Financial Counselor

POSITION SUMMARY

The responsibility of the MNH Revenue Cycle Financial Counselor is to assist in the management of Accounts Receivable by working from the onsite Business Office. This will be accomplished by counseling patients and/or family members on insurance options and payment options. The position functions also as a Billing/Collections Specialist which includes understanding and knowledge of all aspects of the billing and collection process under the supervision of the Manager Revenue Cycle and to interface with all departments of the Medical Center in this process. With reimbursement contingent upon the proper billing and collection, it is the responsibility of the incumbent to have knowledge of all aspects of the accounts receivables process. This will require coordination of duties to ensure the application of policies and procedures in a manner to affect the most impact upon the Accounts Receivable.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education:

1. High school graduate or equivalent.

Experience:

1. Three years relevant, recent counseling/collections experience.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

1. Demonstrates leadership ability and the ability to deal with the public in direct patient contact.
2. Ability to communicate effectively with departmental personnel, supervisors, third party payors, patients, and other Medical Center personnel.
3. Demonstrates knowledge of counseling/collection terminology and process with working knowledge and proficiency of the Meditech B/AR module.
4. Demonstrates self-motivation with personal integrity and ability to organize work and work independently.
5. Possesses typing skills with knowledge of computer operations.
6. Uses communication skills necessary to approach the medical staff, hospital personnel, ancillary department etc. for any clarifications regarding record questions or problems utilizing counseling/collections rules and principles.
7. Demonstrates attention to detail.
8. Maintains a customer service focus and acts as a positive team player.

License/Certification/Registration:

1. None required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Receives minimal supervision from the Manager, Revenue Cycle and Supervisor, Patient Collections.

SUPERVISION GIVEN

None.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Provides counseling to patient/family members in a professional; manner and adhering to customer service guidelines.
2. Demonstrates telephone etiquette and good listening skills.
3. Demonstrates knowledge of all insurance carriers, in regards to co-pays and deductibles, and special requirements.
4. Provides information to customers on various help agencies for the County that they reside in such as Office of the Aging, LIHEAP, and County Assistance.
5. Demonstrates knowledge of billing and contact information for all related billing services for physicians, radiologists, oncologists, etc.
6. Demonstrates teamwork through interacting with departments/others to achieve goals while respecting individual differences, sharing credit and accountability for outcomes, and encouraging, supporting, and actively participating in work activities.
7. Demonstrates fiscal responsibility by assisting in the preparation and management of appropriate capital, personnel, and operational budgets.
8. Utilizes communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills to achieve positive financial outcomes.
9. Monitors the environment for market trends, reimbursement changes, patient needs, regulatory issues, and competitive forces that impact areas of responsibility and recommends appropriate action.
10. Plans, prioritizes, and organizes daily counseling/collection activities.
    1. Supervises daily activities of the billing/collection process.  Coordinates duties based on priorities, ensuring proper methods and procedures are being utilized appropriately and rules/regulations are being followed.
    2. Arranges workflow balancing the workload for effective and timely billing/collections which will expedite cash flow on a daily basis.
    3. Keeps Manager informed on department activities, needs, and problems on an ongoing basis.
11. Collections and follow-ups of outstanding account balances.
    1. Assists patients in the options available to resolve outstanding balances in accordance with hospital policies and exhibiting that at a level of knowledge to complete the process in a professional manner.
    2. Documents all arrangements with patients in the system and keeps all departments advised of the actions taken as to not allow a customer service conflict.
    3. Arranges time and place of all pat