Patient Financial Counselor

Geisinger•State College, PA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Provides financial counseling in person or by telephone to patients in designated areas, including admissions, scheduled or elective services, surgeries, and outpatient clinical care. Coordinates and completes patient billing and collection activities at the initial interview, before services are rendered, and/or after insurance payment. Works closely with assigned clinical departments to communicate and address patients’ financial needs, and provides accurate, efficient service. Collects co-payments, deductibles, and estimated balances at the point of service. The role counsels patients about care costs, insurance benefits, payment options, financial assistance, and account status. It coordinates with Revenue Management teams and other internal and external partners to support financial clearance, billing, collections, and resolution of patient account concerns. Work is typically performed in a clinical and office environment, and travel may be required.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

Associate 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 patients’ financial situations, gather demographic and financial information, and determine eligibility for Medicaid and other public or private assistance sources.
Educate patients about care costs, insurance benefits, financial processes, and what to expect; answer questions about billing and account status.
Take ownership of patient concerns and ensure timely resolution and satisfaction.
Provide oversight for an assigned department, serve as a possible first point of contact for Patient Financial Services, and provide backup coverage and reporting support to other departments.
Coordinate financial counseling activity among Revenue Management teams, clinical departments, providers, patients, and other relevant partners.
Calculate outstanding balances and arrange resolution through pre-service counseling, point-of-service collections, payment plans, or other arrangements.
Review accounts receivable for special pricing packages, allocate funds appropriately, identify opportunities, and provide trend information and recommendations.
Prepare receipts for payments collected, including past and future payments, and promote day-of-service and outstanding-balance collections.
Prepare pre-service price estimates 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 using charity, vendor referrals, financial status determinations, and other options defined by policy.
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 electronic medical records for interviewed patients in accordance with billing systems and 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 and understand how the role interacts with other units in the revenue cycle.
Comply with organization policies and procedures and satisfy job-specific obligations.