Part-time Patient Financial Counselor

Job Overview We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Part-time Patient Financial Counselor to support our healthcare facility's financial services team. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of hospital billing processes, medical coding, and patient service protocols. In this role, you will assist patients with their financial obligations, provide guidance on insurance and billing inquiries, and ensure compliance with healthcare regulations such as HIPAA. Your expertise in medical terminology, case management, and discharge planning will be essential in delivering exceptional support to our diverse patient population. Responsibilities Assist patients in understanding their insurance benefits, billing statements, and available financial assistance programs. Review and process medical records, discharge summaries, and other documentation to facilitate accurate billing and coding. Utilize CPT (Current Procedural Terminology), ICD-9, and ICD-10 coding systems to ensure precise classification of medical diagnoses and procedures. Collaborate with clinical staff on intake procedures, case management, and discharge planning to streamline patient flow and financial clearance. Maintain strict adherence to HIPAA regulations to protect patient confidentiality during all interactions. Provide education to patients regarding medical terminology, billing processes, and available resources for financial support. Coordinate with hospital departments to resolve billing discrepancies and facilitate timely payment collection while delivering excellent patient service.

Essential Functions:

Note:

The essential duties and responsibilities below are intended to describe the general duties and responsibilities of this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties. An Patient Financial Counselor may perform all or most of the primary duties listed below. Meet with patients and/or guarantors over the telephone or in person at hospital location to discuss financial responsibility prior to or during hospital services Verify insurance eligibility, benefits, and coverage details Provide detailed explanations of estimated costs, co-pays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket expenses Assist patients in completing financial assistance applications, charity care forms, or government program enrollments (e.g., Medicaid, Crime Victims programs) Arrange payment plans and collect payments in accordance with hospital policies Accurately document patient interactions, payment arrangements, and financial counseling activities in system(s) Collaborate with admissions, registration, case management, and billing teams to ensure seamless patient financial experience Ensure compliance with federal, state, and organizational regulations related to billing and patient confidentiality (e.g., HIPAA) Address patient inquiries and resolve billing concerns in a timely and compassionate manner Maintain up-to-date knowledge of insurance requirements, hospital policies, and financial assistance programs

Qualifications and Requirements:

High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor's degree preferred (Healthcare Administration, Business, or related field) Minimum 2-3 years of experience in healthcare financial counseling, patient access, medical billing, or related role Knowledge of insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial payers Familiarity with hospital billing systems and electronic medical records (EMR, preferably Meditech Expanse ) Strong interpersonal and communication skills Demonstrate capability to prioritize or escalate patient concerns to management or hospital administration as necessary Ability to explain complex healthcare financial information in a clear and empathetic manner Basic computer proficiency (Microsoft Office suite specifically Microsoft Work, Excel and Teams (Chat and meetings) Knowledge of UB04 claim forms, EOB's and medical records preferred Strong verbal and written communication skills Basic mathematics skills (addition, subtraction, calculating percents, etc.) Ability to analyze and interpret documents, health insurance coverage, notes, and other correspondence Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment Organization skills with a strong attention to detail Accountable for punctuality with managing shift start time and appropriate break times

Preferred Qualifications:

Certification in healthcare financial counseling (e.g., CHFC, HFMA CRCS, or similar) Experience working in a hospital or acute care setting Bilingual or multilingual skills

Key Competencies:

Customer service and patient-centered mindset Attention to detail and accuracy Problem-solving and critical thinking Confidentiality and integrity Ability to manage sensitive conversations with empathy Time management and organizational skills

Physical Requirements and Demands:

Note:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions as described. Regular eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity is required to operate office equipment. The ability to perform work at a computer terminal for 6-8 hours a day and function in an environment with constant interruptions is required. At times, incumbents are subject to sitting for prolonged periods. Infrequently, incumbent must be able to lift and move material weighing up to 20 lbs. Incumbent may experience elevated levels of stress during periods of increased activity and with work entailing multiple deadlines.

Pay:

From $15.00 per hour

Work Location:

In person