Patient Financial Counselor

Financial Counselor I – Lewisburg Job Summary

Provides financial counseling either in person or via telephone for all patients in designated areas including admissions‑scheduled and/or elective, in/out surgeries and/or outpatient clinical services. Coordinates and completes patient billing and collection functions at the time of the initial interview, prior to service delivery, or after the insurance carrier has paid. Maintains close working relationships with the staff of the assigned clinical departments to ensure clear communication and handling of all patients’ financial needs.

Provides accurate and efficient service to patients, completing collections of co‑payments, deductibles, and remaining estimated balances at point of service (POS).

• Interview patients with inadequate or no insurance coverage to obtain suitable financial arrangements before services are rendered.
• Follow Revenue Management policies and procedures regarding financial matters and payment arrangements.
• Conduct detailed discussions with patients, obtain information, and complete required tasks to determine eligibility for Medicaid and other federal, state, local, or private sources as appropriate.
• Meet with patients on a one‑on‑one basis to discuss the cost of care and the patient’s current financial situation, obtaining all pertinent demographic and financial data.
• Serve as an advocate to the patient, educating them on what to expect regarding financial matters.
• Be personally available to answer patient questions concerning financial, billing, and account status.
• Provide oversight for the assigned department and may be the first point of contact for the department regarding Patient Financial Services.
• Provide backup support and coverage for any department and produce report analysis for areas not covered by a coordinator.
• Act as a coordinator between all Revenue Management teams and departments, including Practice Consultants, Utilization Management, Care Management, Providers, Geisinger departments, clinical departments, and patients concerning financial counseling activity.
• Calculate patient’s outstanding balances and finalize methods of resolving those balances through pre‑service financial counseling, point‑of‑service collections, payment plans, or other arrangements.
• Perform accounts‑receivable review for special pricing packages and ensure appropriate allocation of funds.
• Identify opportunities, provide trending information, and create detailed documents outlining findings and recommendations.
• Prepare receipts for collected payments, promote day‑of‑service cash collections, and collect outstanding balances systemwide.
• Request and assist patients by preparing pre‑service price estimations, educating patients on insurance benefits, and arranging mutually agreeable payment terms.
• Conduct research and follow‑up activities on assigned accounts per established procedures and time frames.
• Assist in maintaining control of self‑pay accounts receivables.
• Resolve accounts via charity, vendor referrals, financial status determination, and other options per Revenue Management policies.
• Perform troubleshooting activities surrounding Revenue Management financial advising and service issues and trends for assigned service lines.
• Manage assigned projects and tasks associated with these efforts.
• Assist physicians, insurance companies, employers, and others with requests concerning financial clearance and patient accounts for positive resolution.
• Coordinate with other departments to resolve financial clearance, insurance, billing, collection, and related concerns and issues.
• Complete and update Electronic Medical Record for all patients interviewed via billing systems and Geisinger-approved guidelines.
• Advise supervisor of unusual situations, chronic financial, medical, and legal problems.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and other third‑party billing requirements.

Work is typically performed in a clinical and office environment. Travel may be required. The incumbent is accountable for satisfying all job‑specific obligations and complying with all organization policies and procedures. These statements are not intended to…