Financial Advocate at Thomas Memorial-HRIS – South Charleston, West Virginia

Financial Advocate

Job Summary Under general supervision, and/or according to detailed instructions, policies and procedures, performs various tasks required to accurately and efficiently discuss financial obligations. Review and work generated reports, including but not limited to: Medicare letters and forms, alpha census, in-house inpatient review, uninsured report, NPR reports from RPAS. Works closely with outside agencies, make referrals for evaluation of assistance. Works daily with customers both internally and externally for THS. Must strive to remain current on changes in the Healthcare field most especially for Insurance and Revenue related processes. Reviews and determines FAA for THSPP patient accounts.
Education High School Diploma or GED required.
Licensure N/A
Certification N/A
Experience 2+ years of hospital collections and/or financial counseling experience preferred. Hospital based or related field experience or education may be substituted for preferred experience.
Computer/Typing/Math Skills PC Skills – demonstrates proficiency in PC applications as required – basic working knowledge skills to include but not limited to: required Web based systems (EXCEL), Meditech and email.

Basic Skills include but are not limited to -ability to perform mathematical calculations as they relate to job performance and duties, balance and reconcile figures, attention to detail, punctuate properly, spell accurately

Job Specific Requirements Notes: This is a highly responsible position that requires both quantitative and interpersonal skills.

Must be a motivated self-starter, able to work with limited supervision and be self-motivated to get the job done.

Communication – communicates clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing

Interpersonal skills – able to work effectively with other employees, patients and external parties

Reasoning ability – self starter, ability and availability to work in high stress area and in emergency situations

Organization – proactively prioritizes needs and effectively manages resources; proven track record of maintaining process and paper flow.

Ability to prioritize activities and manage detail.

An overall knowledge of the functions and activities of hospitals and medical clinics.

Customer orientation – establishes and maintains long-term customer relationships, building trust and respect by constantly meeting and exceeding expectations

Must have excellent analytical and problem-solving skills as well as the ability to work with a diverse group of customers with varying levels of knowledge.

Must understand compliance issues, their importance, consequences, and detailed knowledge of various payment systems.

Must have a detailed working knowledge of health insurance and financial counseling.

Must enjoy learning new things, be able to multi-task; possess leadership, decision making, problem solving skills, and process improvement skills. Written and verbal communication skills a must.

PC Skills – demonstrates proficiency in PC applications as required – basic working knowledge skills to include but not limited to: required Web based systems (EXCEL), Meditech and email.

Policies and Procedures – demonstrates knowledge and understanding of organizational policies, procedures and systems.

Basic Skills include but are not limited to -ability to perform mathematical calculations as they relate to job performance and duties, balance and reconcile figures, attention to detail, punctuate properly, spell accurately

Basic Knowledge of Medical Terminology

Visual Acuity - Vision is essential for reading the computer screen, witnessing and verifying signatures as well as reading of and entering of emails. Must be able to visually see forms and documents to explain to patients

Hearing Acuity - hearing is essential in communicating to those we serve and work with. Financial Counselor must be able to effectively hear the patient and understand what the customer is communicating in order to efficiently register patient.

Manual Dexterity – Must be able to physically walk /access the entire hospital and surrounding medical buildings, must be able to position, move and transfer patients(if applicable). Must be able to have the manual dexterity necessary to handle computer keyboards, copiers and printers. Must be able to stoop and pick up objects from the floor without restrictions. Ability to work areas without restrictions due to physical or health limitations.
Hours of Work Able to work scheduled hours as dictated by business needs. PFSD or PTAC Supervisor will determine normal hours of work. Hours of work varies based on patient and department area needs. Additional time may include evenings, holidays and overtime. Must be able to flex as dictated by the Patient Financial Services Director or designee. Based on area of operation. In the event of a natural disaster or emergency, employee may be called in as per hospital policy.
POPULATION SERVED X Neonate (0-1 Month) X Pediatric Infant (1 month to 12 months) X Pediatric Child (1 year to 12 years) X Adolescent (13 years to 17 years) X Adult (18 years to 64 years) X Geriatric (65 years and older) N/A WORK ENVIRONMENT(R-Rare, F-Frequent, C-Continual, N/A-Not Applicable) R Toxic/Caustic Chemicals or Detergents R Extreme Conditions, Hot or Cold R Dust/Fumes/Gasses R Moving Mechanical Parts R Potential Electric Shock R X-Ray or Other Electromagnetic Energy R High Pitched Noises R Needles or Other Sharp Objects R Blood or Body Fluids Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) R Communicable Disease (Tuberculosis, Meningitis, etc) R Unprotected Heights F CRT (Computer) Monitor F Frequent Repetitive Motions PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT(R-Rare, F-Frequent, C-Continual, N/A-Not Applicable) R Respiratory; Breathing Equipment R Eye Protection R Head Covering R Hearing Protection R Hand Protection R Body Protection PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS(Mark one) S - Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally. (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met. X L - Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly (Constantly: activity or condition exists 2/3 or more of the time) to move objects. Even though the weight lifted may be only a negligible amount, a job should be rated Light Work: (1) when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree; or (2) when it requires sitting most of the time but entails pushing and/or pulling of arm or leg controls; and/or (3) when the job requires working at a production rate pace entailing the constant pushing and/or pulling of materials even though the weight of those materials is negligible. NOTE: The constant stress and strain of maintaining a production rate pace, especially in an industrial setting, can be and is physically demanding of a worker even though the amount of force exerted is negligible. M - Medium Work: Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. H - Heavy Work: Exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. V - Very Heavy Work: Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provides clear and concise communication to Accounting department

1. Maintains positive working relationship with Parallon

1. Researches accounts to identify issues

1. Assists patients in completing the Financial Assistance Application

1. Understands and performs daily cashiering duties

1. Performs Oncology assistance by utilizing Vivor Software to receive grants/funding/etc.

1. Assists Pre/Registration to screen patients for Financial Assistance

1. Performs Financial Rounding daily

1. Has a strong working relationship with vendors such as DHHR, Medicaid, etc.