Patient Financial Advocate

Presbyterian Healthcare Services•Montgomery, AL

11d•$17 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

Performs financial screening on hospital and medical group accounts to identify residual balances, high‑deductible plan participants, and self‑pay patients. Maintains thorough knowledge of assistance programs (Community Benefit, Medicaid/PEMOSSA, alternate resources) and Presbyterian payment‑plan policies. Researches and resolves disputed or outstanding account balances and applies strong understanding of PHS contract benefits, in‑network/out‑of‑network rules, and pre‑billing claim processes to counsel patients on financial responsibility. Escalates chronic no‑pay or bad‑debt accounts to the supervisor. Refers uninsured patients to the Financial Advocacy Center for assistance with coverage options, including Marketplace enrollment.

Requirements

High school or equivalent
Three to five years of healthcare experience in a physician office or hospital setting
Prior billing office and collection experience preferred
Significant provider and patient interaction experience
Familiarity with the Affordable Care Act and healthcare s role in assisting patients and patients families with health care costs
Must be able to interpret data
Comprehension of billing methodology for an integrated delivery system to include lab and other ancillary services in scope
Candidates must be at least 18 years of age at the time of hire

Responsibilities

Delivers exceptional patient experience using CARES, AIDET, and EPE tools.
Addresses and resolves complaints in the moment using appropriate communication.
Manages conflict effectively and seeks supervisor support when needed.
Calculates patient out‑of‑pocket costs (copays, coinsurance, deductibles, residuals).
Updates the DAR in Epic to alert staff of patient financial responsibilities.
Sets payment expectations during patient interactions and establishes payment plans per guidelines.
Ensures high registration accuracy, identifies and corrects errors, and serves as a resource for account interpretation.
Identifies claim‑filing errors and resubmits corrected claims to payors.
Collects patient financial obligations, including residual balances.
Refers patients to onsite Financial Advocates or the Financial Advocacy Center when appropriate.
Follows PMG cash‑handling policies and balances daily.
Maintains current knowledge of PHS financial policies, payment plans, and funding programs.
Documents patient discussions, agreements, and audit‑trail notes in the appropriate Epic account screens.
Understands the connection between service quality, patient satisfaction, and reimbursement.
Responds quickly to patients in distress and alerts clinical staff per clinic guidelines.
Maintains a clean, safe registration and waiting area and reports safety concerns.
Completes annual clerical competency for Code Blue.