Financial Counselor

Description

Join Andalusia Health in Andalusia, AL, an 88-bed, Joint Commission-accredited hospital that has earned chest pain and heart failure accreditations, and designation as a Baby-Friendly hospital. Andalusia delivers a broad range of inpatient and outpatient specialty services while embracing a shared commitment to patient safety and high-quality care. Grow your career with Andalusia, where we value your contributions to the community we serve.

Job Summary

The Financial Counselor is responsible for coordinating all financial aspects of a patient's visit, including insurance verification, pre-certification, collection of co-pays and outstanding balances, and patient financial counseling. This role also supports accurate reconciliation of payments, collaboration with clinical teams for financial planning, and documentation of transactions. The Financial Counselor ensures patients understand their financial responsibilities while upholding customer service standards.

Essential Functions

• Perform insurance verification and pre-certification for scheduled services, excluding Radiology and Emergency Department.
• Contact patients/responsible parties prior to procedures to provide estimates and collect co-pays, deductibles, and outstanding balances.
• Coordinate with clinical and administrative leadership to reschedule non-emergent services for patients unable to pay.
• Work closely with Case Management and Discharge Planning to provide financial counseling and collect payment.
• Accurately reconcile daily cash receipts and post payments.
• Complete and track refund and correction transactions.
• Provide itemized bills and financial documentation for attorneys, patients, and audits.
• Post and manage payroll deductions, prompt pay discounts, and GL entries in coordination with the staff accountant.
• Act as a cashier as needed, ensuring accuracy and professionalism.
• Maintain detailed account notes in the financial system.
• Support departmental and organizational cash collection and bad debt reduction goals.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/Expectations

• Strong understanding of insurance benefits, co-payments, deductibles, and pre-certification requirements.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a customer-focused approach.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities independently.
• High attention to detail with experience in cash handling and reconciliation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and hospital billing/EMR systems.
• Ethical and professional conduct with respect to patient confidentiality and regulatory compliance.
• Strong organizational skills and critical thinking abilities.
• Commitment to teamwork, collaboration, and high service standards.

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or Equivalent including education equivalent to completion of secondary school or demonstrated ability to perform the essential functions of the role. (Preferred)

Licenses/Certifications

• None required

Experience

• 1-3 years experience in healthcare financial services, insurance verification, or collections (Preferred)