Financial Counselor

Position Status:
Full time
Shift:
First Shift (Days - Less than 12 hours per shift) (United States of America)
Hours per week:
40
Job Information
Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

A Brief Overview
Under direction, responsible for reviewing and assisting uninsured and underinsured financially responsible parties to find appropriate sources to pay hospital bills. The individual must professionally interact with patients, families, physicians, other staff members, insurance companies and employers to thoroughly and promptly research and identify potential third-party payer payment sources. The goal of this role is to enhance customer satisfaction by eliminating or reducing financial concerns without interrupting the continuum of care. Under direction, the Behavioral Health Financial Counselor supports patients and families by identifying and securing financial resources to cover behavioral health services. This role involves researching third-party payer options, assisting with applications for government and non-government programs, and ensuring continuity of care by minimizing financial barriers. The counselor serves as a key liaison between patients, providers, and payers to promote financial clarity and access to care and improve access to mental health services.

Education Qualifications

• High School Diploma / GED Required
• Associate's Degree Preferred

Experience Qualifications

• 3 years Experience in a clinical healthcare setting such as physician's office or hospital relating to patient financial services, patient registration, patient scheduling or related healthcare experience. Related financial or accounting experience may also be accepted. Required

Skills and Abilities

• Working knowledge of basic medical terminology.
• Detailed knowledge of major third-party billing and contract requirements.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures or government regulations. Superior written and oral communication skills. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from management, physicians, employees and the general public.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages. Ability to apply concepts of basic Algebra.
• Exhibits a positive attitude with a professional and pleasant demeanor when communicating with all customers and providing information.
• Data Entry skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office and other financial software packages
• Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

What you will do

• Researches and identifies potential payer sources for patients who are either uninsured or underinsured.
• Assists patients/guarantors with the completion of applications to qualify for government or non-government health coverage. This can include but is not limited to: Medicaid, Medicare, COBRA, Disability.
• Identifies accounts which meet the criteria for referral to an outside vendor for review of coverage options and application completion.
• Completes timely monitoring and follow-up on patient accounts pending application outcome.
• Acts as a resource for patients, families and staff for anything coverage related.
• Conduct financial assessments for patients receiving behavioral health services to determine eligibility for financial assistance programs.
• Educate patients and families on insurance coverage, co-pays, deductibles, and payment options.
• Assist patients in completing applications for Medicaid, charity care, sliding scale programs, and other financial aid resources.
• Collaborate with clinical staff, case managers, and billing departments to ensure accurate and timely processing of financial documentation.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of behavioral health billing codes, insurance policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Provide compassionate, confidential, and culturally sensitive support to patients navigating financial stress related to mental health care.
• Completes thorough and timely documentation in patient accounts detailing assistance provided, progress and outcome.
• Understands federal laws relating to COBRA and State of Kansas laws related to Medicaid. Stays current with program and regulation changes by reviewing notices and bulletins.
• Ensures customer concerns are processed in compliance with organization's policies while maintaining the highest level of patient and employee rights, including confidentiality of patient information and personnel issues.
• Identifies and notifies management of customer service issues and potential process/system problems that cause billing and payment errors and assists in improvement implementation as requested.
• Completes the annual mandatory in-services and other conditions of employment requirements. Reads and comprehends correspondence from government and third-party payors to keep abreast of new regulations, policies and billing and payment requirements.
• Consistently uses diplomacy and respect both in person and when using the telephone, and performs effectively and professionally under stressful conditions.
• Document all patient interactions and financial counseling activities in the electronic health record (EHR) system.
• Stay current with federal and state regulations, especially COBRA and Kansas Medicaid. Maintain confidentiality and comply with organizational policies and HIPAA standards.
• Identify and report customer service or billing issues and assist with process improvements. Demonstrate professionalism and empathy in all communications, especially under stress.
• Complete mandatory training and stay informed on payer updates and billing requirements.

Required for All Jobs

• Complies with all policies, standards, mandatory training and requirements of Stormont Vail Health
• Performs other duties as assigned

Patient Facing Options

• Position is Not Patient Facing

Remote Work Guidelines

• Workspace is a quiet and distraction-free allowing the ability to comply with all security and privacy standards.
• Stable access to electricity and a minimum of 25mb upload and internet speed.
• Dedicate full attention to the job duties and communication with others during working hours.
• Adhere to break and attendance schedules agreed upon with supervisor.
• Abide by Stormont Vail's Remote Worker Policy and will review and acknowledge the Remote Work Agreement annually.

Remote Work Capability

• Hybrid

Scope

• No Supervisory Responsibility
• No Budget Responsibility No Budget Responsibility

Physical Demands

• Balancing: Rarely less than 1 hour
• Carrying: Occasionally 1-3 Hours
• Climbing (Stairs): Rarely less than 1 hour
• Crawling: Rarely less than 1 hour
• Crouching: Rarely less than 1 hour
• Driving (Automatic): Rarely less than 1 hour
• Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination: Frequently 3-5 Hours
• Feeling: Rarely less than 1 hour
• Grasping (Fine Motor): Frequently 3-5 Hours
• Grasping (Gross Hand): Occasionally 1-3 Hours
• Handling: Occasionally 1-3 Hours
• Hearing: Frequently 3-5 Hours
• Kneeling: Rarely less than 1 hour
• Lifting: Occasionally 1-3 Hours up to 20 lbs
• Pulling: Rarely less than 1 hour up to 20 lbs
• Pushing: Rarely less than 1 hour up to 20 lbs
• Reaching (Forward): Rarely less than 1 hour up to 20 lbs
• Reaching (Overhead): Rarely less than 1 hour up to 20 lbs
• Repetitive Motions: Continuously greater than 5 hours
• Sitting: Continuously greater than 5 hours
• Standing: Frequently 3-5 Hours
• Stooping: Rarely less than 1 hour
• Talking: Frequently 3-5 Hours
• Walking: Occasionally 1-3 Hours

Working Conditions

• Dusts: Rarely less than 1 hour
• Noise/Sounds: Rarely less than 1 hour

Stormont Vail is an equal opportunity employer and adheres to the philosophy and practice of providing equal opportunities for all employees and prospective employees, without regard to the following classifications: race, color, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, marital status, uniformed service, disability or genetic information. This applies to all aspects of employment practices including hiring, firing, pay, benefits, promotions, lateral movements, job training, and any other terms or conditions of employment.

Retaliation is prohibited against any person who files a claim of discrimination, participates in a discrimination investigation, or otherwise opposes an unlawful employment act based upon the above classifications.

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