Responsible for meeting with patients/guarantors, who require assistance in seeking and applying for healthcare funding (e.g. charity care, Medicaid, or other local/governmental funding program) and/or require assistance in reviewing and establishing payment options. The financial counselor is responsible for a broad spectrum of duties, beginning with the initial patient contact, via the pre-admit/pre-registration functions and ending with the control and maintenance of the patient’s account until discharge. Within this range, the financial counselor is responsible for determining the financial status of the patient during the financial counseling process. The position may also perform cashier and customer service functions. Adheres to the mission and values and standards of excellence of Hawarden Regional Healthcare in all aspects of job performance.
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ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES:
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1.
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Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide service/care appropriate to the age of the patients served, in accordance with Hawarden Regional Healthcare standards. Maintains a working knowledge of applicable Federal, State and local laws and regulations, the Compliance Accountability Program, Code of Ethics, and HRH policies and procedures, including all provisions of the Health Insurance Portability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). In order to ensure adherence in a manner that reflects honest, ethical and professional behavior by implementing the organizational vision, values, and mission.
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Assists in developing and implementing goals and objectives for the department.
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Frequent communication with patients/family members/guarantors, 3rd party payers, local/governmental agencies, attorneys, employers, physicians/office staff and contracted vendors/agencies in the deployment of key activities.
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May interview patient and/or their guarantor either by telephone or in-house to accurately update demographic, financial and insurance data necessary to complete the financial counseling process.
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Reviews prior account notes for any information that might aid in the application/payment process, as well as comments on all encounters and actions. Ensures that all accounts are properly classified in the patient billing system.
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Informs patient/guarantor of their liabilities and collects appropriate patient liabilities, including co-payments, co-insurances, deductibles, deposits and outstanding balances at the point of pre-registration.
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Counsels patient/guarantor on patient’s financial liability, third party payer requirements and outside financial resources, including private organizations and foundations, eligibility vendor(s), Medicaid, Medicare and /or federal disability programs, etc.
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Counsels patient/guarantor of payment plan options and establishes appropriate plan.
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Assists patient/guarantor in completing a financial assistance application and/or payment plan agreement when required and according to hospital policies. Analyzes such applications along with income/resident documentation in order to advise the patient of available options. Initiates requests for charity write-off, when appropriate.
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Assists patients in applying for Medicaid thru the Presumptive Eligibility website offered by Iowa Medicaid.
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Prepare special reports as directed by Director of Finance to document utilization of the Financial Counseling unit’s services and patient flow (i.e. patient service time, service volumes, application turnaround time, etc.)
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Serve as primary back-up to Hospital Receptionist.
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Assist patient account representative as needed and work load demands.
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Must have a general working knowledge of computers and department specific software (i.e. Healthstream, internet, etc.)
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Actively participates in departmental meetings, committees, conferences, and in services. Is knowledgeable of and complies with Safety and Infection Control Policies & Procedures. Participates in Continuous Quality Improvement activities as requested. Keeps up to date on new procedures and research. Maintains confidentiality of information pertaining to clients, physicians, employees and HRH business.
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Completes all mandatory training such as Healthstream, The Patient Experience, Safe Choices, Crucial Conversations and any other training as designated by Administration.
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Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
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The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties so assigned.
MISSION STATEMENT
Provide for the health and wellness of all in our communities through delivery of quality healthcare services close to home.
STANDARDS OF EXCELLENCE
The standards of excellence are the behaviors necessary for all of us to achieve our Vision. They are:
- Trust – Being a reliable resource for patients, families and co-workers by acting with honesty and integrity at all times.
- Caring – Displaying kindness and concern for others by creating a welcoming environment for all those who enter our facility.
- Communication – Giving and receiving information that others need or desire.
- Pride – Fulfillment of being a part of something bigger than yourself.
- Accountability – Taking responsibility for my actions and decisions.
- Respect – Honoring our patients, families and co-workers.
COMMITMENT
Must be able to embrace and adhere to the standards of excellence of the organization and support the Mission of Hawarden Regional Healthcare.
Must demonstrate good work habits such as time management, attendance, punctuality, team building and other behaviors aligned to the mission and values of the organization.
