Financial Counselor

PeaceHealth • Vancouver, WA

2d

About The Position

PeaceHealth is seeking a full-time, 1.00 FTE Financial Counselor for a day position. In collaboration with system leadership, the Financial Counselor serves as a patient-facing hospital resource on insurance benefits, payment plans, government programs, financial assistance screening and applications, and liability estimation. The role also supports Patient Access Specialists and vendors, Case Management, PeaceHealth Financial Leadership, and Revenue Cycle Leadership by sharing program knowledge and providing guidance.

The Financial Counselor manages patient accounts and follow-up, attends eligibility hearings, and follows up with government agencies as assigned. The role works closely with Care Management on in-house patients whose financial circumstances are unclear or have changed since admission. The position is predominantly office-based and involves computer work and direct communication with patients and other teams.

Requirements

• At least 1 year of experience in collections, customer service, billing, or a related medical field.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to work and communicate well with others.
• Ability to work directly with patients in an empathetic and compassionate manner.
• Ability to collaborate with departments outside the employee's work area.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Basic computer skills.
• Obtain the Community Volunteer Assister Washington credential within 90 days.
• Obtain the OHP Community Partner Oregon credential within 90 days.
• Obtain the Qualified Hospital Presumptive Eligibility Organization Alaska credential within 90 days.

Nice To Haves

• Strong familiarity with government, commercial, and third-party billing.
• Knowledge of EPIC.

Responsibilities

• Review completed financial assistance applications for accuracy and make initial approval determinations.
• Help patients complete paperwork and provide documentation needed for financial assistance applications.
• Gather initial information and submit applications to appropriate programs.
• Screen, initiate, submit, and follow up on program applications and missing information, and pursue resolution of pending cases.
• Document communications with patients, payors, and Care Management in the system of record.
• Coordinate within Patient Access to determine financial liabilities and educate patients.
• Collect amounts owed and coordinate financial investigations to identify payment sources and possible alternatives.
• Meet regularly with Case Management to review in-house patient status and ensure patients without full financial coverage receive financial counseling.
• Perform other financial counseling functions, including arranging extended payment plans, providing discounts, and addressing sensitive financial situations with patients experiencing health challenges.
• Collaborate with nursing units and Care Management to determine a patient's medical and mental condition before visiting the patient in their room.
• Document patients who cannot meet and perform a follow-up visit daily.
• Develop working relationships with government agency representatives, including state aid workers, to expedite pending case decisions and provide requested documentation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Full medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer base and matching contributions.
• Paid time off.
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance, with additional buy-up coverage options.
• Tuition and continuing education reimbursement.
• Wellness benefits.
• Expanded employee assistance program and mental health program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed