Patient Financial Counselor

Geisinger • Pittston, PA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Provides financial counseling in person or by telephone for patients in designated areas, including scheduled or elective admissions, inpatient and outpatient surgeries, and outpatient clinical services. Coordinates and completes patient billing and collection functions during 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 co-payments, deductibles, and estimated remaining balances at the point of service.

The role interviews patients with inadequate or no insurance, assesses eligibility for public and private assistance programs, discusses care costs and financial circumstances, and arranges appropriate payment options. It also supports financial clearance, account resolution, collections, patient education, reporting, and coordination among Revenue Management teams, clinical departments, providers, insurers, employers, and patients. 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 healthcare 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 financial terms before services when applicable.
• Follow Revenue Management policies and procedures for financial matters and payment arrangements.
• Assess patient eligibility for Medicaid and other federal, state, local, or private assistance sources.
• Discuss care prices and patients’ financial situations, collect demographic and financial information, and advocate for patients by explaining what to expect financially.
• Answer patient questions about financial matters, billing, and account status; take ownership of issues and ensure timely resolution.
• Provide oversight for an assigned department and serve as a possible first point of contact for Patient Financial Services.
• Provide backup coverage and support for other departments and prepare report analyses for areas not covered by a Coordinator.
• Coordinate financial counseling with Revenue Management teams, Practice Consultants, Utilization Management, Care Management, providers, Geisinger and clinical departments, and patients.
• 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 and ensure proper allocation of funds; identify opportunities and provide trend information, findings, 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 time frames.
• Help maintain control of self-pay accounts receivable.
• Resolve accounts through charity, vendor referrals, financial status determination, or other options allowed 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 address financial clearance, insurance, billing, collection, and related concerns.
• Complete and update patient records in the Electronic Medical Record using 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.
• 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
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED