Financial Counselor

Job Title : Financial Counselor

Location : Milwaukee, WI 53226

Duration : 6+ Months (Possible Extension)

Shift : Monday - Friday, 8 : 00 AM - 4 : 30 PM

Job Description :

• Assess patient financial needs and collect deposits according to Hospital Billing and Collection Policy in a professional and courteous manner.
• Screen patients and assist with applications for applicable governmental programs , the health insurance exchange , and / or the Client financial assistance program.
• Emphasize customer service and maintain positive interpersonal relations while working closely with Admitting / Registration, Preauthorization, Care Management, Patient Financial Services , and Client's Clinical Practice Services to address financial responsibilities.
• For patients identified as self-pay , or those claiming financial hardship or inability to pay , initiate timely account resolution activities to allow elective patient care to proceed as scheduled.
• Monitor Financial Counselor work queues to ensure all initial patient financial activities are completed and account balances not secured through insurance or subsidies are addressed promptly.
• Review Financial Counselor work queues regularly to ensure a payment source has been secured for all discharged self-pay patients , when applicable.
• Update the patient accounting system as financial activities are completed or patient account issues are resolved, following Patient Financial Services policies and procedures.
• Counsel patients through the application and eligibility process with Medicaid offices, Victim of Crime programs, Insurance Exchange , and other financial aid resources.
• Assist patients with the Financial Assistance application process in accordance with Client , Community Physicians, and Medical College of Wisconsin Financial Assistance policies.
• Based on patient ability to pay and urgency of medical need , collect patient deposits after estimating the approximate cost of anticipated care.
• Calculate, provide, and update estimates as needed or upon request for staff, patients, and other potential customers.
• Communicate with Social Services, Case Management, Admitting / Registration , department personnel, and physicians (as applicable) to discuss unresolved financial issues and determine alternatives to the elective patient care plan.
• Enforce hospital accounting and compliance processes by confirming that required documentation is complete, insurance re-verification performed, and precertifications / re-certifications obtained.
• Cross-train and provide backup coverage for all Financial Counselor positions as assigned by the Team Coordinator or Patient Financial Services Manager , including PM shift, weekend, or holiday coverage.
• Assist patients during open enrollment periods to apply for a Qualified Health Plan (QHP) and / or Insurance Affordability Programs.
• Adhere to document storage and destruction policies / procedures.
• Comply with state and federal regulations and all policies / procedures related to Certified Application Counselor responsibilities.
• Stay current on regulatory updates and policy / procedure changes related to Certified Application Counselors at Client

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