Patient Advocate

Position Overview:

Effectively captures patient liabilities while providing financial counseling to patients/guarantors, who require assistance in seeking and applying for healthcare funding (e.g., Charity Care, MediCal, or other local/governmental assistance programs) and/or require assistance in reviewing and establishing payment options while during pre-registration activities or at the site of service. Determines the financial status of the patient during the financial counseling process and coordinates benefit authorization and management. Ensures compliance and exceptional customer service when working with patients/guarantors.
Responsible for supporting the success of a high-performing shared services organization by helping to champion and drive the long-term SSRRH vision. Helps foster an environment in which continuous improvement in business processes and services is welcomed and recognized. Participates in programs and in using tools in support of building a high performance culture via the standard SSRRH responsibilities (e.g. performance measurement, people development, customer relationship management, etc.).

Job Description :

EDUCATION

HS Diploma

Associate's or equivalent education/experience

CERTIFICATION & LICENSURE

CHAA-Certified Healthcare Access Associate

CPAT-Certified Patient Account Technician

CRCR-Certified Revenue Cycle Representative

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE AS TYPICALLY ACQUIRED IN:

Experience within a hospital or clinic environment, an insurance company, managed care organization or other financial service setting, performing financial counseling, financial clearance and/or customer service activities as typically acquired in two years.

Completion of regulatory/mandatory certifications and skills validation competencies preferred

Experience executing Patient Access standards, processes, policies, procedures and service level agreements preferred


SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge of insurance and governmental programs, regulations and application processes (e.g., Medicare, MediCal, Social Security Disability, Champus, Supplemental Security Income Disability, etc.), managed care contracts and coordination of benefits is required

Knowledge of medical and insurance terminology as well as an understanding of healthcare insurance is required

General knowledge of patient access financial counseling functions in acute and non-acute settings preferred

Working knowledge of medical terminology and coding desired

Working knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations desired

Excellent time management skills and the ability to manage frequent in-person and/or phone patient contacts while effective maintaining and documenting data in the patient registration/accounting systems

Excellent verbal and written communication and active listening skills

Interpersonal skills necessary in dealing with internal and external customers; must develop positive relationships with clinical staff to maximize the benefit and effectiveness of the financial counseling function (e.g., Nursing notifies Financial Counselor of when an elusive family member is visiting patient).

Accuracy and attentiveness to detail required

Must possess a personal presence that is characterized by a sense of honesty, integrity, and caring with the ability to inspire and motivate others to promote the philosophy, mission, vision, goals, and values of Sutter Health

Must be able to set and organize own work priorities, and adapt to change

Must be able to work concurrently on a variety of tasks/projects in an environment that may be stressful with individuals having diverse personalities and work styles

Ability to meet or exceed targeted customer service, productivity and quality standards

Fluency in both English and a minimum of one other language is preferred for this role to allow Sutter Health to better serve the community and patient population

Requires the ability to work with and maintain confidential information

Job Shift:

Days

Schedule:

Part Time

Shift Hours:

8

Days of the Week:

Variable

Weekend Requirements:

Every other Weekend

Benefits:

Yes

Unions:

Yes

Position Status:

Non-Exempt

Weekly Hours:

24

Employee Status:

Regular

Number of Openings:

1

Sutter Health is an equal opportunity employer EOE/M/F/Disability/Veterans.

Pay Range is $29.23 to $36.34 / hour

The salary range for this role may vary above or below the posted range as determined by location. This range has not been adjusted for any specific geographic differential applicable by area where the position may be filled. Compensation takes into account several factors including but not limited to a candidate’s experience, education, skills, licensure and certifications, department equity, training and organizational needs. Base pay is just one piece of the total rewards program offered by Sutter Health. Eligible roles also qualify for a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for employment. Applicants for specific positions are still required to disclose certain convictions during the application process, and those convictions may also be considered in determining eligibility for employment in accordance with applicable law.