FINANCIAL COUNSELOR

JOB SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for providing financial counseling to patients at Columbia Eye, including obtaining prior authorizations and accurately estimating patient financial responsibility for plastic surgeries and procedures. The role includes contacting select patients to inform them of their estimated out-of-pocket costs prior to surgery and securing payment in advance.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Communicates with patients their financial obligation for assigned provider’s surgeries and procedures, collects payments prior to the date of surgery, and post patient payments accurately.
2. Screens patient accounts for past due balances and collect prior to surgery date.
3. Works closely with Plastic surgery care teams and Obtains precertification for plastic surgeries and procedures.
4. Communicates with Patient Financial Services supervisor regarding patient financial issues.
5. Accurately notates patient accounts prior to surgery.
6. Assist patients with billing inquiries by phone or in person on location.
7. Assist patients in the office with balances that are in-house.
8. Proactively reviews patient accounts with outstanding balances ahead of scheduled appointments, flags account for timely follow-up and resolution, and contacts patients by phone when appropriate to secure payment or establish a financial plan prior to their visit.
9. Assists in Budget Plan setup for patients.
10. Maintains the bad debt process ensuring that bad debt balances are sent to the third party agency in a timely manner and bad debt payments are posted timely.
11. Assists the front desk with insurance verification.
12. Assists with internal doctors’ pre-certifications/authorizations when needed.
13. Serves as backup to other Financial Counselor, providing coverage and support as needed to ensure continuity of Patient Financial Services.
14. Must comply with all HIPPA and safety policies, procedures, and regulations.
15. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  To meet the business needs of the company duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

1. Associates degree in accounting and 2 years’ experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

KNOWLEDGE, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Proficient in Microsoft Office applications
2. Knowledge basic accounting principles
3. Strong attention to detail with a dedication to accuracy
4. Excellent verbal and written communication skills
5. Excellent customer service skills
6. Familiarity with accounts receivable functions
7. Ability to work independently and as part of a team
8. Knowledge of NextGen preferred

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL EFFORT:

1. Full-time position with a work schedule of Monday through Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm.
2. Position operates in a professional office environment requiring minimal physical activity. 
3. Building meets required ADA standards and we will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
4. Physical demands include but are not limited to:
   1. The ability to sit, stand, walk, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and telephone to talk and hear.
   2. The ability to frequently sit and reach with hands and arms.
   3. The ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
5. Must be able to utilize office equipment such as desktop/laptop computers, copiers, printers, scanners, telephones and calculators.