FINANCIAL COUNSELOR

FINANCIAL COUNSELOR

JOB SUMMARY: This position is responsible for counseling patients on their financial status with Columbia Eye Clinic and/or Columbia Eye Surgery Center.  This individual is responsible for calling inside provider’s surgery patients to inform them of their amount due prior to surgery and for obtaining those payments prior to surgery.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Contacts all inside provider’s patients scheduled for surgery or procedures to discuss patient’s financial obligation.
2. Collects pre-payments for all surgeries and procedures prior to the date of surgery and post patient payments accurately.
3. Screens patient accounts for past due balances and collects prior to surgery date.
4. Communicates with physicians, lead technicians, surgery center staff, and billing supervisor regarding patient financial issues.
5. Accurately notates patient accounts prior to surgery.
6. Assists patients with billing inquiries by phone or face-to-face meeting.
7. Assists in budget plan setup.
8. Processes all hardship applications.
9. Must comply with all HIPPA and safety policies, procedures, and regulations.
10. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  To meet the business needs of the company duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

1. Associate's degree in accounting and 2 years experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

1. Proficient in Microsoft Office applications
2. Knowledge basic accounting principles
3. Strong attention to detail with a dedication to accuracy
4. Excellent verbal and written communication skills
5. Excellent customer service skills
6. Familiarity with accounts receivable functions
7. Ability to work independently and as part of a team
8. Knowledge of NextGen preferred

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL EFFORT:

• Full-time position with a work schedule of Monday through Friday 7:00am to 4:00pm.
• Position operates in a professional office environment requiring minimal physical activity. 
• Building meets required ADA standards and we will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Physical demands include but are not limited to:

• The ability to sit, stand, walk, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and telephone to talk and hear.
• The ability to frequently sit and reach with hands and arms.
• The ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

• Must be able to utilize office equipment such as desktop/laptop computers, copiers, printers, scanners, telephones and calculators.