Financial Counselor (Full-Time)

A Hospital Financial Counselor plays a vital role in assisting patients and their families in understanding and managing their healthcare expenses. This position requires a deep understanding of medical billing, insurance policies, and financial assistance programs to guide patients through the financial aspects of their medical care. 

JOB SUMMARY: The Hospital Financial Counselor provides personalized financial guidance to patients regarding their hospital bills, insurance coverage, and available financial assistance programs. This role involves assessing patients' financial needs, explaining complex billing processes, and coordinating payment plans to ensure financial transparency and support during a patient’s care journey. The financial counselor acts as a liaison between the patient, hospital billing, and insurance providers to facilitate a smooth payment process and improve patient satisfaction. Reports directly to the Patient Accounting Director. This is a non-exempt position. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

1. Patient Financial Assessment: 

• Conduct initial financial screenings to evaluate patients' ability to pay for services. 

• Assess eligibility for financial assistance programs, charity care, and payment plans based on hospital policy. 

• Review and verify insurance coverage, co-pays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums for accuracy. 

2. Insurance and Billing Education: 

• Explain hospital billing processes, insurance benefits, and patient responsibility in a clear, compassionate manner. 

• Guide patients on their insurance options, including federal and state programs, Medicaid, Medicare, and private health plans. 

• Assist uninsured and underinsured patients with applying for government assistance or setting up alternative payment solutions. 

3. Financial Counseling and Payment Coordination: 

• Develop customized payment plans with patients to ensure financial obligations are manageable. 

• Work with the billing department to resolve discrepancies and escalate issues as needed to ensure timely payments. 

• Assist patients with completing necessary forms and documents for financial aid or insurance claims. 

4. Documentation and Reporting: 

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of financial assistance applications, patient interactions, and counseling sessions in the hospital’s system. 

• Track and report on key metrics, such as financial aid approvals, payment plan adherence, and patient satisfaction. 

5. Patient Advocacy: 

• Serve as a compassionate advocate, helping patients navigate financial hardships associated with medical care. 

• Collaborate with clinical and administrative staff to address any additional patient needs that may arise. 

POSITION REQUIREMENTS 

Qualifications: 

• Education: 

• High school diploma or equivalent required. 

• Experience: 

• Previous experience in a healthcare billing or payment processing role is highly desirable. 

• Skills: 

• Proficient in using medical billing software, electronic health records (EHR) systems, and Microsoft Office Suite. 

• Strong knowledge of insurance guidelines, including Medicare and Medicaid, is preferred. 

• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing. Additional languages are preferred. 

• Detail-oriented with strong organization skills to manage and track applications 

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.  

Work Environment: 

• Work is performed in an office setting within a hospital or clinic setting. 

• Fast-paced environment requiring the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. 

• May require extended periods of sitting and working at a computer. 

FUNCTIONAL DEMANDS 

Functional Job Requirements:  

Job requirements include, but are not limited to: sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, bending, squatting and reaching. Requires good finger dexterity, repetitive motions with hands and fingers.  Requires ability to have good vision and hearing. Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must possess ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing. Additional languages preferred. 

Lifting Requirements 

Job requires light lifting on an occasional basis.  

Reasonable Accommodations 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position without compromising the job duties.