Financial Counselor

Westchester Medical Center•Valhalla, NY

23h

About The Position

The Financial Counselor evaluates patient eligibility for government programs for uninsured and underinsured patients and applies a strong understanding of patient registration and insurance verification. The role reviews daily inpatient, emergency room, surgery, and outpatient private-pay admissions; screens patients for program eligibility; and helps patients resolve benefit, eligibility, and payment matters. The counselor documents patient accounts, coordinates with hospital staff and agencies, and supports positive patient outcomes while maintaining patient confidentiality and a professional demeanor.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Knowledge of medical insurance, including Medicare, commercial insurance, HMOs, and PPOs.
Knowledge of EMTALA regulations and hospital billing and collection processes.
Ability to work independently and pay attention to detail.
Ability to prioritize and communicate with associates and patients.
Public relations skills and ability to de-escalate patients in distressing situations.
Professional demeanor and attire; reliability and dependability for the assigned work schedule.
Willingness to develop and/or improve public speaking skills.
Excellent writing and communication skills.
Knowledge of medical terminology.
Adherence to HIPAA rules and regulations regarding patient privacy and confidentiality.
Willingness to complete continuing education and training requirements.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience in a hospital revenue cycle role.
Associate’s degree.
CAC certification.

Responsibilities

Greet patients and families positively and promote the organization’s mission, vision, and values.
Review daily inpatient, emergency room, surgery, and outpatient private-pay admissions to determine eligibility for government programs.
Screen and clear patients in the emergency room, at the hospital bedside, or in outpatient registration to obtain cash payments and complete eligibility processes.
Interview patients and/or family members and record and maintain complete account documentation.
Assist patients with coordination of benefits and eligibility issues, financial and insurance forms or applications, and payment arrangements.
Notify case management, social services, and admission staff of case-screening determinations verbally and in writing.
Calculate and collect cash payments as appropriate and help gather data for financial reporting.
Set up payment arrangements according to WMC guidelines and discuss and collect outstanding balances.
Assist with patient registration and/or admission when needed.
Maintain knowledge of programs offered by the WMCHealth network.
Build relationships and collaborate with hospital personnel and agencies to support positive patient outcomes.
Complete additional related tasks as assigned.