Patient Financial Advocate

South County Hospital; Wakefield (RI); On-site; USD 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

South County Health in Rhode Island seeks a Patient Access Specialist to support the revenue cycle by collecting upfront payments and coordinating financial coverage. You will respond to patients and responsible parties by phone, mail, and email; perform outbound calls, set up payment plans, verify eligibility, and assist with denied claims to ensure timely discharge.

The role requires strong communication, accuracy, and teamwork within the Patient Access team; minimum three years of related

Qualifications

• Three years of related experience required.
• Experience with government and commercial health plan insurer coverage, claim requirements, remittance processing and sliding scales.
• Working knowledge of health care coding systems (Procedural, Diagnosis, Modifier, Remittance and others).
• Able to read medical notes and utilize coding resources.
• Proficient data entry, word processing, spreadsheets and general computer skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork within the Patient Access team.

Responsibilities

• Assist revenue cycle components to obtain financial coverage before discharge and after care.
• Make outgoing calls and send correspondence to patients and responsible parties on outstanding balances.
• Collect upfront payments such as co-pays and deductibles, and arrange payment plans when needed.
• Coordinate benefits and health plan coverage and determine eligibility for financial assistance and denials.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Verbal communication

Tools

Patient accounting system

Job description

Hours: Flexible, as needed by department

On Call Rotation: No

Holiday Rotation: No

Bi-Weekly Hours: 32

South County Health is an independent, non-profit healthcare system offering a comprehensive range of advanced inpatient, outpatient and home health services. Accredited by The Joint Commission (TJC),SCH is made up ofSouth County Hospital, South County Home Health, and South County Medical Group. South County Health has received numerous distinctions for patient care and safety over the years, which have included a 5-star rating on HCAHPS scores, a 5-star rating by CMS for overall hospital quality, and A’s for hospital quality and patient safety by The Leapfrog Group. Having celebrated over100 years of service to southern Rhode Island, South County Health offers an exceptional opportunity to provide our patients with the best care possible while enjoying a healthy work-life balance. We offer competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package which includes, health, dental, vision, tuition reimbursement, 403b, PTO, and a broad range of career development benefits and opportunities.

Job Summary:

The Patient Advocacy Program assists with components of the revenue cycle aimed at obtaining financial coverage before the patient is discharged and after patient care has been provided. In addition to collecting upfront payment from patients, such as co-payments, co-insurance, deductibles, fees for elective surgery, existing balances, or pre-care deposits. The position responds to patient and other responsible parties by telephone calls, correspondence and emails. The position makes outgoing telephone calls and sends correspondence to patients and responsible parties on outstanding accounts receivable amounts, payment plans, eligibility for financial assistance, health plan coverage, coordination of benefits and denied claims.

Minimum Qualifications:

Confident and experienced individual with working knowledge of Government and commercial health plan insurer coverage, claim requirements, remittance processing and sliding scales. Working knowledge of health care coding systems (Procedural, Diagnosis, Modifier, Remittance and others). M ust be able to read medical notes. Understanding and ability to utilize various electronic, web based and manual coding resources. Responsible for evaluating, processing and resolving patient complaints in accordance with policy and procedure. Ability performing transactions in a patient accounting system as well as the admissions module; proficient data entry, word processing, spreadsheets, and work file computer skills. Ability to troubleshoot problems and demonstrated attention to detail and accuracy. Ability to continue to learn skills and expand knowledge; Strong organizational and planning skills. Strong communication skills including verbal, in person, telephone and written; Demonstrated ability in being a cooperative and productive member of the Patient Access team and possess a positive attitude. Minimum three (3) years related experience is required.

Pay Range: $21.45 -$27.88

South County Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer.