Financial Counselor II - University of Oklahoma Medical Center - Patient Access Services, Weekdays 8:30a - 5p

OU Health•Oklahoma City, OK

18d

About The Position

The Financial Counselor II provides financial guidance and support to patients by reviewing insurance coverage, estimating patient financial responsibility, and assisting with payment arrangements and financial aid applications. The role also serves as a resource and role model for staff, supports training and onboarding, monitors team performance, and facilitates communication between staff and leadership to promote operational excellence. The position reviews patient records, verifies insurance information, counsels patients on benefits and payment options, processes payments and financial assistance applications, and coordinates with other departments on insurance certification and billing follow-up. It also handles complex insurance verifications and pre-authorizations, supports patient flow and regulatory compliance, mentors and precepts staff, provides coverage during staff absences, and assumes charge responsibilities when management is absent. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least 3 years of experience in Patient Access, healthcare, or billing.
Within 180 days of hire, obtain either the HFMA Certified Revenue Cycle Representative (CRCR) certification or the HFMA Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP) certification.
Advanced verbal and written communication skills.
Advanced interpersonal skills and ability to handle sensitive situations tactfully.
Advanced ability to collaborate across departments.
High level of confidentiality and professionalism.
Proficiency in finance, mathematical computations, and PC applications such as Word and Excel.
Advanced organizational and time-management skills.
Attention to detail and ability to work under pressure.
Advanced knowledge of HIPAA regulations.
Ability to interpret business and policy documents.
Understanding and sensitivity to patient needs.

Responsibilities

Review EMR records and visit in-house patients to collect estimated patient portion amounts.
Obtain and verify patient insurance information and update medical records and system notes.
Explain insurance benefits, payment options, and financial responsibilities to patients.
Assist patients with payment arrangements, charity applications, and Medicaid or state aid applications.
Monitor patient financial status to ensure accounts remain within acceptable limits.
Post Emergency Room and Patient Access deposits into the system.
Provide estimates to patients and physicians as requested.
Coordinate with case management and insurance verification departments for concurrent certification.
Receive and receipt payments according to internal cash control procedures.
Help patients obtain prescription financial resources through pharmaceutical grants and aid programs.
Advocate for patients in communications with insurance carriers or financial institutions.
Review outstanding insurance claims and coordinate follow-up with billing staff.
Prepare medical necessity letters and process related documentation.
Maintain insurance files and stay current on changes.
Resolve minor issues and escalate major concerns to senior leadership.
Maintain a professional image and provide excellent customer service.
Attend mandatory training and demonstrate knowledge of safety and compliance protocols.
Handle complex insurance verifications and pre-authorizations.
Maintain patient flow and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
Educate staff about procedural changes and updates.
Relieve staff during absences and ensure coverage.
Assume charge responsibility in the absence of management.
Precept new employees and mentor other staff.
Ensure compliance with departmental policies and procedures.
Support management with special projects and reporting as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.