Pt Financial Access Counselor - In Patient at Yale New Haven Health System in New Haven, CT

Job description

Overview To be part of our organization, every employee should understand and share in the YNHHS Vision, support our Mission, and live our Values. These values - integrity, patient-centered, respect, accountability, and compassion - must guide what we do, as individuals and professionals, every day. The Patient Financial Access Counselor is responsible and accountable for coordinating the activities of the patient account from the point of initial contact through account resolution. This position will be the first face-to-face point of contact for our inpatients and will be able to provide services at all points of entry. Works closely with the patients, families, outside departments and third party payers to ensure compliance to individual requirements to expedite the timely collection of the accounts receivable and protect the patient and the Hospital from unnecessary financial loss. Is knowledgeable of various third party benefits and is proficient in understanding the electronic eligibility systems in order to educate patients of their benefits and attempt to collect balances due. Works independently and under varying circumstances to address the specialized needs of our self-pay, underinsured and undocumented resident patient population to identify resources for assistance that will protect the patient and the Hospital from unnecessary financial loss. Responsible to initiate the financial assistance application and navigate the patient through the process until resolution. This position is responsible for the effective outcome on accounts, being proficient and up to date in State and Federal regulations in order to successfully navigate various Social Service agencies (i.e. the Department of Social Services, Social Security, etc.) to expedite prompt resolution from the point of initial contact through final determination. Working in collaboration with the Care Management and Social Work Departments, this position formulates solutions to respond to non-clinical customer requests, resolving issues and obstacles while meeting the changing demands and priorities of the hospital and third party environments. Also responsible to identify trends and offer solutions to improve customer satisfaction and ensure a positive patient experience under sometimes difficult and life changing situations. Is proficient in all areas of In Patient Access including Emergency Department registration and responsibilities involve working all shifts including weekends and holidays at needed. EEO/AA/Disability/Veteran Responsibilities 1. COORDINATES ACTIVITIES OF ACCOUNT - Coordinates patient account from point of initial contact through account resolution. Understands all aspects of the patient's financial needs and ensures all billing requirements are accurate. Works closely with patients and/or family members to ensure all demographic and insurance information is accurate and complete while also responding and resolving non-clinical customer requests, issues and problems. 1.1 Review prior account history, identify any past trends. Establish a relationship with the patient, family or representative to address benefits and or balances that may cause potential financial issues. Determine the most efficient and effective course of follow up. 2. PROVIDES FINANCIAL COUNSELING to SELF-PAY AND UNDERINSURED PATIENTS and/or their representatives, utilizing guidelines for all state and federally funded medical assistance programs as well as Hospital based Free Care, Sliding Scale, Restricted Bed Funds and Emergency Medical for undocumented resident patient population. Works with patients to identify financial barriers and determine if they qualify for the Medication Assistance Program (MAP). Navigates the patient through the medical assistance application process and coordinates the activities of accounts. Works in collaboration with clinical staff in order to facilitate timely resolution. 2.1 Identifies potential financial assistance needs and advises pati