Financial Counselor

Down East Community Hospital•Machias, ME

1d•Onsite

About The Position

To manage the self-pay component of Accounts Receivable (AR) by collecting money owed and making payment arrangements as applicable. This role involves administering Point of Service Collections, assisting with free care applications, collecting monies owed from patients or obtaining insurance information, and setting up payment arrangements. The Financial Counselor will also research and communicate special circumstances affecting delayed payments, maintain self-pay account aging, and identify delinquent accounts for disposition. Staying informed about collection regulations and identifying/providing estimates to patients as required by law are also key responsibilities. The role may involve overtime as requested.

Requirements

High school graduate, college degree, or 3 years appropriate work experience that would indicate a high level of communication skills and organizational management ability.
Familiarity with statutes and regulations regarding the collection of accounts.
Information technology experience is helpful.
Ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

Administer Point of Service Collections as defined by policy
Refer patients to hospital designated payment administrator as appropriate
Assists with the processing of free care and reduced care applications
Collects monies owed from patients or obtains appropriate insurance information to ensure timely recovery of the outstanding accounts receivable.
Contacts all private pay patients within 10 days of discharge.
Enters appropriate insurance information if obtained and refers account to PFS department for billing.
Responsible for arranging payment of all moneys due for services rendered under the direction of the Lead Financial Counselor, including setting up payment arrangements (in accordance with established policies) and qualifying patients for federal, state, or local benefits.
Researches, identifies, and communicates any special circumstances affecting delayed payment of accounts to PFS follow-up staff for correction.
Maintains self-pay account aging with an emphasis on resolution of accounts less than 90 days old.
Responsible for identification and calculation of collectible amounts as identified by policy
Identifies delinquent accounts, including accounts with payment arrangements, and makes recommendations for their disposition (i.e., referral to collection agencies, write-off, etc.)
Continues to stay informed of any statutes and regulations that could affect collection of receivables (i.e. collection regulations, etc.)
Identifies and provides estimates to patients as required by law per the “No Surprises Act”
Identifies and refers patients requesting payment arrangements to Carepayment and communicates to Carepayment on a regular basis.
Maintains a list of appropriate contacts and contact information.
Performs other duties as assigned and overtime as requested and/or required.