Patient Financial Counselor I -

JOB SUMMARY

/RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Assists in the completion and coordination of all front-end activities associated with patient financial processing in Patient Access at a fully cross-functional level.
• Prioritizes and coordinates patient accounts from patient scheduling through patient discharge to ensure that patient financial obligations are met prior to patient encounters (outpatient) or patient discharge (inpatient).
• Accurately completes patient accounts based on departmental protocols, policies and procedures, and compliance with regulatory agencies, including but not limited to pre-admission, admission, pre-registration and registration functions.
• Ensures all insurance requirements are met prior to patients' arrival and informs patients of their financial liability prior to arrival for services. Arranges payment options with the patients.
• Screens patients for government and other funding sources.
• Fosters positive relationships with patients to provide quality service in a pleasant, professional, and timely manner, while being sensitive to guest services.
• Communicates effectively to service delivery areas to maximize patient flow and customer service.

II. TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
• Essential: standing, sitting, walking, stooping/bending, walking on uneven ground, squatting, twisting body, finger dexterity, seeing, hearing, speaking, lifting and carrying up to 20 lbs, pushing/pulling usual weight of 15 to 20 pounds, reaching at and below shoulder level, repetitive arm/hand motions and gripping of an object.
• Occasional: kneeling, crawling, climbing stairs, reaching above shoulder level.
• Operates various office equipment such as computers, copiers, facsimiles, telephone, typewriter, pneumatic tube system, credit card swipe.

III. TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
• Not substantially subjected to adverse environmental conditions.
• May be exposed to communicable diseases and other conditions common to a hospital patient care area and office environment.
• Work pace varies and is frequently stressful.

IV. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
A. EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION AND LICENSURE:
• High school diploma or equivalent education.
• Ability to perform 7,200 adjusted keystrokes per hour.

B. EXPERIENCE:
• Two (2) years experience in healthcare registration, billing or collections in a hospital or physician office setting.
• Strong knowledge of hospital and physician billing and collections.
• Knowledge and understanding of different payor types (i.e. Medicare, Medicaid, Commercial, HMO, Workers’ Compensation, Capitation, TPL, etc.).
• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Strong time management, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
• Proficiency with automated systems and computer applications.