Patient Financial Counselor Job Waconia area,Minnesota USA,Healthcare

This is a hybrid role.

Purpose of Job

This is a newly expanded role at Ridgeview and the ideal candidate should have experience and expertise in working with patients as they navigate the financial responsibilities of their visit. The Patient Financial Counselor is responsible for providing patients with a positive financial experience by helping navigate insurance benefits and understand potential financial liability. This role is the patient's point of contact for financial assistance questions.

The Financial Counselor collects payments, sets up payment arrangements, creates estimates, advises patients on their insurance benefits and coverage. This role will assist patients with eligibility for government programs, Ridgeview's financial assistance program, and other options for managing high medical liabilities.

Job Functions

Serve as the point of contact for all patient financial assistance related questions.

Communicate with patients to identify and understand financial, social, and medical histories and other relevant patient information.

Act as liaison between clinical departments, Patient Financial Services, and third parties to advocate for the patient and Ridgeview.

Gather all relevant information required to process financial assistance requests.

Assess the current financial situation of patients through the verification of patient insurance benefits; serving as the technical expert in confirming patients benefit coverage and hospital reimbursement:

Determine the patient's financial ability to pay and explain insurance coverage and benefits to the patient.
Initiate the financial screening process as appropriate to evaluate eligibility for assistance programs. Assist the patient in completing financial applications and gathering supporting financial documentation.

Determine eligibility for care at Ridgeview by assessing patient eligibility for Medical Assistance, Community Programs, and Government Programs:

Assess and offer payment alternatives which may include prepayment for elective care and applying for Ridgeview's financial assistance program
Identify eligible financial programming options and assist in completing all necessary documentation for specific federal, state, or Ridgeview financial assistance programs.
With provider involvement, determine urgency of scheduled care for patients with large financial liabilities resulting in either a decision to proceed or a decision to reschedule

Explain Ridgeview's payment policy to patients. Calculate and explain any patient liability before or at the time of service.

Counsel patients on out-of-pocket liabilities. Collect deductibles, pre-payments, and outstanding balances following established collection procedures; or alternatively, create a payment plan with the patient and document the agreement appropriately.

If unable to establish acceptable payment arrangements for elective procedures, inform provider and patient that services will be rescheduled or cancelled.

Communicate financial coverage status and applicable financial decisions with all appropriate parties: patient, family, referring providers, and Ridgeview providers.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education/Work Experience

High school graduate or equivalent
Previous customer-focused healthcare experience
Proven customer service experience
Knowledge of medical terminology
Patient financial and/or cost estimation experience

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Ability to effectively navigate a high-stress and fast-paced environment.
Ability to meet and maintain the necessary background checks as aligned with position functions.
Ability to communicate in the English language for effective written and verbal correspondence to complete listed job functions.
Ability to multitask and maintain…