Patient Financial Counselor

Geisinger • State College, PA

3d

About The Position

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

The role supports patients with financial clearance, account resolution, payment arrangements, and assistance understanding care costs and insurance benefits. It also coordinates with Revenue Management teams and other departments, conducts account research and receivables reviews, maintains records in approved systems, and ensures compliance with applicable billing requirements. Work is typically performed in a clinical and office environment; travel may be required.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least 3 years of related work experience.
• Computer literacy.
• Customer service skills.
• Teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently.

Nice To Haves

• Associate's degree.

Responsibilities

• Interview patients with inadequate or no insurance coverage and arrange suitable payment options before services when applicable.
• Follow Revenue Management policies and procedures regarding financial matters and payment arrangements.
• Assess patient eligibility for Medicaid and other government or private assistance programs by discussing circumstances, gathering information, and completing required tasks.
• Meet one-on-one with patients to discuss care costs and financial circumstances, collect demographic and financial data, resolve accounts, and explain what to expect financially.
• Answer patient questions about financial matters, billing, and account status; take ownership of issues and ensure timely resolution and customer satisfaction.
• Provide oversight for assigned departments and serve as a potential first point of contact for Patient Financial Services.
• Provide backup support and coverage for other departments and analyze reports for departments or areas without a Coordinator.
• Coordinate financial counseling activity among Revenue Management teams, clinical departments, providers, patients, and other Geisinger teams.
• Calculate outstanding balances and finalize resolution through pre-service counseling, point-of-service collections, payment plans, or other arrangements.
• Review accounts receivable for special pricing packages and ensure funds are allocated appropriately; identify opportunities and provide trend information and findings with recommendations.
• Prepare receipts for current and future 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 time frames.
• Help maintain control of self-pay accounts receivable.
• Resolve accounts through charity, vendor referrals, financial status determinations, and other options under Revenue Management policies.
• 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 using billing systems and Geisinger-approved guidelines.
• Advise the supervisor of 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 in the revenue life cycle.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

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