Patient Financial Services Specialist (.FTE

Join to apply for the Patient Financial Services Specialist (.8 FTE) role at Lindner Center of HOPE

The Lindner Center of Hope is a nonprofit, comprehensive mental health center and global leader offering state‑of‑the‑science diagnosis and treatment of the most pervasive mental illnesses of our time.

• One of the first centers designed as a fully integrated system of care to address deficiencies in mental health care as identified by the Institute of Medicine.
• Innovative residential assessment, inpatient and outpatient programs in partnership with UC Health serving more than 54,660 patients from around the world.
• A leader in research and collaborations that are advancing the field and positioning Cincinnati as a national leader in mental health care.

The Financial Counselor serves as the primary contact for patients and families regarding financial assistance, insurance coverage, authorizations and pre‑service payment.

• Meets with patients admitted during the business day to complete the formal admission into the EMR system by collecting and verifying patient demographic and insurance information. Will also take the patient’s picture and save the image in the EMR system to be used on the patient face sheet and wristband as dictated by department protocol.
• Obtains the appropriate signatures on consents and assignment of benefits. Scans insurance cards, picture , and other appropriate documents into the document imaging system.
• If patient presents with new insurance, assists with insurance eligibility and benefits verification electronically.
• Contacts the patient or responsible party by phone to complete pre‑registration and obtain or verify all demographic and insurance information making updates or corrections in the patient account system as appropriate. Screens for medical necessity and completes the Medicare Secondary Payer Questionnaire for all Medicare patients during the pre‑registration process.
• Calls applicable insurance companies to obtain facility and professional mental health, substance abuse and eating disorder benefits. Accurately documents insurance benefits and patient’s financial liability in the appropriate fields of the patient account system.
• Alerts team members to any insurance coverage issues immediately. Follows up with patient/patient representative until resolved.
• When loading benefits, performs audit of accounts to ensure all of the required demographic, insurance, financial forms, and contracts are obtained and documented in the electronic medical record.
• Communicates applicable deductible, co‑pay, or coinsurance to patient during pre‑registration or upon check‑in.
• Collects co‑pay, deductible or other out‑of‑pocket liability including residential self‑payments. Accurately posts the payment to the patient account system and receipts the patient
• Sets payment arrangements as appropriate. Refers the patient to the financial counselor as need arises.
• Prepare patient cost estimates.
• Review the process for filing insurance claims for inpatient, residential, PHP, ECT, TMS, IOP, and Outpatient as needed.
• Assess the patient’s need for financial assistance during the admission process or at a time prior to the patient’s discharge.
• Determines patient eligibility for Charity care for inpatient/outpatient levels of care. Completes reviews of the charity application in accordance with the LCOH charity care policies. Obtains the final approval of the application from the Registration Manager prior to notification to the patient or family. Determines when renewal of charity applications need completed.
• Sends letter to patient notifying them of eligibility for charity care and charity amount.
• Provides education / counseling to self‑pay patients regarding available government coverage options.
• Monitor financial counseling work queues in EPIC for currency.
• Serve as the initial contact for determining out of network benefits and obtaining information for potential single case agreements or reimbursement.
• Work with Intake staff and other clinical teams on initial referrals to inpatient or other LCOH programs to confirm coverage levels prior to admission
• Wor…