Financial Counseling Specialist - UAMS Health Benton/Bryant
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Summary
The Financial Counseling Specialist works with patients who have scheduled specific clinical services to promote financial clearance prior to the day of care. In addition to contacting payers and providers to secure authorizations as needed, this staff member provides information regarding hospital payment requirements, alternative financing and charity care programs during pre-service. This individual will relay relevant financial information in a clear and patient-friendly manner per UAMS' customer service and price transparency initiatives at the UAMS Health Benton/Bryant location.
Job description
Summary of Job Duties
The Financial Counseling Specialist works with patients who have scheduled specific clinical services to promote financial clearance prior to the day of care. In addition to contacting payers and providers to secure authorizations as needed, this staff member provides information regarding hospital payment requirements, alternative financing and charity care programs during pre-service. This individual will relay relevant financial information in a clear and patient-friendly manner per UAMS' customer service and price transparency initiatives at the UAMS Health Benton/Bryant location.
Responsibilities
- Meet with all self-pay and under insured patients to explain benefits, financial obligation, payment options and assistance programs.
- Assure that a payment methodology is in place prior to discharge.
- Screen scheduled non-urgent self-pay and under insured surgical and diagnostic study patients (in and outpatient) prior to service, collect payment prior to service and assure plan for financial coverage is in place before service is performed.
- Process a deposit and establish a payment plan for large out of pocket obligations.
- Screen referred clinic patients prior to service, collect minimum payment prior to visit and assure plan for financial coverage is in place before clinic visit.
- Screen all patients for eligibility for Social Security, COBRA, Crime Victims, Health Insurance Marketplace, Medicaid and other programs when appropriate.
- Assure that lifetime reserve letter signatures are obtained as needed.
- Screen all patients applying or deemed eligible for the Financial Assistance Plan for any additional programs they may be eligible for to assure the hospital discount is the second option in place.
- Process applications for charity discounts, including review of patient financial information, determination that all required information is received and determination of eligibility for the program.
- Assist with financial screening and program explanation in the Emergency Department when requested.
- Discuss alternative payment options with patients who present as self-pay but are deemed ineligible for assistance programs and also with patients having a high deductible or a limited benefit plan.
- Perform other duties as needed.
Physical Requirements
Stand: Frequently; Sit: Continuously; Walk: Occasionally; Bend, crawl, crouch, kneel, stoop or reach overhead: Frequently; Lift and carry weight: 25 lbs; Push and pull weight: 25 lbs; Use hands to touch, handle or feel: Frequently; Talk: Continuously; Hear: Continuously; Taste or smell: Occasionally; Read, concentrate, think analytically: Continuously.
Requirements
- High School, GED or formal educational equivalent plus 6 years' experience in healthcare in a revenue cycle related function
- Bachelor's degree in finance, business or related field plus 2 years of experience in healthcare revenue cycle or revenue cycle related function
- Knowledge in basic medical terminology preferred; medical terminology competent within 3 months of hire
- Must be able to perform basic operations on a computer
- Able to follow oral and written instructions and communicate with others effectively
- Problem solving skills, critical thinking skills, and ability to multi-task
- Excellent customer relations skills
- Must possess the required level of skills and abilities to read, write, speak, and apply mathematical concepts and sound reasoning
Benefits
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Holiday, Vacation & Sick Leave
- Education Discounts
- Retirement Plan With Employer Matching
- Basic Life Insurance
- Career Training
- Educational Opportunities
- Merchant Discounts
- Prescription Delivery
Company overview
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) is Arkansas' only comprehensive academic health sciences university and the state's largest public employer. Founded in 1879 by eight physicians, UAMS has evolved into a statewide health system encompassing six colleges: Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Health Professions, Public Health, and Graduate School. As a premier academic medical center, UAMS combines education, research, and clinical care through its UAMS Medical Center, which serves as Arkansas' only adult Level 1 trauma center and the state's sole provider of adult kidney, liver, and pancreas transplants. The institution operates with a $1.3 billion budget and generates over $100 million in annual research funding, maintaining internationally recognized programs in multiple myeloma, aging, and other specialized areas. UAMS supports over 3,000 students, 900 medical residents and fellows, and maintains affiliations with Arkansas Children's Hospital and the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System. With eight regional campuses across Arkansas, UAMS provides extensive community outreach and telehealth services, ensuring healthcare access throughout the state while contributing approximately $3.92 billion annually to Arkansas' economy.