Financial Counselor

AHS Vista LLC•Waukegan, IL

1d•$20 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

Vista Medical Center is seeking a detail-oriented and patient-focused Financial Counselor to support our Patient Financial Services team. This role is responsible for assessing patient financial status, educating patients on payment options, and facilitating financial arrangements in compliance with hospital policies and regulatory requirements. The Financial Counselor plays a critical role in ensuring patients clearly understand their financial obligations while delivering compassionate, service-oriented support.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent required
Minimum of three (3) years of office experience
At least one (1) year of healthcare reimbursement or revenue cycle experience required
Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to handle sensitive financial discussions with professionalism and empathy
Detail-oriented with strong organizational and problem-solving abilities
Must be able to work flexible hours, including on-call or call-in support as needed
Travel between Vista Health sites may be required
Ability to interact effectively with patients, physicians, staff, and external partners

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of insurance verification, Medicaid eligibility, and patient financial processes preferred

Responsibilities

Review daily admissions and registrations for completeness and accuracy, including after-hours activity
Identify outstanding patient balances and proactively contact patients/families to discuss payment solutions
Verify insurance coverage, including Medicaid eligibility, using appropriate verification tools
Refer self-pay patients to designated vendors for Medicaid, charity care, and indigent care screening
Assist patients in completing required financial assistance applications
Request payment in full for estimated patient responsibility when appropriate
Accept and process payments (cash, check, credit card, and payroll deductions for employees)
Negotiate and establish payment arrangements in accordance with organizational guidelines
Evaluate financial eligibility and determine appropriate payment plans based on financial assessment tools
Escalate extended payment arrangements for appropriate leadership approval
Collaborate with leadership and physicians when financial clearance cannot be obtained for elective procedures
Support rescheduling decisions when financial obligations cannot be reasonably met
Maintain compliance with all organizational, departmental, and regulatory standards
Follow established policies, procedures, and confidentiality requirements
Participate in required education, competencies, and professional development activities
Utilize the AIDET communication framework in all patient interactions
Uphold Vista's Standards of Behavior, including professionalism, responsiveness, and patient privacy
Provide clear, compassionate communication regarding financial responsibilities and options