Patient Financial Advocate
US-UT-Murray
University of Utah Health Care
Req #: 75190
Type: Full-Time
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Overview: As a patient-focused organization, University of Utah Health exists to enhance the health and well-being of people through patient care, research and education. Success in this mission requires a culture of collaboration, excellence, leadership, and respect. University of Utah Health seeks staff that are committed to the values of compassion, collaboration, innovation, responsibility, belonging, integrity, quality and trust that are integral to our mission. EO/AA This position is responsible for facilitating the resolution of funding issues for insured and self-pay hospital patients. Assists patients in collecting and completing the required documents needed to obtain state or other third-party financial assistance. Maintains on-going communication and education with physicians, case managers, case workers, and patients regarding the status of funding. Works with the Medical Director, physicians, and billing offices to determine cost estimates for procedures and coordinates patient access to scheduled procedures. This position is not responsible for providing care to patients. Corporate Overview: The University of Utah is a Level 1 Trauma Center and is nationally ranked and recognized for our academic research, quality standards and overall patient experience. Our five hospitals and eleven clinics provide excellence in our comprehensive services, medical advancement, and overall patient outcomes. Responsibilities: * Interviews and evaluates patients to determine eligibility for assistance programs and helps complete associated forms. * Explains topics of insurance coverage, treatment costs, prompt pay and financial hardship discounts to patients and family members during catastrophic or challenging life events which may involve, but are not limited to death, amputation and disability. * Contacts appropriate agencies to obtain information and paperwork necessary to process patient assistance applications. These resources can include state caseworkers, banks, Social Security Administration, employers, medical facilities, workers compensation administrators, insurance companies, and police departments. * Establishes and maintains a positive working relationship with patient to meet their needs, ensure process compliance, and resolve outstanding billing issues between physicians, hospitals and insurance companies. * Follows up with patients who do not qualify for outside assistance to determine financial hardship discount, charity write-offs or payment arrangements. * Confirms correct insurance information and coordinates efforts with various teams for correct and timely billing. * Acts as gate-keeper for scheduled procedures wherein patients have inadequate or no funding. * Determines third-party liability in cases of injury or assault and initiates and amends hospital and attorney liens. * Initiates claim process with third-party payor (i.e.: auto insurance company, worker's compensation) on behalf of patient when appropriate. * Schedules intake appointments for new patients and updates patient demographics and registration information as needed. * Coordinates and manages all financial aspects related to insurance benefit information, authorization, billing and collections. * Responsible for attending weekly intake meetings. Knowledge / Skills / Abilities * Demonstrated potential ability to perform the essential functions as outlined above. * Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills. * Demonstrated knowledge of commercial or government billing requirements, and Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) regulations, and customer service practices. * Demonstrated knowledge of accounting principles, word processing, and spreadsheets. Qualifications: QualificationsRequired * Four years of experience with medical accounts receivable, insurance claims, or the equivalency.
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