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Houston Methodist · 1 day ago

Financial Counselor

Houston, TX

Full-time

Onsite

Mid Level

3+ years exp

Houston Methodist is a healthcare organization seeking a Financial Counselor to lead efforts in screening patients for financial assistance programs. The role involves educating patients on their financial responsibilities, assisting with payment options, and performing financial counseling functions to improve revenue collection.

Health CareMedical

Growth Opportunities

Responsibilities

Screen patients for financial assistance programs to reduce bad debt and improve the likelihood of securing payment for services rendered

Assist in notifying patients of their financial responsibility and helping them understand their payment options

Collect payments and perform complex financial counseling functions (e.g., extended payment arrangements, discounts, single case agreements, case rates, etc.)

Promote a positive work environment and contribute to a dynamic team focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal departmental and organizational results

Support team members with questions regarding eligibility/benefit information for patients receiving services

Demonstrate a high degree of professionalism and effectively engage with a diverse customer base, including patients/visitors, physician office staff, and representatives from internal departments and external organizations

Contact and educate patients on matters related to insurance benefits and payment options or collect past balances including bad debt

Counsel patients regarding potential financial assistance eligibility and the process for application

Contribute to patient, employee, and physician satisfaction as well as effective revenue cycle process

Review the completed application for accuracy, making the initial determination for approval and alerting the department manager of potential concerns

Enter and update patient data into the electronic medical record with a high level of thoroughness, accuracy and timeliness

Review in-house self-pay patients and assure they receive financial counseling, as applicable

Collaborate with applicable vendor to identify all sources of potential payment to secure funds for the hospital

Provide financial updates on a regular basis, which can include updating reporting and/or participating in regular meetings with case management and finance for in-house patients to ensure timely discharge planning and financial clearance

Complete financial assistance calculation worksheets and submit for appropriate level of approval

Collect patient payments and perform other complex financial counseling functions (e.g., extended payment arrangements, discounts, single case agreements, case rates, etc.) by following department procedures to ensure all collection activities are accurately followed

Fulfill monthly goals for cash collection

Organize time effectively, minimizing incidental overtime, and set priorities

Seek opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development

Generate and communicate new ideas and suggestions that will improve finance, quality, or service

Qualification

Financial counseling experienceInsurance terminologyProficient computer skillsMedical terminology knowledgeOrganizational skillsCustomer service focusInterpersonal skillsProblem-solving abilityLeadership skillsAdapt

Required

High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)

Three years of experience in financial counseling, patient accounting, or patient access in a healthcare setting, preferably in a hospital

Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations

Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security

Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

Demonstrates sound judgment and executes above average patient access functional skills

Exhibits strong interpersonal, teamwork, and leadership skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians, and co-workers

Ability to analyze and solve problems

Well-developed organizational skills with ability to multi-task and utilize time efficiently

Ability to adapt to changes in the work environment and modify approaches or methods to best fit the patient's situation

Knowledge of payer requirements, authorizations, and insurance terminology

Proficient understanding of medical terminology and diagnosis/procedural codes

Ability to remain calm in stressful situations with patience and understanding

Excellent customer service and professional communication skills

Proficient computer skills and ability to learn and navigate multiple software programs and payer websites

Ability to handle detail work accurately and rapidly