Job Information
Whidbey General Hospital Patient Financial Navigator in Coupeville, Washington
JOB SUMMARY:
Responsible for assisting patients and their families in navigating the financial aspects of their medical care by identifying potential financial assistance programs, explaining insurance benefits, estimating cost and helping patients understand and manage their financial responsibilities for medical services. Establishes and maintains a positive working relationship with patients to meet their needs, ensure process compliance, and resolve outstanding billing issues.
PRINCIPLE FUNCTIONS include the following, other duties may be assigned:
Interviews and evaluates patients to determine their financial eligibility for assistance programs like charity care, state or federal government aid.
Contacts appropriate agencies to obtain information and documents necessary to process patients’ assistance applications.
Reviews and verifies patient insurance coverage, including benefits and limitations.
Contacts appropriate agencies to obtain information and documents necessary to process patients’ assistance applications.
Guides patients through the application process for financial assistance programs
Explains complex medical bills, deductibles, co-pays, and co-insurance to patients, helping them understand their financial responsibility.
Communicates with Patient Financial Services to resolve billing issues, address discrepancies, and advocate for adjustments where appropriate.
Collaborates with patients and Patient Financial Services to establish payment plans based on their financial situation.
Connects patients with relevant community organizations offering financial assistance, like social services or patient advocacy groups.
Initiates the claim process with third party payor on behalf of patients when appropriate.
Completes financial rounding with IP/OBS patients to review patients’ financial responsibility.
Tracks DSHS Spenddowns and reviews the denied Medicaid accounts.
Completes and communicates month end reporting to Patient Financial Services Director.
Completes and reports quarterly Charity Care to Washington State Department of Health.
Attends Quarterly Washington Healthplan Finder meetings as directed.
Attends Washington State Department of Health Charity Care meetings as directed.
JOB KNOWLEDGE & QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Bachelor’s degree in business or related field
Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of education requirements
Certified as an Application Counselor (CAC) or obtain certification within 90 days of hire
Training and Experience
Demonstrates ability to act with sensitivity as a patient navigator.
Compassionate and empathetic approach to patient interactions
Strong understanding of healthcare insurance plans and billing practices
Knowledge of various financial assistance programs at the state and federal level
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with patients and healthcare providers
Analytical skills to assess patient financial situations and identify appropriate solutions
Ability to navigate complex paperwork and administrative processes
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
Certified Application Counselor through Washington Healthplanfinder
Benefit Information and Wage Transparancy:
WhidbeyHealth Employees who work a 0.5 FTE or higher are categorized as, “benefit eligible”.
Click here for benefit information. (https://whidbeyhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/WhidbeyHealth-Benefit-Information.pdf)
Wage Range: $25.530 - $39.629