At Houston Methodist, the Financial Counselor position is responsible for screening patients for financial assistance programs to reduce bad debt and improve the likelihood of securing the payment for services rendered. This position assists in notifying patients of their financial responsibility, helping them understand their payment options, and collecting payments. Other duties include performing complex financial counseling functions (e.g., extended payment arrangements, discounts, single case agreements, case rates, etc.).
PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic team focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal departmental and organizational results.
Supports team members with questions regarding eligibility/benefit information for patients receiving services. Seeks management assistance appropriately.
Demonstrates a high degree of professionalism and effectively engages with a diverse customer base, including patients/visitors, physician office staff, and representatives from internal departments and external organizations. Gives appropriate status updates.
SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Contacts and educates patients on matters related to insurance benefits and payment options or collects past balances including bad debt. Answers any questions posed by the patient related to a billing or financial concern.
Counsels patients regarding potential financial assistance eligibility and the process for application. Collects financial information from patient and other sources (e.g., financial profile from electronic database).
Contributes to patient, employee, and physician satisfaction as well as effective revenue cycle process.
QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Reviews the completed application for accuracy, making the initial determination for approval and alerting the department manager of potential concerns.
Enters and updates patient data into the electronic medical record with a high level of thoroughness, accuracy and timeliness. Completes assigned work queues.
FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Reviews in-house self-pay patients and assures they receive financial counseling, as applicable. Collaborates with applicable vendor to identify all sources of potential payment to secure funds for hospital (e.g., COBRA, worker's compensation, etc.). Provides 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.
Completes financial assistance calculation worksheets and submits for appropriate level of approval.
Collects patient payments and performs 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. May perform cashier functions.
Fulfills monthly goals for cash collection.
Organizes time effectively, minimizing incidental overtime, and sets priorities. Utilizes time between heavy workloads efficiently and helps other team members.
GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development.
Generates and communicates new ideas and suggestions that will improve finance, quality, or service.
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.
EDUCATION
High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)
WORK EXPERIENCE
Three years of experience in financial counseling, patient accounting, or patient access in a healthcare setting, preferably in a hospital
Experience mentoring or leading team members preferred
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED
N/A
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
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
Working knowledge of CPT, ICD-9 and/or ICD-10 preferred
SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
WORK ATTIRE
Uniform Yes
Scrubs No
Business professional Yes
Other (department approved) Yes
ON-CALL *
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.
On Call* No
TRAVEL **
Travel specifications may vary by department
May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes
May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No
Company Profile:
Houston Methodist West Hospital is committed to leading medicine in West Houston, Katy and surrounding communities by delivering the Houston Methodist standard of exceptional safety, quality, service and innovation. The growing campus offers 253 beds and access to the most innovative medical and surgical care available, including cardiology and cardiovascular surgery; neurology and neurosurgery; comprehensive cancer care; orthopedics and sports medicine; gastroenterology; bariatrics; childbirth center with level III NICU; emergency care; and advanced imaging.
Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Equal employment opportunity is a sound and just concept to which Houston Methodist is firmly bound. Houston Methodist will not engage in discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with Houston Methodist on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law. VEVRAA Federal Contractor - priority referral Protected Veterans requested.
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