Financial Advocacy Associate (2026-0425)

Job Overview

This position is responsible to provide financial advocacy for patients and Valley Medical Center by exploring payer sources as well as payment options to ensure accounts are financially secure prior to rendering services. This position provides self-pay price quotes, alternative financing information and information regarding financial assistance programs. All communications are conducted in a manner that will result in positive patient relations and reimbursement for services.

About the Role

The position description is a guide to the critical duties and essential functions of the job, not an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, qualifications, physical demands, and work environment conditions. Position descriptions are reviewed and revised to meet the changing needs of the organization.

Department

Financial Advocacy

Work Hours

As assigned

Reports To

Manager, Financial Access

Prerequisites

• Associate (2 year) degree required or equivalent experience, college (4 year) degree preferred.
• Minimum three years' experience with insurance verification, Medicaid eligibility application, revenue cycle functions, hospital/physician offices or related areas
• Ability to use Microsoft Word and Outlook; EPIC system experience preferred.

Qualifications

• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks
• Strong conflict resolution skills as well as interpersonal skills and ability to build rapport with a wide variety of individuals
• Knowledge of payer reimbursement processes and insurance terminology
• Basic understanding of procedure codes (CPT, HCPCS, ICD-10 coding, etc.)
• Working knowledge of medical terminology
• Ability to identify and solve problems independently
• Demonstrates reliable attendance and job performance
• Requires manual and finger dexterity and vision corrected to normal range.

Essential Responsibilities And Competencies

• Responsible to screen uninsured or underinsured patients for COBRA, Medicaid, Financial Assistance or other payer sources completing and submitting applications as required
• Maintains Navigator certification with Washington Health Benefit Exchange
• Researches billing questions using EMR and billing systems, payer resources and is able to resolve or refer the customer to the appropriate resource
• Timely communication with all customers; internal and external; patients and caregivers
• Researches and identifies circumstances affecting payment of self-pay accounts
• Pairs with referring physician offices, insurance payers and financial clearance team members to complete financial clearance of services
• Communicates patient liability clearly and accurately while adequately explaining concepts such as deductible, coinsurance and/or copayment and how they may affect the cost of care
• Completes documentation of all actions, conversations with patient, staff, referring offices that may collaborate on account/services
• Collaborates with PFS, HIM, UM and IT regarding appropriate documentation
• Coordinates insurance referral/authorization requirements with UM
• Ensures accuracy of all in-patient insurance related registration
• Collaborates in all workflow design or process improvement work groups, as assigned by coordinator, manager or director and demonstrates awareness of financial risk containment both for Valley and the patient
• Connects with self-pay patients to explore assistance options; may work with financial counseling or the business office
• Informs patients of any convenient payment options (e.g., portal, mobile App)
• Sends price estimates to patients before their day of care but not so far in advance that benefits could change
• Attends continuing education workshops and other activities as assigned by management to keep current in all related hospital billing practices
• Maintains confidentiality of records or medical center information at all times
• Willingness to perform all other duties as assigned
• Performs all job functions in a manner consistent with Valley's cultural expectations defined as Valley's Mission, Vision, Mission and Values Statement. These characteristics include quality performance, demonstrating compassion, respect, teamwork, community-centered awareness and innovation.