Financial Counselor

American Oncology Network • Kansas City, KS

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Financial Counselor serves as the primary patient advocate for financial navigation and counseling within an oncology practice. The role reviews insurance coverage, establishes patient financial responsibility estimates, and coordinates prior authorizations and benefit verification to support access to cancer treatment. The counselor explains insurance benefits, out-of-pocket costs, and available financial assistance programs, and partners with clinical teams, insurers, and external assistance organizations to address financial barriers and optimize collections while providing compassionate support.

Responsibilities include managing insurance verification, pre-certification, prior authorization, peer-to-peer reviews, and appeals; reviewing schedules and treatment plans to determine coverage and patient responsibility; generating and discussing estimates; and keeping insurance benefit information current in EMR systems. The role coordinates with providers, nursing and patient services staff, utilization management teams, coworkers, insurers, and other organizations.

The counselor also explains financial paperwork, helps patients apply for assistance and grant-funded programs, coordinates with financial aid counseling teams, reviews outstanding balances, establishes payment arrangements, and monitors patient payments. The position requires compliance with applicable laws, regulations, HIPAA, and company policies, as well as professional, compassionate communication with patients and families during sensitive financial discussions.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• At least two years of experience in the healthcare field.
• Knowledge of verifying medical insurance pre-certification and/or prior authorization.
• Prior 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 written communication skills, with empathy and cultural sensitivity when supporting diverse patient populations.
• 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 in understandable terms.
• 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 providers or pharmacy staff when applicable.
• Review patient and physician schedules, treatment plans, and new treatment orders to determine coverage and patient financial responsibility.
• Generate service estimates and explain insurance benefits and financial responsibility to patients.
• Keep patient insurance benefit information current in EMR systems and review services for diagnosis and insurance coverage appropriateness.
• Communicate with providers, nursing staff, PSS staff, the UM team, and coworkers about financial responsibility and related needs.
• Explain waivers, treatment estimates, payment plans, assistance applications, and other required paperwork.
• Help patients complete applications for financial assistance and grant-funded programs, and coordinate applications with the financial aid counseling team.
• Obtain patient income information when needed to assess assistance eligibility.
• Review aging patient balances and establish appropriate payment arrangements.
• Collaborate with outside entities to complete forms and other requirements in a timely manner.
• Monitor and collect patients’ financial responsibilities compassionately and professionally.
• Comply with applicable federal and state laws and regulations, HIPAA, and company and departmental policies.
• Advocate for patients as they navigate financial complexities and communicate compassionately with patients and families.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED