Financial Counselor (Full Time) at Lake Charles Memorial Health System

Description Of Position

The Financial Counselor supports billing and collections processes by verifying eligibility and benefits, collecting copays, obtaining, and maintaining patient insurance. Meets with patients and/or families to explain LCMH expectations to their financial obligations. Completes accurate forms for all possible programs including but not limited to Medicaid, 1011, SSI and Financial Assistance. Acts as a hospital representative on all matters involving uninsured patients' interaction from a point of service perspective - both inpatient and outpatient.

SUPERVISION: Reports directly to the Patient Access Supervisor

Responsibilities And Duties

• Communicates effectively with patient and/or family to explain benefits, determine eligibility and communicates LCMH expectations of resolving their financial obligations
• Reviewing all aspects of the patient bill(s), collection of liability for upcoming procedure(s), collecting residual and past due balances, reviewing alternate options for benefit coverage for both medical and clinical services
• Promptly and courteously assists and provides accurate information to patients regarding their accounts or services face to face, e-mail, fax, regular mail correspondence, phone call
• Plans, organizes, and prioritizes work to discuss with patients the importance of patient’s financial responsibility.
• Educates the patients on various available assistance options, as well as explains the financial impact of various alternatives
• Obtains and copies insurance cards and updates all financial data in the patient account
• Ensures follow up for all inpatient accounts are done in a timely manner
• Demonstrates the ability to adapt to varied age-specific patient populations
• Responsible for interviewing the patient to obtain necessary information in various patient settings
• Responsible for explaining hospital forms and polices the patients and family
• Verifies patients benefits and eligibility reviewing for accuracy
• Accurately processes FAP applications and communicates outcomes to patients timely
• Processes Medicaid Applications on Portal appropriately based on Medicaid guidelines
• Able to evaluate and escalate outstanding applications with FAP & Medicaid based on Business Office guidelines
• Understands Statement paths, next follow up dates and updates appropriately to maximize collection potential
• Understands FAP, MVA, Bankruptcy, Deceased and all Patient Account patient processes in order to properly offer assistance to patients
• Performs other duties as assigned to meet the organization's needs
• Supports organizational changes. Demonstrates flexibility in providing coverage and/or availability for unexpected absences or events
• De-escalate situations involving dissatisfied customers, offering patient assistance and support
• Communicates effectively with all patients regarding their current account status and explaining of insurance benefits related to Deductibles, Co-Insurance and Co-payments
• Follows appropriate payment guidelines. Approaching patients for Payment in full, Payment Plans and Future Payment information as appropriate per the call
• Manage insurance changes and requirements
• Document all calls, correspondence, and related activities to each patient's account
• Remained compliant with HIPPA guidelines and maintains the strictest confidential practice when dealing with patients' personal and financial information
• Demonstrated capacity to work under pressure and ability to multitask at all times on many different levels
• Accurately evaluates each account in order to determine what is needed, what is left outstanding and what steps are necessary to resolve the account in both patient Practice Management System.
  
  

The above statements are only meant to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those stated in this description.

Education And Work Experience

• High school graduate or GED certificate.
• At least two years experience in Healthcare or related field.
• Adequate keyboarding skills (40 words per minute typing rate); Basic computer skills.
• Ability to communicate with patient, family, peers, and medical personnel.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, including ability to discuss medical issues.
• Negotiation skills including assertiveness and being proactive.
  
  

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• Work requires light duty lifting.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office machinery such as calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.
• Must be able to exchange accurate information with patient, family, peers and medical personnel.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  
  

“Experience Memorial” is more than a slogan, it’s the care we provide our patients and it’s the commitment to our community and our team members. As a nationally certified Great Place to Work, at Lake Charles Memorial Health System you will have the opportunity to be a part of an organizational culture that supports not only exceptional patient care but also the well-being and professional growth of our employees. Join us and be a part of a team where your contributions are valued, your growth is nurtured, and your success is celebrated.

Working at Lake Charles Memorial Health System | Great Place To Work