Patient Advocate

Sutter Health • San Francisco, CA

5d • $34 - $46

About The Position

Provides financial counseling to patients and their families. Assists with insurance verification and eligibility, assesses patient financial requirements and insurance policies, and obtains preauthorization for services. Ensures patient issues regarding insurance claims and cost of care are handled properly. Builds patient and family cooperation through competent job performance, attentive monitoring and care, and effective communication. Adheres to local, state, and federal regulations, codes, policies, and procedures to protect privacy and safety while delivering optimal patient care. Collects patients’ financial responsibility and collaborates with ancillary departments.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent education/experience; equivalent experience may be accepted in lieu of the required degree or diploma.
• One year of recent relevant experience.
• Knowledge of patient accounting functions, billing, and insurance or other third-party coverage.
• Knowledge of insurance and medical terminology.
• Ability to interpret data and instructions provided in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Written and verbal communication skills to explain sensitive information clearly and professionally to diverse audiences, including non-medical people.
• Time-management and organizational skills, including prioritizing assignments and meeting deadlines within standardized policies and procedures.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, including managing multiple tasks in an environment with interruptions.
• Ability to identify, evaluate, and resolve standard problems by selecting appropriate solutions from established options.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with peers and other staff members.

Responsibilities

• Provide financial counseling to patients and their families.
• Assist with insurance verification and eligibility, and assess patient financial requirements and insurance policies.
• Obtain preauthorization for services.
• Handle patient issues regarding insurance claims and cost of care.
• Communicate effectively with patients, their families or support groups, and other healthcare providers.
• Adhere to applicable regulations, codes, policies, and procedures to ensure privacy and safety.
• Collect patients’ financial responsibility.
• Collaborate with ancillary departments.
• Protect the privacy of each patient’s Protected Health Information (PHI).

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED