Financial Counseling Specialist-Weekends

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences•Little Rock, AR

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Financial Counseling Specialist works with patients who have scheduled specific clinical services to promote financial clearance prior to the day of care. In addition to contacting payers and providers to secure authorizations as needed, this staff member provides information regarding hospital payment requirements, alternative financing & charity care programs during pre-service. This individual will relay relevant financial information in a clear and patient-friendly manner per UAMS’ customer service and price transparency initiatives. This position works weekends as cross coverage.

Requirements

High School, GED or formal educational equivalent plus 6 years’ experience in healthcare in a revenue cycle related function OR Bachelor’s degree in finance, business or related plus 2 years of experience in healthcare revenue cycle or revenue cycle related function
Knowledge in basic medical terminology preferred, medical terminology competent within 3 months of hire
Must be able to perform basic operations on a computer
Able to follow oral and written instructions and communicate with others effectively
Problem solving skills, critical thinking skills, and ability to multi-task
Excellent customer relations skills
Must possess the required level of skills and abilities to read, write, speak, and apply mathematical concepts and sounds reasoning to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job.
Proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

Nice To Haves

Basic medical terminology preferred

Responsibilities

Meet with all self-pay and under insured and patients to explain benefits, financial obligation, payment options and assistance programs.
Assure that a payment methodology is in place prior to discharge.
Screen scheduled non-urgent self-pay and under insured surgical and diagnostic study patients (in and outpatient) prior to service, collect payment prior to service and assure plan for financial coverage is in place before service is performed.
Process a deposit and establish a payment plan for large out of pocket obligations.
Screen referred clinic patients prior to service, collect minimum payment prior to visit and assure plan for financial coverage is in place before clinic visit.
Screen all patients for eligibility for Social Security, COBRA, Crime Victims, Health Insurance Marketplace, Medicaid and other programs when appropriate.
Assure that lifetime reserve letter signatures are obtained as needed.
Screen all patients applying or deemed eligible for the Financial Assistance Plan for any additional programs they may be eligible for to assure the hospital discount is the second option in place.
Processes applications for charity discounts.
Assist with financial screening and program explanation in the Emergency Department when requested.
Discuss alternative payment options with patients who present as self-pay but are deemed ineligible for assistance programs and also with patients having a high deductible or a limited benefit plan.
Perform other duties as needed.