Financial Counselor

Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH); Beckley (WV); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) in Beckley, WV seeks a Financial Counselor to assist patients who cannot pay for services and to set up payment plans for remaining balances. The role includes identifying indigent patients and coordinating with government programs and charities.

You will discuss financial matters sensitively, verify Medicaid eligibility, and work with outside agencies to secure funds. Strong communication and confidentiality are essential.

Qualifications

• Associate Degree in Business with two years of demonstrated collections experience in a healthcare setting.
• High School Diploma with six years of demonstrated experience in a Patient Financial Services or related office.

Responsibilities

• Monitors pre-admits to determine patient financial history for referrals.
• Identifies indigent patients and begins reimbursement processes.
• Discusses financial matters with patients with sensitivity and protects hospital interests.
• Determines payment sources or agency eligibility.
• Reviews medical records for charity eligibility.
• Assists patients with the application process for financial assistance.
• Evaluates and reviews financial info and submits to agencies.
• Coordinates with outside agencies for special accounts information.
• Verifies Medicaid eligibility and forwards forms to Patient Accounts.
• Maintains knowledge of funds and resources for qualified accounts.
• Ensures accounts meet qualification requirements for available resources.
• Monitors monthly payment arrangements to ensure timely payments.
• Performs collections per current policies to ensure cash flow.
• Identifies concerns that could impact hospital cash flow.
• Performs other related duties.

Skills

Insurance knowledge

FDCPA knowledge

Verbal & written communication

Professionalism & confidentiality

Multitasking

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Education

Associate Degree in Business

High School Diploma + 6 years experience in PFSC

Job description

Overview

The Financial Counselor is responsible to provide financial assistance to patients with an inability to pay for services rendered. The incumbent is also, responsible to complete payment arrangements for unpaid balances not covered at discharge.

Responsibilities

• Monitors pre-admits to determine patient financial history for appropriate referrals.
• Identifies indigent patients and begins the process for reimbursement from the appropriate government agency.
• Conducts discussions regarding financial matters of a highly sensitive nature with patients displaying the inability to pay while maintaining a respectful manner and protecting the hospital's best interests.
• Determines payment sources or agency eligibility.
• Reviews medical records for eligible candidates for various charities.
• Assists patients with the application process for medical financial assistance.
• Evaluates and reviews financial information and prepares applications for submission to the appropriate agency.
• Works in conjunction with outside agencies to provide special accounts information.
• Verifies Medicaid eligibility and forwards appropriate forms to Patient Accounts.
• Maintains a working knowledge of funds and other resources available for qualified accounts.
• Ensures that accounts utilizing available resources meet standard qualification requirements.
• Monitors monthly patient payment arrangement accounts to ensure timely payment activity.
• Performs collections of delinquent contractual accounts in accordance with current policies and procedures to ensure proper cash flow.
• Identifies and communicates to management any concerns which could result in an adverse impact to the hospital's cash flow.
• Performs other related assigned duties.

Qualifications

Education

• Associate Degree in Business with two (2) years of demonstrated successful collections experience in a healthcare setting; OR
• High School Diploma with six (6) years of demonstrated experience in a Patient Financial Services, Business Office, or Patient Access office.

Required Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Knowledge of private insurance and government program requirements.
• Knowledge of Fair Debt Collection Practices regulations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be articulate and tactful when communicating with patients, families, agencies, and staff.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks in a busy environment.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse personalities.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and customer service skills.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality when handling sensitive financial information.