Patient Financial Counselor- Pediatric Dentistry

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 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. Provides accurate and efficient service to patients, including completing collections for co-payments, deductibles, and remaining estimated balances at point of service (POS).

Responsibilities

• Interviews patients with inadequate or no insurance coverage to obtain suitable financial arrangements prior to services being rendered.
• 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, and local government or private sources.
• Meets with patients one-on-one to discuss the price of care and their financial situation, obtaining all pertinent demographic and financial data to resolve accounts.
• Serves as an advocate to educate patients on financial matters and what to expect regarding billing.
• Answers patient questions pertaining to financial, billing, and account status, taking ownership of issues to ensure timely resolution and customer satisfaction.
• Provides oversight for assigned departments and may serve as the first point of contact regarding Patient Financial Services.
• Provides back-up support and coverage for other departments, including report analysis for areas not covered by a Coordinator.
• Acts as coordinator between Revenue Management teams, clinical departments, providers, and patients concerning financial counseling activity.
• Calculates patient’s outstanding balances and finalizes resolution methods through pre-service financial counseling, point-of-service collections, payment plans, or other arrangements.
• Performs accounts receivable review for special pricing packages, identifies areas of opportunity, and provides trending information with recommendations.
• Prepares receipts for payments collected (both past and future) and promotes day-of-service cash collections.
• Requests and assists patients with pre-service price estimations, educates them on insurance benefits, and arranges mutually agreeable payment terms.
• Conducts research and follow-up activities 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 activities surrounding Revenue Management financial advising and service issues for assigned service lines.
• Manages assigned projects and tasks associated with these efforts.
• Assists physicians, insurance companies, employers, and others with requests concerning financial clearance and patient accounts.
• Coordinates efforts with other departments to resolve financial clearance, insurance, billing, collection, and related concerns.
• Completes and updates Electronic Medical Records for all patients interviewed via billing systems and approved guidelines.
• Advises supervisor of unusual situations, chronic financial, medical, and 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

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

Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. This role requires working on-site at the department location.

Benefits

• Full benefits (health, dental, and vision) starting on day one.
• Three medical plan choices, including an expanded network for out-of-area employees and dependents.
• Pre-tax savings plans with healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSA) and a health savings account (HSA).
• Company-paid life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage.
• 401(k) plan that includes automatic Geisinger contributions.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) plan that allows you to accrue time quickly.
• Up to $5,000 in tuition reimbursement per calendar year.
• MyHealth Rewards wellness program to improve health while earning a financial incentive.
• Family-friendly support including adoption and fertility assistance, parental leave pay, military leave pay, and a free Care.com membership with discounted backup care.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with referrals for childcare, eldercare, and pet care, plus free legal guidance, mental health visits, work-life support, and digital self-help tools.
• Voluntary benefits including accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity insurance, identity theft protection, universal life, and pet and legal insurance.