Job Description
Job Description
Patient Financial Counselor / Surgery Scheduler
This position is 50% Patient Financial Counselor and 50% Surgery Scheduler.
Responsibilities of a Patient Financial Counselor include :
- Communicate with patients and insurance companies on the phone
- Appropriately document and report payment information
- Educate patients about payment options and financial assistance
- Negotiate and strategize patient payment arrangements
- Update patient accounts and balances
- Review and process patient and insurance company forms
A Patient Financial Counselor will work hard to provide proper documentation so that treatment is covered. They may also secure grants or financial aid for those in need of additional financial assistance.
Qualifications for a Patient Financial Counselor
Although only a high school diploma is necessary to become a Patient Financial Counselor, an associate or bachelor degree from an accredited university is preferred.
The best asset to have is medical office experience. Patient Financial Counselors must be able to communicate effectively with patients, families, doctors, and insurance providers.
Strong customer service is also required.
Responsibilities of a Surgery Scheduler include :
Prepares required paperwork for each admission and obtains signatures from the patient or the patient’s family; meets with patients to discuss benefits and hospital admissions prior to surgery.
Verifies insurance benefits and pre-certifies all potential admissions to determine financial eligibility.
- Collects payments and completes patient financial folders / day sheets accurately.
- Responds to referral calls from other hospitals and physician offices.
- Answers and relays telephone calls, resolves routine inquiries and takes appropriate
messages.
- Communicates with Nursing, Lab, Radiology, Surgery and all other departments on patient arrivals.
- Enters initial patient information in medical billing software system.
- Assists the scheduling manager, receptionist and medical records coordinator.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- High School graduate or equivalent (GED).
- Previous surgery scheduling experience required.
- Experience with patient admissions and verification of insurance coverage.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND CERTIFICATION
- Professional verbal and written communication skills.
- Basic computer knowledge.
- Strong organizational skills and detail oriented.
- Ability to multi-task.