Patient Financial Counselor - Behavioral Health

The Patient Financial Counselor works collaboratively with the Director of Financial Counseling to provide timely and proficient financial assistance to clients on insurance questions and Co-pays/Deductibles. Insurance Co-pays and Deductibles are collected and processed pursuant to the Admission Department directives on each individual admission.

Works effectively with the facility leadership team to ensure success of the facility by completing the following:

CORE JOB DUTIES:

• Demonstrates a thorough knowledge and understanding of collection policies and procedures specifically related to Co-pays and Insurance Deductibles in respect to in house Clients.
• Follow the procedures out lined in “Collection of Patient Responsibility”.
• Ability to collect Co-pays and or Deductibles within 24 hours of the Client’s admission.
• Have Client sign “Notice of Standard Billing Practices/Acknowledgement Form” within 72 hours of admission.
• Should Co-pay and or Deductible not be collectible, the client will need to fill out “Advance Repayment Agreement” for the monies advanced.
• Notify Admissions Team should the collection not be obtainable.
• Work with the Admissions Team on the solution and collection of agreed upon funds at time of admission.
• Responsible for validating patients’ benefits (insurance verification) using online applications; i.e. Passport, Navinet, Availity, or other application as indicated.

OTHER REQUIRED TASKS:

• Ability to update electronic via the Company’s electronic medical record software which is updated daily on the Client’s individual Co-pay/Deductible transactions.
• Facilitate Credit Card transactions for Co-pay/Deductible through the Sage Virtual Terminal.
• Submit the weekly deposit reconciliation to the local Facility designee or RCM.
• Assist Management with process improvement initiatives.
• Train New Hires when applicable.
• Ability to successfully track and follow up on information requests from patients or Operations Director.
• Strong customer service skills; answers patient and family calls regarding client funding; promptly returns or follow-up to all interactions; prompt response to all request for information, both internal and external.
• Maintain strictest confidentiality; adheres to all HIPAA guidelines and regulations.
• Assist with Month-End Close as needed.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks.
• Participates in professional societies.
• Follows all state regulations for development regarding professional license.
• Excellent computer skills and record keeping skills.
• Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to communicate accurately and concisely, written and oral

• Minimum of High School Diploma/equivalency is REQUIRED 
• Minimum two (2) years of experience working directly with patients on financial issues is REQUIRED
• Insurance Verification experience is a MUST
• HIM training/certification is a plus
• Experience in an inpatient environment is very helpful
• Any combination of the above requirements that will equip you to excel in the job

Position Competencies

• Proficiency in providing effective financial assistance and collection efforts to clients in treatment or transition.
• Proficiency in resolving issues and concerns within 24 hours to meet clients’ satisfaction and the organization goals.
• Proficiency in the collection and completion of payment arrangements for unpaid balances not covered by third party insurance or those having no coverage.
• Demonstrate the ability to be a team player and flexibility needed to fulfill the job responsibilities including adapting to changes in the work environment and accepting supervisory feedback.
• Proficiency in educating the clients of financial policies