Financial Counselor - Healthcare jobs in Bellingham, WA

The information described in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature of the work performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

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Job Summary
This Financial Counselor position is responsible for assisting patients and/or families by obtaining estimates for services to be provided, reviewing patients’ benefits with patients, discussing their financial responsibility and providing financial counseling and payment agreements. Location/Department specific tasks and competencies may apply. The information described in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature of the work performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Essential Functions
Coordinates interviews with clinical areas, interpreters, social workers, case managers, social security outreach workers, drug assistance coordinator, enhanced benefit coordinator, care mobile, physician/provider offices and community health centers as needed. Works in concert with other revenue cycle departments to determine when patient balances are eligible for Bad Debt collection activity and or adjustment. Collects payment in full, in advance, for all non-insured, under-insured and non-covered hospital and surgical day admissions. Discusses financial obligations with patients prior to elective surgical days or admissions. Communicates all information to provider offices and verifications unit. Documents all actions taken in the patient record. Updates all accounts to reflect the current account status with appropriate financial class and eligibility dates. Maintains expedited follow-up on to ensure retroactive coverage on applications for inpatient admissions. Screen and answers calls regarding pricing, no insurance or no physician coverage, etc. and ensures all mail correspondence is answered. Completes daily statistics summary report logs. Recommends improvements in systems and procedures. Complies with all established departmental policies, procedures and objectives, including but not limited to all aspects of the SRH Credit and Collection Policy. Meets established productivity standards. Facilitates and promotes the sharing of knowledge and content throughout departments. Follows all established Billing Revenue Cycle Management departmental and compliance policies and procedures. Takes responsibility for ensuring that all work outcomes satisfy the Skagit Regional Health System. The individual must support the mission, vision, and goals of Skagit Regional Health and serve as a role model for GREAT values. Adheres to change control processes. Participates in cross training to optimize department resources. Demonstrates excellent attendance and actively participates in a variety of meetings and training sessions as required. Demonstrates a friendly, responsive, service-minded attitude to all internal and external customers. Communicates ideas effectively. Shares information and keeps others properly informed. Gives, and is open to useful feedback. Adheres to the Skagit Regional Health Code of Conduct, Behavior Standards and Dress Code. Complies with established environment of care/safety policies and procedures and all health and safety requirements. Maintains and fosters an organized, clean and safe work environment. Contributes to the development and application of process improvements. Maintains a collaborative, team relationship with peers and colleagues in order to effectively contribute to the group’s achievement of goals and to help foster a positive work environment. Attends staff meetings and in-service programs as required or directed. Keeps current with hospital and unit changes by reading communication boards and/or books, bulletin boards, posted notices and reads and responds to e mails on a regular basis. Complies with established departmental policies, procedures and objectives. Attends variety of meetings, conferences, seminars as required or directed. Demonstrates use of Quality Improvement in daily operations. Complies with all health and safety regulations and requirements. Respects diverse views and approaches, and contributes in maintaining an environment of professionalism, tolerance, civility and acceptance toward all employees, patients and visitors. Performs other similar and related duties as required or directed.

Education
High School Graduate required. Associate’s degree in Business, Social Services or related field preferred.

Experience/Training
Preferred experience is a minimum of 2 years in a health care system revenue cycle, to include: one (1) year of experience self-pay collections, and 1 year of experience financial counseling experience. The only change is clarifying that the experience is preferred vs. required.

License/Certifications
Certified Application Counselor (CAC) certification required within 6 months of hire as a condition of employment.

Other Skills
Effective verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills required. Must be able to effectively utilize Microsoft Office applications to perform work. Well-developed problem solving and analytical skills required. Knowledge of health care regulations and organizational guidelines and remains aware of changes in the healthcare environment. Skills in interpersonal communication. Skills in efficient use of time, i.e. time management skills. Skills in analytics. Able to interpret documentation and billing guidelines. Able to organize work priorities and meet deadlines while handling large volumes of work. Maintains a professional and cooperative attitude with providers, co-workers, and employers. Able to maintain confidentiality of all compliance related information.

Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for long periods of time; when working in office. Repetitive tasks such as typing, sitting, answering phones, and interacting with computers and computer systems most of the day is a function of the position. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to focus. This position requires working in an indoor, environmentally controlled environment when in the office.Skagit Regional Health offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, 457b/401a (retirement), long term disability, and paid time off to all employees holding an FTE of 20 or more hours per week. Eligible employees also receive sick time pay.