Job Abstract

Summa Health System is recognized as one of the region’s top employers by a number of third party organizations, including NorthCoast 99. Exceptional candidates gravitate to Summa because of its culture, passion for delivering excellent service to our patients and families commitment to our philosophy of servant leadership, collegial working relationships at every level of the organization and competitive pay and benefits.

Summary:
The Patient Financial Advocate serves as the primary contact for patient reimbursement issues in accordance with established policies. Advocate serves to help all uninsured, underinsured and insured patients. This includes, but is not limited to utilizing system tools and applications to provide information regarding hospital payment requirements, verification of patient benefits and eligibility, establishing payment plans and other financial arrangements, determining eligibility for financial assistance programs, screening for Medicaid eligibility, and collecting patients’ estimated balances at point of service. Works collaboratively with insurance companies to ensure accuracy of information, confirm and document authorization requirements and information to avoid payment denials. All communications are conducted in a manner that will result in positive patient/customer relations and prompt reimbursement for services.


Minimum Qualifications:

Formal Education Required:
-High school diploma or equivalent
-Post high school coursework in business, finance, healthcare or closely related field preferred.

Experience and Training Required:
-Three (3) years experience in medical insurance verification and financial counseling in a hospital setting.
-Two years customer service experience, patient advocacy experience preferred.
-Experience in patient advocacy preferred.

Other Skills, Competencies and Qualifications:
-Ability to pass Medical Terminology test administered by Human Resources with a score of 80%.
-Ability to operate PC, facsimile and other related office equipment.
-Knowledge of verification and authorization requirements for Medicare, Medicaid, commercial insurance, managed care plans, workers compensation and other third party payers.
-Excellent oral and written communication skills required.
-Requires the ability to problem solve independently and must be strongly invested in team management.
-Considerable skill in determining priorities, working independently, and making decisions.
-Strong analytical and financial assessment abilities as well as the ability to maintain a close attention to a variety of details required in order to perform duties efficiently.
-Ability to prioritize and re-prioritize in an ever-changing environment without sacrificing quality, delivery or cost efficiency. Must be multitask oriented and able to function in a constantly changing environment.
-Ability to work with others or independently on routine tasks, to follow written and oral instructions, referring special problems or unusual situations to the appropriate supervisor.
-Ability to maintain confidentiality of patient and financial records.
-Ability to provide and promote professional, efficient and congenial customer service through all communication and interaction with patients, customers and co-workers.
-Maintains an optimal balance between exceptional customer service delivery and the strategic plans of Summa Health System.
-Population Specific Competency: Ability to effectively interact with populations of patients/customers with an understanding of their needs for self-respect and dignity. Must interact with patients, families and other customers with courtesy, tact and discretion. Ability to interact with individuals from any social, economic and cultural status.

Level of Physical Demands:
-Sedentary: Exerts up to ten pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently.

The salary range on this job posting/advertising is base salary exclusive of any bonuses or differentials. Many factors, such as years of relevant experience and geographical location are considered when determining the starting rate of pay. We believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity of our current team members when determining offers. Please keep in mind that the range that is listed is the full base salary range. Hiring at the maximum of the range would not be typical.