Patient Access Representative (Financial Counselor)

UnitedHealth Group • Bangor, ME

1d • $18 - $32 • Remote

About The Position

The Financial Counselor (Patient Access) helps ensure reliable cash flow, maximize revenue collections, minimize accounts receivable losses, and promote positive public relations. The role screens patient accounts for healthcare coverage, financial assistance, and linkage opportunities, and completes appropriate follow-up actions. The counselor assesses patient eligibility, coverage levels, billing requirements, and financial responsibility, and explains available Free Care, Discounted Care, and Payment Plan options.

This is a full-time, Monday–Friday position with scheduled hours between 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. EST. Occasional overtime and weekend work may be required based on business needs. The position offers telecommuting from anywhere in the U.S., with onsite training for three months or longer at Northern Light Health & Medical Center in Bangor, Maine. Occasional onsite work may also be needed. All telecommuters must follow UnitedHealth Group’s Telecommuter Policy.

The role requires full flu vaccination, including any state-mandated booster doses. Candidates must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation and pass a drug test before employment. The hourly pay range is $18.00–$32.00, based on factors including local labor markets, education, work experience, and certifications. Benefits and incentives are subject to eligibility requirements.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least 1 year of Patient Access experience in a hospital registration department, physician office, or other medical setting.
• At least 1 year of experience using medical terminology.
• At least 1 year of health insurance experience.
• Intermediate proficiency with Windows, Excel, and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to type at least 35 words per minute.
• Ability to work remotely with occasional onsite work as needed.
• Ability to complete onsite training for three months or longer at Northern Light Health & Medical Center, 489 State Street, Bangor, Maine.
• Ability to work Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. EST, with flexibility for occasional overtime and weekends based on business needs.
• Full flu vaccination; comply with state requirements for flu booster doses where mandated.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Verbal and written communication skills to interact adequately with the public, physicians, physician office staff, registration staff, and other healthcare professionals.
• Ability to work well with others and independently without direct supervision.
• Caring attitude toward patients, coworkers, and other customers.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities successfully.
• Close attention to detail.
• Ability to present in a professional manner.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills.
• Ability to use multiple systems and multitask.
• Adherence to UnitedHealth Group’s Telecommuter Policy for telecommuters.
• Pass a drug test before beginning employment.

Nice To Haves

• At least 1 year of electronic health record experience.
• At least 1 year of experience in Hospital Patient Registration or Patient Account Services.

Responsibilities

• Screen appropriate patients for possible healthcare coverage or financial assistance and determine eligibility, coverage levels, and billing requirements.
• Counsel patients about financial responsibility and assess eligibility for Free Care, Discounted Care, and Payment Plans; screen accounts for linkage opportunities and complete appropriate actions.
• Check qualifying patients daily and assess or offer financial assistance.
• Coordinate with departments to determine financial options and provide counseling for scheduled procedures and price-shopping.
• Record and prepare statistics regarding outreach for financial assistance programs.
• Maximize revenue collections.
• Minimize accounts receivable losses and bad debt using provided workflows, technology, and tools.
• Maintain a safe environment in compliance with Northern Light Health policies and procedures, and report or directly address environmental hazards and patient-safety violations when involved or observed.
• Identify outstanding balances from previous patient visits and attempt to collect amounts due.
• Serve as a Superuser for primary computer systems.
• Proactively identify process-improvement opportunities.
• Work on special projects as needed.
• Perform Financial Counselor (Patient Access) duties.
• Maintain current knowledge of admission, registration, and pre-registration requirements for all areas.
• Perform other duties upon request.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off accrued starting with the first pay period.
• Eight paid holidays.
• Medical plan options.
• Health Spending Account or Health Savings Account participation.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Life and AD&D insurance.
• Short-term disability coverage.
• Long-term disability coverage.
• 401(k) savings plan.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Education reimbursement.
• Employee discounts.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Employee Referral Bonus Program.
• Voluntary benefits, including pet insurance, legal insurance, and long-term care insurance.
• Performance rewards and incentive and recognition programs.
• 401(k) contribution, subject to eligibility requirements.
• Development opportunities for other roles.

What This Job Offers

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