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At Houston Methodist, the Patient Financial Liaison position is responsible for supporting patients who receive a long-term diagnosis such as cancer or transplant to evaluate their financial toxicity, as this affects the patient's overall compliance with treatment, adherence to long term drug regimens, and overall wellbeing and quality of life in terms of stress and anxiety. This position supports patients and their specific needs that extend far beyond the course of treatment received at Houston Methodist. The Patient Financial Liaison position works with the patient from the first diagnosis and treatment plan, all the way through survivorship. This position will assess patient barriers and access to care, analyze cost savings for the patient and the hospital, review the patient's financial toxicity, and support the long-term patient experience and physician relations. The Patient Financial Liaison position works closely with other members of the healthcare team to determine needs and resources. This position implements comprehensive financial navigation programs based on the patient's individualized treatment plan through the utilization of insurance optimization and external assistance, to include pharmaceutical assistance, to assist patients and aid in improving the patient's understanding of their financial responsibility.

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

+ Meets with the patient prior to and throughout treatment to provide overview and education regarding the patient's financial status.

+ Establishes a rapport with the patient to build and maintain an effort to assist the patient with insurance and financial needs. Helps the patient understand their insurance options and determine the best choice based on their situation.

+ Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner. Works independently, exercising sound judgment for each individualized patient situation.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

+ Assesses a patient's risk of financial toxicity or financial stress as it relates to their individualized treatment and income. Partners with the patient to reduce financial barriers to obtaining treatment and reducing financial obligations on the patient.

+ Works closely with Patient Accounting and Patient Business Services to resolve account balance issues and/or establish payment plans.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

+ Identifies opportunities for process improvement providing recommendations and contributes to meeting department and hospital targets for quality and safety. Assists with implementation and education of department-based initiatives and standards of practice.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

+ Reviews all patients' insurance status, and communicates with the patient about their insurance status, benefit coverage, and expected cost of proposed treatment. When applicable, provides financial needs assessments to the physicians so as to determine treatment interventions that best fit the patient's medical and financial needs.

+ Completes insurance optimization to support each patient's needs. May include helping the patient with applying for primary or secondary insurance, or assisting with filling out required paperwork for patients to apply for additional insurance, payment assistance, or drug replacement programs.

+ Assists patients in accessing financial resources to cover the cost of their treatment, which may include: copay assistance programs, premium assistance programs, foundation support, drug replacement programs, community programs, the hospital's charity care or other financial assistance options.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

+ Stays up-to-date on knowledge and understanding of various health insurances, medical and billing, billing codes, treatments, pharmaceuticals, etc.

+ Participates in department projects and shared governance activities.

+ Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

EDUCATION

+ High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)

+ Associate or Bachelor's degree preferred

WORK EXPERIENCE

+ Four years of healthcare or public health setting with preferred experience in one or more of the following: patient finance, insurance benefits, financial assistance programs, public health, social services, or other community-based background

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

+ N/A

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

+ Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations

+ Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security

+ Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

+ Strong computer skills including Microsoft products

+ Ability to build strong relationships within and outside the organiza

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

+ Uniform No

+ Scrubs No

+ Business professional Yes

+ Other (department approved) No

ON-CALL*

_*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below._

+ On Call* No

TRAVEL**

_**Travel specifications may vary by department**_

+ May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes

+ May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area Yes

Company Profile:

Houston Methodist Hospital is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the No. 1 hospital in Texas and one of America’s “Best Hospitals.” As a full-service, acute-care hospital located in the Texas Medical Center and the flagship hospital of Houston Methodist, it has evolved into one of the nation’s largest nonprofit teaching hospitals and a leader in innovative medical research with a comprehensive residency program. Two of Houston Methodist’s primary academic affiliates are among the nation’s leading health care organizations: Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Houston Methodist also has affiliations with Texas A&M University and the University of Houston. With 948 operating beds, 85 operating rooms and more than 8,400 employees, Houston Methodist Hospital offers unparalleled care for thousands of patients from around the world.

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.