Patient Financial Counselor

All of us, for each of you, every time.

Together, serving as the trusted regional healthcare partner.

Samaritan Healthcare's Business and Financial Services Team is seeking a Patient Financial Counselor! This position is responsible for performing backend financial counseling and collection activity as necessary to obtain payment from patients and guarantors in accordance with credit and collection policies of Samaritan Hospital and Samaritan Clinics. Works with patients and guarantors to find financial alternatives for payment of account, which includes State Medicaid, Financial Assistance, and payment plans. Reviews and approves all accounts for patient and guarantor statement processing. Prior to account assignment to an attorney or debt collection agency, reviews and verifies appropriateness. Assists patients and guarantors in the process of completing Financial Assistance applications and helping them identify a path toward resolution of account balance(s). This role involves communicating with patients and guarantors both in person and over the phone and requires a high level of customer service.

SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES:

1. Works closely with the patient to find alternatives for payment.
2. Receives correspondence from account guarantors commenting on payment, insurance coverage, billing information and all other details pertaining to account.
3. Resolves correspondence problems and answers by return mail and/or phone call with complete notes in patient account(s).
4. Assists with mail returns and attempts to find the correct address. Makes necessary address changes in computer and resubmits appropriately.
5. Researches patient or physician concerns.
6. Provides demographic and billing information while adhering to confidentiality policy.
7. Forwards accounts that cannot be resolved with account guarantor and all write-offs for approval to the department leader.
8. Initiates collection activity utilizing all appropriate means available to recover payment on accounts. Follows up timely on accounts for possible referral to private pay vendor. Documents collection activity within the computer system as required.
9. Reviews in-house collection correspondence and forwards all accounts to the department leader prior to referring to outside agency for collection.
10. Works closely with Patient Account Representative to ensure what is in self-pay is accurate.
11. Reviews bankruptcies on a monthly basis to ensure proper follow-up, as well as to protect the receivables of Samaritan Healthcare.
12. Reviews all statements on hold, on a monthly basis, removing the hold when appropriate.
13. Processes all Uncompensated Care applications and appeals in a timely and efficient manner.
14. Works with statement vendor to ensure accuracy of statement balances.
15. Maintains professional growth and development through seminars, workshops and professional affiliations to keep abreast of latest trends in field of expertise.
16. Ensures no injuries to self or others by following safe work practices and policies. This includes, but is not limited to: security and safety, understanding of MSDS, equipment, infection control, fire, disaster, safe lifting and body mechanics.
17. Ensures self-compliance with organization policies and procedures, as well as labor agreements.
18. Ensures the interface with team members and other support groups is conducted in a courteous and efficient manner conducive with the organization’s values.
19. Conducts self in a professional manner and ensures personal appearance meets the standards necessary to perform the job function while representing the organization.
20. Ensures that additional accountabilities, as may be required by management, be handled in a manner necessary to meet organizational standards.

Position Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent. Prefer one (1) year of college level course work in business, healthcare or related field.
• Experience in a healthcare or community outreach position strongly preferred.
• Previous billing or collections experience preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required. Must be able to work under time restraints and effectively perform duties.
• Must have working knowledge of medical terminology.
• Knowledge of Washington State Collection Laws and FDCPA.
• Washington Health Benefit Exchange Certified Application Counselor or Navigator certification required within six (6) months of hire.
• Basic Life Support Heartsaver (HS) level to be completed within three (3) months of hire.

This is an onsite position working at the Samaritan Business Building, full-time position working 40hrs a week, Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm.

Listen~Love~Respect~Excel~Innovate

As a Samaritan Healthcare employee, you will be asked to carry out the Mission, Vision, Values, and Strategy of Samaritan Healthcare, personifying service and operational excellence including the creation and maintenance of the best patient, employee, physician, and student experience.