Financial Counselor

Oceans Healthcare; Lubbock (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Oceans Healthcare is seeking a Financial Counselor to assist patients with medical bill questions and financing options. You will liaise with insurance companies, verify benefits, and help patients understand financial obligations while maintaining accurate account balances in line with contracts and regulations.

The role involves entering patient data, supporting admissions processes, and coordinating collections as needed, with an emphasis on confidentiality and compliance.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required and FTC collection rules apply.
• Previous customer service experience in a similar field is beneficial.
• Must complete CPR certification and Oceans approved de-escalation program.

Responsibilities

• Enter patient demographic and financial information in the accounting system.
• Ensure admissions generate proper labels, facesheet, and armbands.
• Document billing information for compliance and intake assessments.
• Reconcile midnight census for accuracy in patient accounting.
• Meet with new admissions to review insurance benefits and obligations.
• Update demographic and financial information in the system as needed.
• Initiate point-of-care collections with patients.
• Coordinate non-covered day discussions with Utilization Management and notify Financial Intake

Skills

Customer service

Communication skills

Confidentiality

Teamwork

Regulatory compliance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Patient accounting systems

Job description

The Financial Counselor is responsible for offering financial advice and assistance to patients regarding medical bills. There are the liaison between patients and their insurance companies; often coordinating payment and answering questions from both parties. Maintaining accurate account balances in accordance with contractual obligations, fee schedules, or regulations is required job duty.

Essential Functions:

• Enters patient demographic and financial information in the patient accounting system for inpatient and IOP admissions.
• Ensures that the completed admission yields a legacy system facesheet, armband, labels, etc.
• Ensures proper documentation is received for billing compliance – complete Intake Assessment and Physician Order.
• Reconciles the midnight census to ensure accuracy in the patient accounting system.
• Meets with all new admissions to review insurance benefits and financial obligations.
• Updates patient accounting system with additional or revisions to demographic or financial information obtained during patient visit.
• Initiates point of care collections with patients.
• Coordinates non-covered day discussion with Utilization Management and patients – scans signed form into the patient account system and notifies Financial Intake
• Performs other duties and projects as assigned.

Requirements

Educational / Experience Requirements:

High school diploma or equivalent as minimum requirement. Previous customer service experience in a similar field, including employment as a call center worker, credit authorizer or customer service representative, is also beneficial. Due to the sensitivity and confidentiality of financial records, collectors are required to be in strict accordance with the rules regarding collection attempts regulated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Qualifications / Skills:

Experience in Microsoft Office products and general patient accounting systems. Knowledge of third party payers, Medicare, Medicaid, and other payer requirements. Customer service skills for interacting with patients regarding medical claims and payments, including communicating with patients and family members of diverse ages and backgrounds. Able to work in a team environment. Ability to function with minimal supervision and complete understanding and respect of confidentiality. Follows policy and procedures that are in accordance with State and Federal Laws, JCAHO, HCFA and other regulatory boards as required by state and federal laws as well as the mission statement. Must successfully complete CPR certification and an Oceans approved behavioral health de-escalation program.

Work Environment:

Subject to many interruptions. Occasional pressure due to multiple calls and inquiries. This position can be high paced and stressful; must be able to cope mentally and physically to atmosphere. Work requires spending approximately 90% or more of the time inside a building that offers protection from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperature changes.