Financial Counselor

At Ashe Memorial Hospital, we are driven by our Mission Statement, "To meet the needs of the community by delivering patient-centered, high quality health care."

Ashe Memorial Hospital is proud to be Voted Ashe's Best Place to Work 2022 & 2023! Come be a part of our dynamic team; you'll join Ashe's 2022 & 2023 Best Hospital, Best Surgeon, Best Physician, Best Nurse, and Best Medical Practice!  This is your opportunity to make a large difference in a small community!

Hours: Mon. - Fri., 8am - 4:30pm | No Supervisory Responsibilities | No Travel | Pay commensurate with experience

JOB SUMMARY:

The Patient Financial Counselor estimates financial liability and offers financial advice and assistance to patients regarding medical bills. Interacts with patients and staff in a professional manner, promotes teamwork, and creates an environment where a positive patient experience is a requirement.

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required.
• Post high school courses or experience in insurance billing and medical terminology preferred.
• Cash management training preferred.

Experience:

• 1 year of experience in computerized third-party billing of facility and professional services preferred.
• Knowledge of third-party billing requirements required.
• 2 years of previous hospital business office experience preferred.
• 1 year of experience with Meditech preferred.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Reviews insurance eligibility and applies benefits to estimate patient out-of-pocket amounts for procedures and tests.
2. Secures payment arrangements to ensure that patient accounts are resolved in a timely and efficient manner.
3. Works closely with ancillary hospital departments, Department of Social Services, collection agencies, and other agencies to pursue accurate estimations, patient billing, and third-party coverage for accounts.
   
4. Appropriately addresses delinquent patient balances up to and including turnover to a collection agency.
5. Researches outstanding accounts, including contacting third-party payors, until resolved to a zero balance.  
6. Obtains financial data to process charity care applications.
7. Works with patients to assist with denials, appeals, and other avenues for payment.
   
8. Processes claims for estates and bankruptcies.
   
9. Posts payments and backs up the cashier when necessary.
   
10. Keeps updated on billing regulations including HMO/PPO, Medicare, Medicaid.
    
11. Accurately screen patients for Financial Assistance through the Experian Financial Clearance Report, Presumptive Eligibility for Financial Assistance (PEFA), and Medicaid-related opportunities in accordance with hospital policy and North Carolina Medical Debt Mitigation requirements, ensuring all determinations are accurate, fully supported, and compliant.
    
12. Work the Experian Financial Clearance and Presumptive Eligibility for Financial Assistance (PEFA) report daily, completing timely patient outreach, documentation, and required follow-up within established timeframes, including outreach to encourage Medicaid applications when eligibility criteria are met, with strict adherence to policy and documentation standards.
    
13. Maintains confidentiality.
    
14. Supports the hospital and promotes a positive attitude.
    
15. Adheres to dress
    code, appearance is neat and clean.
    
16. Wears identification while on duty.
17. Adheres to the HIPAA and privacy policies and procedures.  Reports any violation or appearance of violation of the policies and procedures and/or laws and regulations addressed in the Compliance Plan and the hospital Code of Conduct to the Compliance Officer, a member of Senior Leadership, or to the Department Director.

Must be willing to receive all required vaccinations (i.e., flu shot, etc.). All new employees working must be fully vaccinated as a condition of employment (unless the new hire has requested and received an exemption). Candidates for employment will be notified of this policy requirement prior to the start of employment. After receiving an offer of employment, new employees must provide proof of vaccination or request and receive an exemption before beginning work.

To apply, please fill out an application, attach a cover letter, and resume. Include gaps in employment and reasons for separation.

Criminal background check and pre-employment drug screen required upon conditional job offer.

***Benefits apply the 1st of the month following employment, per policy.***

*For full job description and benefits, please contact Human Resources.

Ashe Memorial Hospital is an equal opportunity employer and, as such, considers individuals for employment according to their abilities and performance.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position without compromising patient care.  Employment decisions are made without regard to race, age, religion, color, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other classification protected by law. All employment requirements mandated by local, state, and federal regulations will be observed.