Financial Counseling Representative I

The Financial Counselor will be responsible for counseling patients or parties responsible for payment. The  Financial Counselor will educate patients on their responsibilities and potential options. The Financial Counselor  is responsible for accurately and compassionately explaining to the patient their financial obligations during the financial counseling session. In addition, the counselor must obtain any necessary pre-certifications or authorizations and assist with any financing or third-party applications. 
In this role, the successful candidate must display a strong sense of patient care and attention to detail. 

 
Responsibilities: 
 
Explain financial responsibilities for services received, payment options and collection procedures to patients or parties responsible for payment. 
Counsel patients regarding insurance benefits and recommend alternative sources of payment and financial assistance when appropriate. 
Contact insurance carriers or other sources and act as an advocate for the patient. 
Initiate process for collecting prepays due and perform follow up activity to insure maximum collection is achieved. 
Identify hospital, public and private financial assistance programs for patients unable to meet their financial obligations. 
Work with Case Management, Clinical Staff, Medicaid Vendor, and Family Independence Agency to assist patients and families in completing assistance program applications and determine eligibility and coverage. 
Notify manager, physician and servicing department of possible delay of service for any elective, urgent admissions, procedures and scheduled diagnostic testing which have not been approved prior to the date of service. 
Maintain accurate documentation of pre-processing information. 
Provide assistance to uninsured patients and families in completing and filing Medicaid or assistance program applications with the appropriate agency. 
Perform all other duties and projects as assigned. 
 
Required Qualifications: 
 
High school diploma or GED is required 
Attention to detail 
Strong customer service experience 
Ability to multi-task and navigate between multiple computer systems simultaneously 
Ability to handle a large volume of patient encounters daily 
 
Desired Qualifications: 
 
Previous experience as a financial counselor with background in medical terminology preferred 
Understanding of State and Federal assistance 
 
Physical Requirements: 
 
See, read, and/or operate computers, telephones, office equipment, documents, labels, including manipulating paper requiring the ability to move fingers and hands. 
Remain sitting, standing, or walking for long periods of time to perform work on a computer, telephone, or other equipment. 
Frequent interactions with associates, patient care providers, patients, and visitors that require associate to verbally communicate as well as hear and understand spoken information, alarms, needs, and issues quickly and accurately, particularly during emergency situations. 
Manual dexterity of hands and fingers to manipulate complex and delicate equipment with precision and accuracy. This includes frequent computer use and typing for documenting patient care, accessing needed information bandi