Patient Financial Counselor

About the Role

Provides financial counseling either in person or via telephone for all patients for designated areas, including admissions-scheduled and/or elective, in/out surgeries, and/or outpatient clinical services. Coordinates and completes patient billing and collection functions at the time of the initial interview, prior to services being rendered, and/or after the insurance carrier has paid. Maintains a close working relationship with assigned clinical departments to ensure clear communication and handling of all patients’ financial needs.

Responsibilities

• Interviews patients with inadequate or no insurance coverage to obtain suitable financial arrangements prior to services being rendered for admissions, surgeries, and outpatient clinical departments.
• Follows Revenue Management policies and procedures regarding financial matters and payment arrangements.
• Conducts detailed discussions with patients to determine eligibility for Medicaid and other federal, state, local government, or private financial assistance programs.
• Meets with patients one-on-one to discuss care costs, financial situations, and obtains pertinent demographic and financial data to resolve accounts.
• Serves as a patient advocate to educate them on financial matters and expectations.
• Answers patient questions regarding financial, billing, and account status, taking ownership of issues to ensure timely resolution and customer satisfaction.
• Provides oversight for assigned departments and may act as the first point of contact regarding Patient Financial Services.
• Offers back-up support and coverage for other departments, including report analysis for areas not covered by a Coordinator.
• Acts as a coordinator between Revenue Management teams, clinical departments, providers, and patients concerning financial counseling.
• Calculates outstanding patient balances and finalizes resolution methods through pre-service counseling, point-of-service collections, payment plans, or other arrangements.
• Performs accounts receivable reviews for special pricing packages, identifies areas of opportunity, and provides trending information with recommendations.
• Prepares receipts for payments collected and promotes day-of-service cash collections and outstanding balance collections system-wide.
• Assists patients by preparing pre-service price estimations, educating on insurance benefits, and arranging payment terms.
• Conducts research and follow-up on assigned accounts according to established procedures and time frames.
• Assists in maintaining control of self-pay accounts receivables and resolves accounts via charity, vendor referrals, or financial status determination.
• Performs troubleshooting for financial advising and service issues within assigned service lines.
• Manages assigned projects and tasks associated with financial counseling efforts.
• Assists physicians, insurance companies, employers, and others with financial clearance and patient account requests to achieve positive resolution.
• Coordinates with other departments to resolve financial clearance, insurance, billing, and collection concerns.
• Completes and updates Electronic Medical Records for all interviewed patients via billing systems and approved guidelines.
• Advises supervisors of unusual situations, chronic financial, medical, or legal problems.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and third-party billing requirements.

Work is typically performed in a clinical and office environment. Travel may be required.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or Equivalent (GED) (Required)
• Associate's Degree (Preferred)
• Minimum of 3 years of healthcare experience (Required)

Benefits

• Healthcare benefits for full-time and part-time positions from day one, including vision, dental, and coverage for domestic partners.
• Collaborative, cooperative, and collegial work atmosphere.
• Diverse and inclusive workforce that values unique experiences and backgrounds.

Geisinger is proud to be an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.