Washington Gastroenterology believes that digestive health is the foundation for a healthy life.  We are committed to improving the quality of life and longevity of our patients and our communities through the prevention, detection, and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. 

We are WAGI

WAGI is seeking a Full-Time Patient Financial Counselor to join our Revenue Cycle team.  The Patient Financial Counselor is responsible for providing financial advocacy for both patients and Washington Gastroenterology by exploring payment options so accounts are financially secure. Works with patients in making financial arrangements and providing estimates prior to appointments.

This team primarily works remotely from home supporting our patients, clinics and endoscopy centers (must be Washington based, see specifics below). 

Responsibilities

• Works with clinic staff to proactively address questions regarding health plan eligibility, benefit issues, co-pay requirements, and patient financial obligation.
• Reviews benefit information available from the payer and determines patient’s responsibility for procedures being scheduled. Sends estimate letter to the patient as defined by protocol and documents account so clinic staff have information available to collect at the time of service.
• Establishes payment arrangements for patients based on estimates, counsels on availability of prolonged payments and educates on the use of Paymark, Cedar or similar payment system for these accounts.
• Notifies collection counselor of any accounts requiring Paymark, Cedar or similar payment system for payment plans.
• Acts in the best interest of the patient and the organization in responding to patient complaints; interfaces with clinic personnel regarding patient balances and accounts to collect.
• Enters the proper account status and private pay plan on account if necessary.
• Reviews self-pay patient accounts prior to appointment and contacts patients to discuss options.
• Reviews outside systems to determine ability of patient to pay. This would include checking Provider One for eligibility or QMB/SNP status.
• Processes charity care information and adjustments as necessary per protocol.
• Keep Collections Manager informed of changes in billing requirements and trends related to patient balances.
• Accurately documents patient accounts to reflect all actions taken in billing system.
• Establishes and maintains a professional and collaborative relationship with all staff to resolve problems and increase knowledge of patient responsibility.
• Identify and report compliance concerns to avoid fraudulent billing.
• Other duties as assigned

 Qualifications

• High School graduate or GED required
• Associates degree in a related field is preferred
• 1 year of experience working in a medical practice or healthcare system preferred
• 1 year of experience working in customer service required

 Skills and Abilities

• Data entry skills
• Ability to use 10-key by touch with high accuracy required
• Ability to interpret explanation of benefits, knowledge of COB rules, and ability to perform basic arithmetic required
• Basic MS Office skills required (Word, Excel and Outlook)
• Ability to work effectively with co-workers as a team member is required
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions required
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

Physical Activities and Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting and performing administrative duties including the use of computers
• Repetitive hand movements/typing
• Able to lift and carry supplies and equipment as needed (up to 25 pounds)

This team primarily works remotely from home with training conducted onsite in Tacoma, WA. Candidates must reside and work in Washington State and due to unique city ordinances that impact employers, WAGI does not allow anyone to work remotely from Seattle, WA.  The following conditions must be met for interested candidates in their remote location:

• Minimum internet connection requirements and surge protection in your home
• A home work environment that allows you to work free from distractions and sources of background noise and free of potential hazards including tripping hazards, electrical hazards, etc.
• Ability to secure and protect WAGI supplied computer, phone, and systems and ensure protection of Personal Health Information (PHI)
• Though this position provides the benefit of telework, it does follow a standard schedule based on the hours of operation

Washington Gastroenterology has an excellent compensation and benefit package that includes the following: 

Employees (and their families) who work full time (defined as working 30 or more hours per week) will be eligible for medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, and basic life insurance.  In addition employees are able to enroll in our company’s 401(k) plan which includes a company provided safe harbor contribution of 3% of annual earnings and the potential for a company discretionary profit sharing contribution.

All employees will be eligible to accrue PTO at a rate of .04 hours per payroll hour (1.6 hours for a 40 hour week) which can be used for and exceeds the required mandatory WA State and other local ordinances.  In addition, full time employees will be eligible for a Vacation accrual with a maximum annual accrual of 77 hours as a new hire.

WAGI has 8 standard Holidays each year for which full time employees are eligible to receive paid holiday.  In addition, full time employees will be given 1 Float Holiday each year that they can schedule.

This is an Hourly position and the anticipated Compensation range is $20.40 - $26.40. The hired applicant is also eligible for annual discretionary bonuses.