Description
PeaceHealth is seeking a Financial Counselor for a Full Time, 1.00 FTE, Day position. The salary range for this job opening at PeaceHealth is $20.09 – $30.11. The hiring rate is dependent upon several factors, including but not limited to education, training, work experience, terms of any applicable collective bargaining agreement, seniority, etc.
Are you passionate about helping patients’ bedside in a hospital? You can be trained to screen patients for financial assistance regarding a variety of Medicaid and Financial Assistance programs to help with their balances. We’re looking for an empathetic person who isn’t afraid to ask questions as they learn, is a good communicator and wants to connect with the patients they’re helping.

JOB SUMMARY

In collaboration with system leadership, acts as a patient facing hospital resource for knowledge on all insurance benefit types, payment plans, government programs, financial assistance screening/applications and act as a liaison relating to liability estimation. Utilizes a thorough knowledge of all programs and shares information with and acts as a resource for Patient Access Specialists and vendors (if applicable), Case Management, PH Financial Leadership, and Revenue Cycle Leadership. Completes account management including patient follow-up, eligibility hearing attendance, and government agency follow-up, as assigned. In addition, works closely and regularly with Care Management to follow up on in-house patients whose financial situation is unclear or has changed since the time of admission.

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 1 year required: Experience in collections, customer service, billing or related medical field
• Preferred: Strong familiarity with government, commercial and third party billing.

SKILLS

• Excellent attention to detail (Required)
• Ability to work and communicate well with others (Required)
• Ability to work directly with patients in an empathetic and compassionate way (Required)
• Ability to collaborate with other departments outside of your work area (Required)
• Excellent time management skills (Required)
• Basic computer skills (Required)
• EPIC Knowledge (Preferred)

• Reviews and evaluates completed financial assistance applications for accuracy and makes initial approval determination.
• Works with patients to complete any necessary paperwork or documentation for application or Financial Assistance. Gathers initial information and submit application to the appropriate program.
• Screens and then initiates, submits, and follows up on all applications and missing information for any program and pursues resolution of pending cases.
• Documents all communication with patient, payor and/or Care Management in the system of record.
• Coordinates efforts within the Patient Access department to determine financial liabilities and educate the patient. Collects any amounts owed and coordinates the financial investigation to identify payment sources and possible alternatives. Meets regularly with Case Management to review status of in-house patients and takes action to ensure that patients with less than full financial coverage receive financial counseling.
• Performs other financial counseling functions (e.g., extended payment arrangements, discounts, address sensitive financial situations with patients who are experiencing health challenges).
• Collaborates with nursing units and Care Management to determine patient’s medical and mental condition prior to visiting patient in room. Patients who cannot meet are documented and a follow-up visit is performed daily.
• Develops strong working relationships with representatives from government agencies, including state aid workers, to ensure speedy resolution of cases pending approval and provide any needed documentation to the agency representatives.
• Performs other duties as assigned.