Financial Counselor I (VC)

About the role

The VC Financial Counselor I role screens uninsured and under insured patients at bedside and prior to or post services to identify government or charity programs to cover medical expenses. The position requires a patient financial interview which includes a review of hospital charges, the patient's insurance status and financial resources. It may include the completion of appropriate applications and diligent follow up for approval. This individual must possess the ability to effectively communicate, both orally and written, to a variety of individuals including: patients, case workers, social workers, hospital directors and executives while maintaining utmost professionalism. Must be multi-task orientated with excellent critical thinking skills and possess the ability to appropriately handle complexity and stress within the changing needs of the patients, families and the health system. It is expected that individuals in this level will acquire the necessary job skills, knowledge, team leadership and other qualifications through on-the-job and/or formal training in order to advance to the VC Financial Counselor II level.

Responsibilities

• Finds solutions to help address patient financial needs in accordance with Stanford Health Care - ValleyCare policies and procedures.
• Determines financial clearance for a patient's visit or referral (pre-service or at time of service).
• Checks eligibility and benefits, determines authorization requirements have been met.
• Assesses "risk" of cases that have not been financially cleared/secured prior to service.
• Clears low risk cases, escalates high-risk cases to coordinator or manager.
• Contacts patient regarding steps required to clear their appointment for services including collecting a deposit for the patient’s financially responsible portion.
• Quickly and accurately estimates a patient's out of pocket costs and prepares documents to present to the patient for payment.
• Assures secure handling and accurate recording of payments collected at the point-of-service delivery.
• Applies strong problem solving skills to help address the concerns and needs of the patients that the Financial Counselors serve.
• Effectively communicates, both orally and written, to a variety of individuals including: patients, case workers, social workers, hospital directors and executives while maintaining utmost professionalism.
• Maintains professional communication with various Patient Financial Clearance and Patient Access Services staff, medical center staff, physicians, guests, and patients regarding the services rendered at Stanford Health Care - ValleyCare. Communication may consist of telephone correspondence or in person contact.
• Must be multi-task orientated with excellent critical thinking skills and possess the ability