Financial Counselor (Full Time)

Lake Charles Memorial Hospital•Lake Charles, LA

About The Position

The Financial Counselor supports billing and collections processes by verifying eligibility and benefits, collecting copays, obtaining, and maintaining patient insurance. Meets with patients and/or families to explain LCMH expectations to their financial obligations. Completes accurate forms for all possible programs including but not limited to Medicaid, 1011, SSI and Financial Assistance. Acts as a hospital representative on all matters involving uninsured patients' interaction from a point of service perspective - both inpatient and outpatient.

Requirements

High school graduate or GED certificate.
At least two years experience in Healthcare or related field.
Adequate keyboarding skills (40 words per minute typing rate); Basic computer skills.
Ability to communicate with patient, family, peers, and medical personnel.
Strong organizational and communication skills, including ability to discuss medical issues.
Negotiation skills including assertiveness and being proactive.

Responsibilities

Communicates effectively with patient and/or family to explain benefits, determine eligibility and communicates LCMH expectations of resolving their financial obligations
Reviewing all aspects of the patient bill(s), collection of liability for upcoming procedure(s), collecting residual and past due balances, reviewing alternate options for benefit coverage for both medical and clinical services
Promptly and courteously assists and provides accurate information to patients regarding their accounts or services face to face, e-mail, fax, regular mail correspondence, phone call
Plans, organizes, and prioritizes work to discuss with patients the importance of patients financial responsibility.
Educates the patients on various available assistance options, as well as explains the financial impact of various alternatives
Obtains and copies insurance cards and updates all financial data in the patient account
Ensures follow up for all inpatient accounts are done in a timely manner
Demonstrates the ability to adapt to varied age-specific patient populations
Responsible for interviewing the patient to obtain necessary information in various patient settings
Responsible for explaining hospital forms and polices the patients and family
Verifies patients benefits and eligibility reviewing for accuracy
Accurately processes FAP applications and communicates outcomes to patients timely
Processes Medicaid Applications on Portal appropriately based on Medicaid guidelines
Able to evaluate and escalate outstanding applications with FAP & Medicaid based on Business Office guidelines
Understands Statement paths, next follow up dates and updates appropriately to maximize collection potential
Understands FAP, MVA, Bankruptcy, Deceased and all Patient Account patient processes in order to properly offer assistance to patients
Performs other duties as assigned to meet the organization's needs
Supports organizational changes. Demonstrates flexibility in providing coverage and/or availability for unexpected absences or events
De-escalate situations involving dissatisfied customers, offering patient assistance and support
Communicates effectively with all patients regarding their current account status and explaining of insurance benefits related to Deductibles, Co-Insurance and Co-payments
Follows appropriate payment guidelines. Approaching patients for Payment in full, Payment Plans and Future Payment information as appropriate per the call
Manage insurance changes and requirements
Document all calls, correspondence, and related activities to each patient's account
Remained compliant with HIPPA guidelines and maintains the strictest confidential practice when dealing with patients' personal and financial information
Demonstrated capacity to work under pressure and ability to multitask at all times on many different levels
Accurately evaluates each account in order to determine what is needed, what is left outstanding and what steps are necessary to resolve the account in both patient Practice Management System.