Brattleboro Memorial Hospital /

Southern Vermont Health Services Corporation

Job Description

Job Title: Patient Financial Advocate 

Job Code: 858 

Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM 

FTE: 1.0

Weekend Hours: N/A 

Holiday Hours: N/A 

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Department Name: Patient Financial Services

Location: Brattleboro, Vermont

JOB SUMMARY: 

The Patient Financial Advocate provides financial counseling services and assistance in obtaining insurance coverage to patients Of Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. Under the supervision of the Director of Revenue Cycle, the Patient Financial Advocate will counsel our patients and/or parties responsible for payment regarding payment responsibilities and options. The Patient Financial Advocate explains financial responsibilities for services received, as well as payment options and collection procedures to patients and/or parties responsible for payment. They will counsel patients regarding insurance benefits and will recommend alterative sources of payment. Manages the financial assistance application and control processes. Contacts insurance carriers or other sources and acts as an advocate for the patient. Initiates processes for collecting prepay due and performs follow- up to ensure maximum collection is achieved. The Patient Financial Advocate identifies and resolves issues related to registration, financial clearance, insurance company authorization requirements, billing, insurance company explanation Of benefits, provider- based billing, governmental requirements, financial assistance policies and restrictions. They will update and correctly document in the appropriate computer systems as well as other duties as assigned. The Objective Of this position is to ensure the highest level Of access to care for patients in the community through the effective and efficient promulgation Of BMH policies and procedures. This position will maintain absolute confidentiality Of all referred patients' records, medical treatment, and diagnoses, and comply with all policies and procedures Of Brattleboro Memorial Hospital.

DEPT. SCOPE OF SERVICE:

Patient Financial Services (PFS) is comprised of revenue cycle areas including patient billing and registration functions. The scope of this role will encompass collaboration between the hospital PFS department and the medical group PFS function.

EDUCATION:

Associate's degree preferred.

High School Diploma or equivalent required.

EXPERIENCE/SKILL SETS:

Must possess excellent customer service, interpersonal and communication skills.

2 years previous experience in a healthcare, social organization, or similar organization preferred.

Previous experience in collection or other related experience with a bank, finance company or medical insurance institution preferred.

Experience processing medical insurance claims is helpful.

Competency in modern office software applications, and a detailed understanding of BMH hospital and medical group financial assistance policies and related systems.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION(S)•.

•  Must pass FBI criminal background checks
•  VT Health Connect Certified Application Counselor (HCCAC) status and CMS Certified

Application Counselor (for New Hampshire populations) status.

• Acceptable if achieved within 180 days of employment

OSHA CATEGORY

OSHA Category I -Tasks that involve exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues require use of techniques of universal Precautions as evidenced with blood borne pathogens standards.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

On-the-job time is spent in the following physical activities. 

Standing - up to 1/3

Walking - Up to 1/3

Sitting - 2/3 or more

Talking or Hearing - 2/3 or more

Use of hands to finger, handle or feel - up to 1/3

Reaching with hands and arms - Up to 1/3

Pushing/PuIling - None

Stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling - None

Tasting or smelling -None

This position requires that weight be lifted Or force be exerted. 

up to 10 pounds - 2/3 or more

Up to 25 pounds - 1/3 to 1/2

Up to 50 pounds - Up to 1/3

Up to 100 pounds -None

More than 100 pounds - None

This position has special vision requirements.

Ability to hear calls

•  Ability to hear instructions from physician/department staff/other