Patient Financial Counselor

Mile Bluff Medical Center • Mauston, WI

8d

About The Position

The Patient Financial Counselor serves as the primary resource for patients requiring financial guidance related to their medical care. This role assists patients in understanding their insurance coverage, estimating out-of-pocket costs, and identifying available financial assistance options. The Patient Financial Counselor verifies benefits, facilitates payment arrangements, and supports applications for Marketplace, Medicaid, charity care, or other aid programs. By balancing patient advocacy with revenue protection, this position ensures patients receive care without unnecessary financial barriers while helping the organization maintain financial integrity and compliance with regulatory standards.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 3+ years of related work experience required.
• Training in Marketplace and/or collections required.
• Exceptional accuracy and attention to detail required.
• Intermediate proficiency with computers is required.
• Experience with billing/collections required.
• Knowledge of electronic medical records systems, healthcare portals, and collections software.
• Must have exceptional customer service skills.
• Self-starter with excellent interpersonal communication and problem-solving skills.

Nice To Haves

• Associate Degree or equivalent business experience preferred.
• Certified Application Counselor (CAC) certification obtained within one year from hire date.
• Experience working in the medical industry preferred.

Responsibilities

• Meet with patients to review insurance coverage and financial obligations prior to or after services.
• Identify uninsured or underinsured patients and proactively offer support resources.
• Verify insurance eligibility and benefits through payer portals or clearinghouses.
• Estimate out-of-pocket costs based on treatment plans, deductibles, and copays.
• Educate patients on billing processes, payment options, and financial assistance programs.
• Assist patients in applying for Marketplace, Medicaid, charity care, or other assistance programs.
• Set up payment plans and secure deposits when required.
• Collect payments at point of service or through follow-up communication.
• Document all financial counseling interactions in the electronic health record or billing system.
• Identify uninsured or underinsured patients and proactively offer support resources.
• Handle sensitive financial conversations with empathy, confidentiality, and professionalism.
• Monitor account status and follow up on pending financial applications.
• Conduct pre-service financial clearance to ensure coverage is verified before scheduled procedures.
• Review prior authorization requirements and coordinate with clinical staff to ensure approvals are obtained.
• Explain Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) to patients who are confused by insurance adjustments or denials.
• Track and report financial counseling outcomes, such as collections, assistance approvals, or conversion rates.
• Coordinate with charity or foundation offices for grants or sponsorships related to patient care.
• Maintain knowledge of Affordable Care Act marketplace plans and assist with open enrollment navigation.
• Evaluate residency, income, and documentation to determine charity care or sliding-scale eligibility.
• Perform other duties as requested.

Benefits

• Mile Bluff Medical Center is a place where people come first.
• Our team is comprised of caring, patient-centered professionals serving pediatric through geriatric populations in our rural community.
• Our not-for-profit organization prides itself on providing state-of-the-art healthcare services, a positive work environment, and a team where employees feel valued and supported.
• Mile Bluff is an independent organization that offers competitive wages, great benefits and the opportunity for growth.
• Mile Bluff makes decisions for its employees and patients locally without relying on a large health system in another community.

What This Job Offers

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