FINANCIAL COUNSELOR - FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE CENTER

North Oaks Health System - Hammond, LA

Full-time

Hammond, LA

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations

About the position

The position involves performing account follow-up and resolution of patient receivables. The role requires daily interaction with patients and their families to provide financial assistance while maintaining positive public relations. The employee will screen patients for Medicaid programs and financial assistance, verify insurance information, and ensure proper billing and reimbursement processes are followed. The job also includes responsibilities such as making financial agreements, obtaining collections, and assisting with training new employees.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and interact with patients/family members to provide financial assistance.
• Screen patients for Medicaid Programs and Financial Assistance.
• Maintain follow up on Medicaid and Financial Assistance applications.
• Verify and correct insurance information for proper billing.
• Have working knowledge of insurance billing and reimbursement.
• Complete Charity Care Assistance Applications for indigent care patients.
• Interact with Social Service, Case Management, and Nursing Units regarding financial concerns.
• Assist irate patients and family members under stressful conditions.
• Make financial agreements per the Payment Plan Policy.
• Obtain monetary collections on patient accounts.
• Follow up on paperwork received from various departments.
• Research and write up account adjustments as necessary.
• Prepare and present Medicare notice of observation status to patients.
• Research financial records and returned mail daily.
• Refer accounts with credit balances for refunds or corrections.
• Refer accounts to Nurse Auditors for patient request audits.
• Process mail to obtain account information.
• Assist with training of new employees.
• Provide patients with COIB upon request.
• Contact Medicaid, Medicare, and other payers for claims status.
• Contact Collection Agency on Bad Debt accounts.
• Resolve problem admissions according to hospital financial policy.
• Work on reports assigned by Supervisor/Coordinator/Director.
• Transfer balances to patient balance daily after insurance actions.
• Call or write for additional information needed to process claims.
• Request medical records when needed.
• Serve as backup to Cashier and Collection Specialist.
• Handle special requests and administrative overrides.
• Report patient concerns to management for follow up.
• Document all activities pertaining to the account.
• Maintain open communication with all hospital departments.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA Compliance.
• Attend in-services and other required meetings.
• Achieve and exceed departmental goals.
• Maintain performance and productivity levels.
• Complete all assigned education via Net Learning.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• Minimum of two years of customer service, problem resolution, and telecommunication experience.
• Hospital billing experience desirable.
• Knowledge of Medicaid and Charity Care.
• Working knowledge of billing, benefit verification, pre-certification, and reimbursement policies.
• Medical terminology helpful.
• Data entry and computer skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.