Patient Financial Counselor

Description

Job Summary

The Patient Financial Counselor works in providing financial counseling to patients, which includes handling face-to-face inquiries about pre-certification, insurance co-payments, coinsurance and deductibles associated with the cost of surgery. This position is also responsible for collecting outstanding patient due balances, communicating with the Billing Department on payments, and assisting patients in exploring options for meeting their financial responsibilities.

Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or GED required; Associate Degree in business, medical billing or related field or the equivalent in experience in knowledge is required. Completion of courses related to medical billing is a plus.

Experience: One or more years’ experience in a healthcare environment, applying customer service behaviors and communication skills required.

Knowledge, Skill and Abilities

• Ability to maintain a professional attitude under pressure
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of situations
• Knowledge of billing cycle and accounting concepts
• Knowledge of EMR systems and strong computer skills
• Familiarity with medical terminology and, ICD-9, ICD-10, and CPT coding
• Excellent customer service skills
• Displays proper telephone etiquette
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Identifies and contacts patients who may have difficulty meeting their financial responsibility and determines their ability to pay
2. Verifies insurance coverage, deductibles, copays, coinsurance , authorization requirements and other information relevant to surgeries
3. Serves as a resource to identify other payment options for patients without insurance or high patient responsibility
4. Collaborates with patients to establish payment plans in accordance with APC guidelines
5. Accesses various insurance websites and initiates phone contacts as needed to check eligibility and benefits for proposed services
6. Documents activity and patient communication on patients’ accounts
7. Communicates clearly and professionally with patients, both verbally and in writing
8. Processes payments and prepares deposit as needed
9. Scans appropriate documentation to patients’ accounts
10. Adhere to Advanced Pain Care policies and procedures
11. Has regular and predictable attendance
12. Perform other duties as assigned