and assists patients and visitors.
• Frequently accesses legal system regarding financial obligations of patients.