Financial Counselor

Down East Community Hospital; Machias (ME); On-site; USD 36,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Down East Community Hospital seeks a dedicated Self-Pay AR Collector to manage the self-pay component of accounts receivable, contacting patients and arranging payment plans to ensure timely recovery of owed amounts.

The role emphasizes adherence to hospital policies, accurate data entry of insurance details, and collaboration with the PFS department to optimize billing workflows.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or college degree, or 3 years related experience implying strong communication and organization.
• Familiarity with statutes and regulations governing collections.
• Information technology experience is helpful; ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Process self-pay AR collections per policy and arrange payment terms.
• Refer patients to hospital payment administrator as appropriate.
• Assist with processing of free care and reduced care applications.
• Collect monies owed and obtain insurance information for timely recovery.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational management

Independent work

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Information technology

Job description

Description

JOB SUMMARY AND SCOPE:

To manage self-pay component of Accounts Receivable (AR) by collecting money owed and making payment arrangements as applicable.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Administer Point of Service Collections as defined by policy
• Refer patients to hospital designated payment administrator as appropriate
• Assists with the processing of free care and reduced care applications
• Collects monies owed from patients or obtains appropriate insurance information to ensure timely recovery of the outstanding accounts receivable.
• Contacts all private pay patients within 10 days of discharge.
• Enters appropriate insurance information if obtained and refers account to PFS department for billing.
• Responsible for arranging payment of all moneys due for services rendered under the direction of the Lead Financial Counselor, including setting up payment arrangements (in accordance with established policies) and qualifying patients for federal, state, or local benefits.
• Researches, identifies, and communicates any special circumstances affecting delayed payment of accounts to PFS follow-up staff for correction.
• Maintains self-pay account aging with an emphasis on resolution of accounts less than 90 days old.
• Responsible for identification and calculation of collectible amounts as identified by policy
• Identifies delinquent accounts, including accounts with payment arrangements, and makes recommendations for their disposition (i.e., referral to collection agencies, write-off, etc.)
• Continues to stay informed of any statutes and regulations that could affect collection of receivables (i.e. collection regulations, etc.)
• Identifies and provides estimates to patients as required by law per the “No Surprises Act”
• Identifies and refers patients requesting payment arrangements to Carepayment and communicates to Carepayment on a regular basis.
• Maintains a list of appropriate contacts and contact information.
• Performs other duties as assigned and overtime … 

*DECH is an equal opportunity employer.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• High school graduate, college degree, or 3 years appropriate work experience that would indicate a high level of communication skills and organizational management ability.
• Familiarity with statutes and regulations regarding the collection of accounts.
• Information technology experience is helpful.
• Ability to work independently.