Financial Counselor

Our Mission

All of us, for each of you, every time.

Our Vision

Together, serving as the trusted regional healthcare partner.

Our Values

Listen~Love~Respect~Excel~Innovate

At Samaritan, we do more than deliver healthcare-we make a meaningful difference in the lives of our community every day. We're committed to creating an exceptional workplace where professionals feel valued, supported, and inspired to provide outstanding care to every patient we serve. This position is responsible for monitoring account balances and obtaining payments on all private pay and insurance residual accounts in accordance with credit and collection policies of Samaritan Healthcare. The professional in this position will serve as the primary point of contact, an advocate and educator for patients and guarantors, ensuring they have a clear understanding of their financial responsibilities and helping them navigate financial options and alternatives, which includes State Medicaid, Financial Assistance Program, payment plans, and other government or community-based resources.

This is a full-time position working Monday-Friday from 9:00am-5:30pm PST.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Works closely with patients and guarantors to ensure there is a clear understanding and explanation of Samaritan Healthcare billing practices, payment expectations and alternative resources.
• Receives incoming correspondence regarding payment, insurance, billing and/or financial assistance and works to resolve patient concerns.
• Actively works to identify patients and guarantors eligible for medical assistance programs under Medicaid and the Washington State health benefit exchange and assists patients in applying for available coverage, including retro-active coverage.
• Processes all Financial Assistance applications, denials, and appeals in a timely and orderly manner. Sends appropriate letter(s), notifying applicants of determination.
• Makes necessary demographic changes in account and prompts patient billing statements as necessary.
• Helps patients and guarantors develop a plan to resolve their liabilities, including establishing short or long-term payment plans according to the collection policy guidelines.
• Initiates collection activities utilizing all appropriate means available to recover payment on accounts. Follows up timely on account for possible referral to debt collection agency. Documents all collection activity.
• Assists with MyChart functionality, Interactive Voice Response (IVR) payment system, online payment system and/or banking auto-payment setup at the request of the patient.
• Reviews bankruptcies on a monthly basis to ensure proper follow-up, as well as to protect the receivables of Samaritan Healthcare.
• Reviews credits on a continuous basis to ensure balance(s) are applied or refunded timely.
• Per Washington State Law, promptly notifies callers "call may be monitored or recorded for quality assurance purposes."
• Maintains professional growth and development through seminars, workshops and professional affiliations to keep abreast of latest trends in field of expertise.
• Ensures no injuries to self or others by following safe work practices and policies. This includes, but is not limited to: security and safety, understanding of MSDS, equipment, infection control, fire, disaster, safe lifting and body mechanics.
• Ensures self-compliance with organization policies and procedures, as well as labor agreements.
• Ensures the interface with team members and other support groups is conducted in a courteous and efficient manner conducive with the organization's values.
• Conducts self in a professional manner and ensures personal appearance meets the standards necessary to perform the job function while representing the organization.
• Ensures that additional accountabilities, as may be required by management, be handled in a manner necessary to meet organizational standards.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The professional in this position reports to the Director of Revenue Cycle and works closely with the department professionals and other healthcare professionals in order to provide high-quality services to all customers.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent. Prefer one (1) year of college level course work in business or related field.

• Experience:

• Previous Billing or Collections experience preferred.

• Skills/Competencies:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required. Must be able to work under time restraints and effectively perform duties.

• Must have a strong working knowledge of medical terminology.

• Knowledge of Washington State collection laws and FDCPA.

• Demonstrates competency on equipment listed on department specific checklist.

• Critical thinking skills: Seeks resources for direction, when necessary. Performs independent problem solving. Decision-making is logical and deliberate.

• Performs actions that demonstrate accountability. Exercises safe judgment in decision-making. Practices within legal and ethical guidelines.

• Demonstrates competency in ability to care for customers/patients across the age continuum.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Occasional standing, walking, lifting, reaching, kneeling, bending, stooping, pushing and pulling.
• Ability to communicate using verbal and/or written skills for accurate exchange of information with physicians, nurses, health care professionals, patients and/or family, and the public.

As a Samaritan professional, you will be asked to commit to being part of a culture grounded in our Mission, Vision, Values, and Strategy that brings service and operational excellence to life each day while creating an exceptional experience for our patients, professionals, physicians, and students. Additionally, how we present ourselves matters, and adherence to our Professional Appearance Policy reflects the pride, respect, and professionalism we bring to those we serve.