Financial Counselor

American Oncology Network•Kansas City, KS

13d•$20 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

Serves as the primary patient advocate for financial navigation and counseling within an oncology practice. Reviews patient insurance coverage, establishes financial responsibility estimates, and coordinates prior authorizations and benefit verification to support access to cancer treatment. Helps patients understand insurance benefits, out-of-pocket costs, and available financial assistance programs. Partners with clinical teams, insurance companies, and external assistance organizations to remove financial barriers to care and optimize patient collections while providing compassionate support throughout the cancer treatment journey.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
At least two years of experience in the healthcare field.
Knowledge of medical insurance pre-certification and/or prior authorization verification.
Cash-handling and monetary collection experience.
Ability to calculate and collect patient responsibility, insurance copayments, and coinsurance.
Insurance knowledge, including medical terminology and ICD-9, ICD-10, and CPT codes.
Strong verbal and communication skills to support diverse patient populations with empathy and cultural sensitivity.
Familiarity with patient assistance programs, grant-funded resources, and pharmaceutical assistance programs.
Proficiency with EMR systems, practice management software, and insurance verification tools.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to explain financial information clearly.
Ability to collaborate with clinical teams, insurance companies, and external organizations.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree or higher in Healthcare Administration, Business, or a related field.
Experience in healthcare financial counseling, patient access, or medical billing.
Experience with patient assistance programs and financial aid resources.

Responsibilities

Coordinate pre-certification and prior authorization processes with insurance companies, including peer-to-peer reviews and appeals, seeking support from provider or pharmacy teams when applicable.
Review patient and physician schedules for upcoming visits or treatment and establish patient financial responsibility.
Review treatment plans, confirm active insurance benefit coverage, and identify patient financial responsibility; communicate unplanned exceptions to the provider immediately.
Review new treatment orders, generate service estimates, and explain insurance benefits and financial responsibility to patients.
Keep patient insurance benefits up to date in EMR systems and review services for diagnosis and insurance coverage appropriateness.
Communicate throughout the workday with providers, nursing staff, PSS staff, the UM team, and coworkers about financial responsibility and related matters.
Explain required forms and paperwork, including waivers, treatment estimates, payment plans, and assistance applications.
Help patients complete paperwork for assistance and grant-funded programs to secure financial aid for treatment and services.
Understand patient assistance program and grant processes to support applications, placement, and coordination with the financial aid counseling team.
Obtain information needed to assess patient eligibility under assistance income guidelines, when applicable.
Review patient aging balances and establish arrangements with patients to address outstanding balances.
Coordinate with outside entities to complete forms and other requirements in a timely manner, including when urgent.
Monitor and collect patients’ financial responsibilities compassionately and professionally.
Comply with federal and state laws and regulations concerning patient care, rights, safety, billing, and collections.
Protect the confidentiality of patient and employee information in accordance with HIPAA regulations and follow company and departmental policies and procedures.
Advocate for patients navigating financial complexities and communicate professionally and compassionately with patients and families about sensitive financial matters.