Financial Counselor - Self Pay Advocacy - Full-time with Benefits

Job Summary

Supports, and is responsible for incorporating into job performance, the Frederick Health (FH) mission, vision, core values and customer service philosophy and adheres to the FH Compliance Program, including following all regulatory requirements and the FH Standards of Behavior.

Under general direction of the Medicaid Advocacy and SelfPay Manager, this position is responsible for counseling patients regarding insurance benefits and recommend alternate sources of payments and financial assistance to uninsured/underinsured patients and families. Assist patients with applying for Medicaid coverage and private insurance applications through the Healthcare Marketplace. The Patient Financial Counselor assists in obtaining discounted care for under income candidates and helps them resolve any current outstanding debt on existing accounts.

Example of Essential Functions:

• Project a positive and helpful demeanor while working with patients, visitors, and staff.
• Collect appropriate deposit, deductible and/or co-insurance amounts from patient/guarantor at pre-admit, admit, in house or at discharge. 
• Complete insured and uninsured patient estimates upon request. 
• Responsible for timely documentation of all pertinent information on the patient account. 
• Evaluate guarantor financial status using credit reports, previous account information, eligibility tools, employment history, and all other income verification documentation, to determine the most feasible method of payment. 
• Gather and assess financial data to help determine patient eligibility for Medicaid, SSI, charity and other financial assistance programs while working cohesively with associated vendors. 
• Responsible for working daily inpatient uninsured lists timely, including but not limited to patient assistance screening. 
• Responsible for evaluating, tracking, and adjusting all assigned patients for Charity. 
• Handle walk-in and incoming customer service questions, including but not limited to charge explanation, relaying/explaining insurance activity, and setup of payment arrangements. 
• Maintain compliance with state and federal regulations as they relate to Patient Financial Services.
• Manages accounts that have been referred to the early out vendor. 
• Manages accounts needing to be transferred from the early out vendor to outside collections agencies.
• Passes and maintains certification for Market Place / CAC eligibility to be able to assist patients needing help applying for health care coverage. 
• Manages accounts needing to be written off to bankruptcy. 
• Functions as a liaison for the department to ensure open and effective communications between Case Managers and Patient Access. 
• Processes patient correspondence, queries and disputes from our collection agencies

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Computer skills, will be working in multiple accounting systems.  Hospital, Physician and Home Health
• Mathematical, organization skill and business correspondence skills
• Basic knowledge in downloading/creating spreadsheets in Microsoft Excel
• Proficient on 10 key, printers, telephone, copiers, and fax.  Familiar with medical terminology and third party payer methodology.  Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of Medical necessity and compliance laws. 
• Excellent oral/written communication and professional skills in relating to patients and their families.  
• Good understanding of other resources or programs available for patients and families.  
• Thorough knowledge of payment policies, patient assistance policies, verification and billing processes.
• Must demonstrate ability to manage time, deadlines, multiple request and priorities, maintain productivity and exercise good judgment with minimal supervision

Minimum Education, Training, and Experience Required:

• High school diploma or GED required.  Some college coursework preferred (Business/Health Sciences)
• A minimum of one year hospital/physician billing/follow-up experience is preferred.

Caring for you as you care for the CommUNITY
Frederick Health offers a comprehensive and affordable benefits package. Health, Dental and Vision insurance are offered the 1st of the month after 30 days of employment to all employees hired to work at least 20 hours per week and we offer multiple plans to best meet your and your family's needs. Life insurance, Short-Term Income Replacement and Long-Term Disability are employer paid for eligible employees. Frederick Health offers a robust Paid Time Off program for eligible employees. Our 403B retirement plan helps you save for your retirement and includes an employer match to eligible employees. All employees have access to free financial planning sessions. We also offer an educational assistance program to support your education goals as well as an employer paid Employee Assistance Program.

Pay is based on experience, skills and education. If position is part-time, salary will be pro-rated based on scheduled hours. The pay range may also vary within the stated range based on specialty if applicable. Non-Exempt positions may have shift differential and/or Overtime paid, if applicable.

Hourly Range: $18.34– $25.60