Mercy Health Careers

Description

POSITION PURPOSE
The Financial Counselor is responsible for meeting with patients/guarantors, who require assistance in seeking and applying for healthcare funding (e.g., Charity Care, Medicaid, or other local/governmental funding program) and/or require assistance in reviewing and establishing payment options. The Financial Counselor is responsible for a broad spectrum of duties, beginning with the initial patient contact, via the pre-admit/pre-registration functions and ending with the control and maintenance of the patient's account until discharge. Within this range, the Financial Counselor is responsible for determining the financial status of the patient during the

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Performs activities that relate to financial counseling for multiple patient types (Inpatient Admissions, Outpatient Observation and Bedded Outpatients, Diagnostic Outpatients, Ambulatory Surgery, Emergency Department Registrations, Series accounts, etc.), dissemination of patient information, and support coverage of other departmental divisions. Frequent communications will occur with patients/family members/guarantors, 3rd party payers, local/governmental agencies, attorneys, employers, physicians/office staff and contracted vendors/agencies in the deployment of key activities. Internal contacts include the Pre-Service unit, Patient Access, Social Work Services, Utilization Review/ Case Management, Ancillary and Nursing department staffs. Assists patients in completion of Medicaid and/or charity applications.
2. Monitors reservation and scheduling information to initiate the financial counseling process on a pre-service, time-of-service and post-service basis. May interview patient and/or their representative either by telephone or in-house to accurately update demographic, clinical, financial and insurance data necessary to complete the financial counseling process. Activities may occur in multiple locations, including patient access points of service, ancillary departments, patient nursing units, Emergency Department, as well as via telephone. Reviews prior account notes for any information that might aid in the application/payment process, as well as documents all encounters and actions. Ensures that all accounts are properly classified in the patient accounting system

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
1. High school diploma or an equivalent combination of education and experience required. Associate degree preferred. Data entry skills (50-60 keystrokes per minutes). Past work experience of at least one year within a hospital or clinic environment, an insurance company, managed care organization or other financial service setting, performing financial counseling, financial clearance and/or customer service activities is required. Knowledge of insurance and governmental programs, regulations and application processes (e.g., Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security Disability, Champus, Supplemental Security Income Disability, etc.), managed care contracts and coordination of benefits is required. Working knowledge of medical terminology and basic computer skills are high desirable.
2. Excellent communication (verbal and writing) and organizational abilities. Excellent interpersonal skills are necessary in dealing with peers, internal and external customers. Must develop positive relationships with clinical staff to maximize the benefit and effectiveness of the financial counseling function (e.g., Nursing notifies Financial Counselor of when an elusive family member is visiting patient). Accuracy, attentiveness to detail and time management skills are required.
3. To successfully accomplish the essential job functions of this position, the incumbent will be required to work independently, read, write, and operate keyboard and telephone effectively.
4. Must be comfortable operating in a collaborative, shared leadership environment.
5. Must possess a personal presence that is characterized by a sense of honesty, integrity, and caring with the ability to inspire and motivate others to promote the philosophy, mission, vision, goals, and values of Trinity Health.

SHIFT
This position will be scheduled hours as needed on variable days from 3pm-11pm. Schedule created in advance, no on call. Located at the main hospital.