Financial Counselor

Job Summary: To collect all self-pay payments.

Essential Duties:

1. Contact all overdue accounts with a priority on accounts over $300.00.
2. Make payment arrangements according to policy.
3. Consolidate accounts according to policy.
4. Counsel patients as needed and note on each account via the billing system.
5. Patient complaints are to be handled immediately or as soon as possible and according to policy.
6. Prepare Reports: Bad debt list (regular), free care list, Medicare bad debts, employee discounts, employee health and small balance adjustments.
7. Send payment reports, itemized bills and suit authorizations to collection agency.
8. Send employee health benefit payroll deduction forms to payroll.
9. Prepare patient refunds for approval by Patient Account Manager or CFO.
10. Post payments received from collection agencies.
11. Send itemized bills to patients within 24 hours of requests.
12. Timely completion of free care applications according to procedure.
13. Monthly contract billing and timely submission to organization.
14. Write off overdue accounts to bad debt after completing free care process.
15. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Other Responsibilities:

1. Perform other work-related duties as assigned.
2. Ability to set priorities, multi-task and work in an organized manner.
3. Complies with local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

Requirements

Availability Requirements:

1. Must be available to work Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Education, Skills, Experience Requirements:

1. Minimum of an Associate’s Degree or equivalent experience preferred
2. Type at least 30 words per minute with accuracy.

Physical Demand Requirements:

1. Sitting: 4-7 hours/day
2. Near vision: requires 20/40 near vision
3. Speech: frequent, clear speaking ability required (4-8 hours/day)
4. Noise: steady exposure to voices, bells, buzzers, routine noises, and occasional loud noises.
5. Working with others: Great, association is frequent and comprises a major portion of the job.
6. Lack of control over pace of work: severe, work pace is primarily incentive-based, assignment based, or machine- controlled pace.
7. Judgment/ Assessment: frequent, must assess situation (s) and determine corrective actions needed.
8. Reading/ comprehension: must be able to read and comprehend grade 10 level of instruction.
9. Math/Arithmetic: must be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide.
10. Must remain calm and exercise self-control in working relationships with patients, staff, and visitors.

Work Habits:

1. Completes work within a designated time
2. Demonstrates the ability to work independently and is accountable for own actions
3. Shows initiative and follow-through
4. Demonstrates productivity at work (makes good use of down time)
5. Performs duties willingly and enthusiastically
6. Returns from breaks, meals, meetings and in-services in a timely manner
7. Takes appropriate actions when safety issues are identified (reports hazardous situations to appropriate person, removes malfunctioning equipment, etc.)
8. Follows recommendations designed to reduce worksite injuries (proper body mechanics, personal protective gear, safe sharps, etc.)
9. Demonstrates the ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful situations
10. Demonstrates judicious use of supplies

Organizational requirements:

1. Reports to work on time and as scheduled.
2. Wears identification while on duty.
3. Uses computerized punch time system correctly.
4. Adheres to Appearance and Dress Code policy, appearance is neat and tidy:
5. Fingernails must be clean, neatly manicured and of reasonable length. Artificial nails may not be worn in identified areas per Infection Control Policy.
6. Makeup and jewelry should be worn in a conservative and tasteful manner. Jewelry should not present a safety hazard or interfere with job performance.
7. Maintains and ensures patient confidentiality at all times.
8. Complies with all organizational policies regarding ethical business practices.
9. Adheres to safety policies as evidenced by in-service attendance records and employee practices.
10. Maintains regulatory requirements (i.e licensing, certification).
11. Attends staff meetings, reviews monthly staff meeting minutes of missed meetings.
12. Parks in designated employee areas.
13. Does not exceed 3% unscheduled absences.

Promote a Collaborative and Cooperative Environment:

1. Establish good rapport and cooperative working relationships with other members of the organization to promote quality care and service.
2. Handle conflict appropriately (use “I” statements to discuss issues, discuss privately and directly with the individual involved, obtain assistance from supervisor when needed).
3. Respond appropriately to change (remain open-minded, keep personal agendas out).
4. Represent the organization in a positive and professional manner (language and actions reflect the mission and vision of CMC).
5. Participate in performance improvement by identifying problems and potential solutions (Be Part of the Solution, Not Part of the Problem).
6. Treat patients, family, visitors, and co-workers with respect and dignity (address individuals courteously, knock before entering, keep voice down, display positive regard).
7. Provide exceptional customer service, thus contributing to the “WOW” experience (offer assistance before being asked, go one step extra to help, smile, and make eye contact when speaking).

Cognitive Environment Requirements:

1. Some problem solving required. Make independent judgments & decisions.
2. Continuously assess situations and determine corrective actions needed.

Emotional Environment Requirements:

1. Must remain calm & exercise self-control in working relationships.