Financial Counselor

Overview:

Under general supervision, is responsible for representing North Arkansas regional Medical Center as an exemplary hospital in the region. The Financial Counselor position requires fundamental knowledge of NARMC collection policy as well as the many different options that a patient may have for financial assistance. NARMC Financial Counselor will be the embodiment of the hospitals mission, vision and values. The Financial Counselor will greet patients or family members upon arrival within the business office and assist them in answering any questions or concerns they may have regarding billing issues. The Financial Counselor will have knowledge of all aspects of the department process from the registration process thru the billing

Responsibilities:

• Promote the mission, vision, and values of the organization
• Review daily IP, ER, Surgery and OP admissions that are Private Pay
• Conduct interview with patients and / or family members
• Records and maintains complete documentation of activities performed on account while in-house
• Notifies hospital case management, social services and admission staff of case screening determinations and outcomes via verbal and written communications
• Calculate and collect cash payments appropriately for all patients
• Advises self-pay patients of their medical and dental care options available in the community for future follow-up care
• Explains hospital regulations, such as visiting hours, payment of accounts, charges, etc.
• Participates in data gathering for financial reporting
• Work closely with Case Management (UR) on a daily basis in regards to patient status changes; whether this would include patient type or insurance notification or insurance coverage
• Set up arrangements / monthly installment plans for patients to payoff balances within the guidelines of RGH collection policy.
• Maintain a knowledge base of programs offered by NARMC

As a Financial Counselor the following are to be encouraged and are to be followed by all Business Office Ambassadors that report to the Business Office Director:

Greet all patients, families and hospital visitors with a positive, cheerful attitude

Uphold the mission, vision and values of North Arkansas Regional Medical Center (NARMC)

Be knowledgeable on all of NARMC services, including the NARMC Clinic

Be willing to serve as a communications person between the department and hospital

Non-Essential Functions

Perform other duties as assigned

Professional Requirements

Maintain patient confidentiality at all times

Maintain professional attire

Complete continued education/training requirements

Report to work on time and as scheduled Represent the organization in a positive and professional manner at all times

Communicate the mission, ethics and goals of the organization

Participate in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement activities

Comply with all organizational policies and standards regarding ethical business practices

Wear identification while on duty

Qualifications:

Required

Preferred

Education:

High school education or GED

Experience:

Six months previous hospital registration, billing and collections, financial counseling, and/or customer service experience

Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Ability to read, write, speak and understand English

Basic computer knowledge

Typing speed: minimum of 40 wpm

(No active formal counseling if internal applicant)

Medical terminology knowledge

Knowledge of CPT / ICD-9 coding helpful.

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