Description

BARROW BRAIN AND SPINE

JOB DESCRIPTION

Patient Financial Counselor

JOB TITLE: Patient Financial Counselor

DEPARTMENT: Business Office

REPORTS TO: Revenue Cycle Director

FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt

JOB SUMMARY: Position interacts with patients for the purpose of collecting outstanding patient accounts

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

• Prolonged sitting, standing, some bending, stooping and stretching and/or walking
• Eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer keyboard, photocopier, fax machine, telephone, calculator, and other office equipment
• Normal range of hearing and vision to record, prepare, and communicate appropriate reports

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS: 

• Work is performed in an office environment, with contact with patients, office staff, physicians, etc.
• Overtime as required

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: 

· Answers and handles telephone calls pertaining to outstanding account balances

· General filing as needed. 

· Interacts with physician and/or his/her representative regarding problem patient outstanding account. 

· Makes financial arrangements with patients for payment.

· Interacts with collection agencies as required.

· Defines and monitors budget payment programs, making sure that patients are complying with their agreements.

· Composes correspondence as required.

· Follows up on all Bankruptcy Accounts and Deceased Patient Account Processing, etc.

· Work new status in collection module on a regular basis.

· Follows up on mail return

· Mails form letters to patients to encourage payment of delinquent accounts.

· Confers with patients by telephone in attempt to determine reason for overdue payment, reviewing terms of credit policy

· Records information about financial status of patient and status of collection efforts

· Process patient receipts per BBS standards.

· Return all voice mail messages within a 24 hour period

· Attends staff meetings and participates in special committees

· Other duties and assignments as necessary

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS:

· Reports to work regularly without undue tardiness

· Maintains positive attitude and demonstrates the utmost in professionalism

· Dresses appropriately and professionally 

· Completes work accurately and in a timely manner

· Excellent oral, written & telephone communication skills, along with tact, diplomacy, and strong customer service orientation

· Prioritizes work activities and receives and assumes multiple job duties

· Maintains effective working relationships with physicians, administration, BBS staff members, and hospital personnel

· Requires flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

· Requires flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends 

· Prior experience in a private practice or hospital setting preferable

· Insurance billing experience utilizing CPT and ICD-10 coding

· Extensive background knowledge of the hospital admitting process

· High school or G.E.D.