Patient Financial Counselor

Piedmont Cancer Institute•Atlanta, GA

3d•$28•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Financial Counselor is responsible for assisting patients and/or families to access financial resources. The Counselor assists Social Services with guidance to those patients who may qualify for assistance through state, county, and federal programs. The Counselor is also available to patients and families to answer questions regarding their insurance, give estimates of co-pay amounts, and to aid patients in obtaining additional financial support for services. This position is located at one of our clinical offices and reports to the RCM Director.

Requirements

Bachelor's or master's degree in social work or related field
If individual has MSW, he or she will continue to obtain current licensure (where applicable) to practice in state, or the ability to obtain a license within six months.
Excellent communication skills to include oral and written comprehension and expression.
Ability and willingness to exhibit behaviors consistent with standards for performance improvement and organizational values (e.g., efficiency and financial responsibility; safety; partnership and service; teamwork; compassion; integrity; and trust and respect).
Ability and willingness to exhibit behaviors consistent with principles for service excellence.
A minimum of two years’ experience in health-related agency or completion of field placement in healthcare setting.
Awareness of philosophy of care as it relates to Patient Financial Services.
Demonstrate knowledge of current resources and programs to assist the patient’s need for financial resources, i.e., Social Security Disability programs.
Demonstrates ability to act with sensitivity as a patient advocate.
Demonstrates interview skills and clearly defines the problems and concerns to patients and family systems as related to medically-related financial needs.

Responsibilities

Assist appropriate patients and families to explore options for financial assistance for medical services with referral to Social Services when appropriate.
Follow up with appropriate patients and families for financial assistance needs.
Obtain necessary insurance information for patients.
Answer questions or directs patients to appropriate staff members for questions regarding insurance, billing, payment, and/or collection arrangements.
Meet with patients to discuss estimated costs of therapies.
Work closely with patients and Patient Financial Services (PFS) department to resolve account balance issues and establish payment plans.
Ensures needed prior insurance authorization obtained for diagnostic tests (i.e., PET Scans and Medical Imaging).
Develop appropriate templates of charges by care regimen to assist patients.
Refer patients for “free drug replacement” from pharmaceutical companies as necessary.
Assist Social Services with HLA testing authorization for BMT patients.
Complete Disability and Medical Necessity forms to assist patients.
Collaborate with patient care team, TAs, and other departments as necessary to ensure appropriate scheduling of services based on patient support needs.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.