Financial Counselor I

Job Description

Job Summary 

The Financial Counselor I supports patient access and revenue cycle operations by verifying insurance coverage, securing financial arrangements, and coordinating all aspects of patient account management. This role serves as a key resource for patients by providing financial counseling, facilitating assistance applications, and ensuring accounts are processed accurately and in a timely manner. The Financial Counselor I interacts regularly with patients, insurance payors, and internal departments to promote account resolution and ensure a positive patient financial experience. 

Essential Functions

• Establishes payment arrangements with patients according to departmental policies and procedures.
• Accurately completes and submits financial assistance applications and follows up on required documentation.
• Verifies insurance eligibility and benefits, and ensures appropriate authorizations are obtained when applicable.
• Reviews daily admission and missed opportunity reports to ensure all accounts have a valid payment source or financial counseling documentation.
• Responds to patient inquiries regarding account balances, billing concerns, and insurance coverage; returns all patient calls in a timely and professional manner.
• Reviews and processes adjustment requests and monitors approved adjustments for accuracy.
• Maintains account documentation by recording all actions and communications in the appropriate system using correct comment types.
• Establishes and maintains communication with patients throughout the continuum of care, including pre-admission, point-of-service, and post-discharge financial follow-up.
• Coordinates with other departments as needed to resolve account issues and ensure account accuracy.
• Retrieves and responds to voicemails from departmental customer service lines and ensures timely follow-up.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• Associate Degree in Healthcare Administration, Business, Accounting, or a related preferred
• 1-3 years of experience in healthcare registration, billing, collections, or a related field required
• 2-4 years of experience in financial counseling or insurance verification preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of healthcare billing and insurance verification processes.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a customer service focus.
• Ability to organize and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic health record systems.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all patient interactions.