Patient Financial Counselor

Geisinger • Danville, PA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Provides financial counseling to patients in person or by telephone for designated areas, including scheduled admissions, elective services, surgeries, and outpatient clinical services. Coordinates and completes patient billing and collection activities during the initial interview, before services are rendered, or after insurance payment. Works closely with assigned clinical departments to communicate about and address patients’ financial needs, and provides accurate, efficient service. Collects copayments, deductibles, and estimated balances at the point of service.

The role interviews patients with inadequate or no insurance, explores eligibility for government or private assistance, discusses care costs and financial circumstances, and arranges payment solutions. It also supports financial clearance, account resolution, self-pay account receivables, special pricing packages, and service-line troubleshooting. The counselor maintains patient records in approved systems, conducts account research and follow-up, and coordinates with internal teams and external parties to resolve financial, insurance, billing, and collection matters. Work is typically performed in a clinical and office environment, and travel may be required.

Requirements

• At least 3 years of related work experience.
• Ability to perform financial counseling, billing, collections, account research, and payment arrangement activities.
• Associate's degree preferred.

Nice To Haves

• Associate's degree.

Responsibilities

• Interview patients with inadequate or no insurance coverage and arrange suitable financial terms before services when applicable.
• Follow Revenue Management policies and procedures for financial matters and payment arrangements.
• Discuss patient financial situations, gather demographic and financial information, and assess eligibility for Medicaid and other assistance sources.
• Educate patients about care costs and financial matters, answer questions, take ownership of problems, and pursue timely resolution.
• Provide oversight for an assigned department and serve as a potential first point of contact for Patient Financial Services.
• Provide backup coverage for other departments and prepare report analyses for departments or areas not covered by a Coordinator.
• Coordinate financial counseling activity among Revenue Management teams, clinical departments, providers, patients, and other relevant groups.
• Calculate patient balances and finalize resolution through pre-service counseling, point-of-service collections, payment plans, or other arrangements.
• Review accounts receivable for special pricing packages, ensure correct fund allocation, identify opportunities, and provide trend information and recommendations.
• Prepare receipts for payments and promote point-of-service and outstanding-balance collections.
• Prepare pre-service price estimates, explain insurance benefits, and arrange mutually agreeable payment terms.
• Research and follow up on assigned accounts according to established procedures and timelines.
• Help maintain control of self-pay accounts receivable and resolve accounts using charity, vendor referrals, financial status determinations, and other approved options.
• Troubleshoot financial advising and service issues and trends for assigned service lines, and manage related projects and tasks.
• Assist physicians, insurers, employers, and others with financial clearance and patient account requests.
• Coordinate with other departments to resolve financial clearance, insurance, billing, collection, and related concerns.
• Complete and update patient records in the Electronic Medical Record and billing systems in accordance with approved guidelines.
• Advise the supervisor about unusual situations and chronic financial, medical, or legal problems.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and third-party billing requirements.
• Perform work with an understanding of how the role interacts with other units across the revenue life cycle.

Benefits

• Healthcare benefits for full-time and part-time positions from day one, including vision, dental, and domestic partner benefits.
• Collaborative, cooperative, and collegial work atmosphere.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Associate degree