Medical Financial Counselor-New Jersey Ave-Hybrid position

Unity Health Care.•Washington, DC

10h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Medical Financial Counselor plays a critical role in ensuring that patients, particularly those who are uninsured or underinsured, have access to affordable care. Under the supervision of the PFS Director, the Medical Financial Counselor is responsible for providing financial counseling to patients in relation to financial assistance plans (such as the administration of the sliding fee scale), cost estimations, payment arrangements and/or resolution of outstanding balances while providing compassionate, patient-centered care. The incumbent will serve as a liaison between patients, providers, and insurers for billing and coverage to ensure both a positive patient financial experience and improving the organization’s revenue cycle.

Requirements

High school diploma/GED required; bachelor’s degree preferred
Minimum of 5 years’ experience in billing or charge entry functions and collections procedures, registration or related field.
Minimum of 4 years of experience with an EMR system
Minimum of 3 years’ experience in patient financial counseling
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
Proficient mathematical skills
Ability to multitask, manage, and prioritize tasks under tight deadlines and under a fast-paced environment
Strong customer service relations – demonstrated ability to provide empathetic, patient-centered support while maintaining financial responsibility
Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all patient interactions
Ability to perform presentations and interact with many different levels of UHC leadership.
Ability to assess patient accounts, identify financial challenges, and recommend appropriate solutions
Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
Excellent computer skills, including Excel, Microsoft Word, etc.

Responsibilities

Provides financial counseling services to patients in relation to payment arrangements of outstanding balances according to departmental policies and procedures and referral to social services when needed
Evaluate, process and re-certify patients for the FQHC’s sliding fee scale program, ensuring compliance with HRSA requirements
Provide upfront patient estimates for services to help patients make informed financial decisions
Maintains accurate records of patient financial interactions, income, and demographics in the electronic health record
Provides front-end support by reviewing the daily schedules to identify self-pay patients and ensures valid payment sources are established
Provides patient education by explaining complex medical bills, insurance benefits, co-pays, deductibles, and treatment costs when necessary
Works with billing, clinical, and registration departments to ensure accurate documentation and smooth billing processes
Responds to patient inquiries regarding account balances, billing concerns, and insurance coverage; returns all patient calls in a timely and professional manner
Reviews and assists in processing patient refunds requests and monitors approved adjustments for accuracy
Refers account adjustments (write-off requests) when needed to departmental manager for approval.
Records and maintains complete documentation of activities performed on patient accounts.
Works all assigned accounts from beginning to end.
Utilizes EMR system for tracking and follow up practices.
Performs other duties as assigned.