Patient Financial Counselor

Our vision is a world of peaceful relationships with food, weight, and body image, where everyone with an eating disorder can experience recovery. We believe that exceptional, individualized care leads to lasting recovery from eating disorders. That’s why our teams are comprised of compassionate, dedicated professionals from a variety of backgrounds who collaborate to provide the very best evidence-based care for our clients at all levels of care. 

Position Summary: 

The Financial Counselor – Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) plays a critical role in supporting patients post admissions by helping them understand the financial aspects of treatment.  This position is responsible for providing clear, compassionate communication regarding insurance payments, patient financial responsibility, payment options, and financial assistance programs.  The financial counselor serves as the liaison between patient, clinical teams, patient account team, and billing to reduce financial barriers to care while ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely collections of patient balances.

Key Responsibilities

Patient Financial Education and Support

• Communicates with patients, via telephone, collecting on patient financial liability
• Works directly with patients and internal teams when insurance coverages changes or lapse
• Maintain professionalism and empathy when discussing sensitive financial matters
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of patient interactions within the EHR platform.

Payment Planning and Collections

• Establish and manage patient payment plans based on organizational guidelines and patient circumstances
• Collect payments for self-pay and patient-responsibility balances when appropriate
• Monitor delinquent accounts and initiate outreach according to established workflows

Financial Assistance and Risk Identification

• Screen patients for financial risk and eligibility for financial assistance or charity care programs
• Educate patients on available financial assistance options and support application completion
• Track and follow up on financial assistance applications to ensure timely resolution
• Escalate high-risk accounts according to defined decision framework

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Patient Access, Utilization Review, Benefit Verification, Billing, and AR Follow Up regarding insurance discrepancies, post admit
• Work with clinical site to coordinate appropriate time to converse with the patient
• Support resolution of insurance denials and inactive coverage during care
• Work closely with clinical, operational, and billing teams to ensure consistent, standardized financial communications

Process Improvement, Optimization, and Compliance

• Provide feedback to leadership on trends, risks, and workflow gaps impacting patient finances
• Participate in process improvement initiatives to enhance patient experience and revenue integrity
• Always follow HIPAA and organization privacy standards
• Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, including the No Surprises Act and payer requirements

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• Associate degree or bachelor’s degree in information systems, Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, Finance, or related field preferred

Professional Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of Revenue Cycle experience in a healthcare environment
• Minimum of 2-5 years of experience in healthcare financial counseling
• Experience conducting patient facing financial conversations in a medical or behavioral health setting
• Familiar with insurance plans, benefit structures, and reimbursement concepts
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Experience with major EHR systems (e.g., Epic, Cerner, Meditech, NX Avatar) preferred
• Familiarity with DRG, APC, CPT/HCPCS methodologies preferred

• Strong customer service and communication skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients, peers, and providers.

Core Competencies

• Strong problem-solving skills
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Excellent time management and ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build productive relationships
• Adaptability in a fast-paced, changing environment
• Customer service–oriented mindset
• Demonstrated initiative and accountability

Workplace Environment: 

• Requires long periods of sitting (95% sitting, 5% standing)
• Extensive computer use
• Frequent interaction with patients, families, clinical staff, and payers

Accanto’ s Commitment to Equal Opportunity: Accanto is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. 

What we offer: 

Employee Benefits: We understand the importance of a well-rounded benefits package. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing a range of plans to meet your needs.  

For full-time employees, we offer: 

• HSA and PPO insurance with HSA or FSA options (Blue Cross Blue Shield) 
• Dental insurance (Delta Dental)
• Vision insurance (EyeMed) 
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance 
• Company-paid life insurance 
• 401(k) plan available two months after start date
• Company 401(k) matching for up to 50% of your contribution, up to 6% of your compensation 

Paid time off is a crucial part of maintaining work and life balance. Our generous PTO plan accrues annually and begins with your first whole pay period. Eligible employees enjoy seven paid holidays and one floating holiday in addition to their regular PTO.