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Patient Financial Advocate
- University of Utah Health (Murray, UT)
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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, diversity, 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
Qualifications** **Required
+ Four years of experience with medical accounts receivable, insurance claims, or the equivalency.
Qualifications (Preferred)
Preferred
+ Comprehension of Medicaid eligibility guidelines and bilingual language skills may be preferred.
Working Conditions and Physical Demands
_Employee must be able to meet the following requirements with or without an accommodation._
+ This is a sedentary position that may exert up to 10 pounds and may lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. This position involves sitting most of the time and is not exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
Physical Requirements
Listening, Sitting, Speaking, Standing, Walking
Multi-lingual Candidates Welcomed
_To inquire about this posting, email: [email protected]_
EEO Statement
_University of Utah Health Hospitals and Clinics, a part of The University of Utah, values candidates who have experience working in settings with students from diverse backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education for historically underrepresented students._
_Individuals from historically underrepresented groups, such as minorities, women, qualified persons with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities._
_University of Utah Health Hospitals and Clinics, a part of The University of Utah, is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both._
_To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, please contact the University of Utah Health Hospitals and Clinics Human Resources office at 801-581-6500. If you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (OEO/AA). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator's office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at:www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/_
_Online reports may be submitted atoeo.utah.edu/_
_The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Hospitals and Clinics Human Resources at (801) 581-6500 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or Hospitals and Clinics Human Resources at (801) 581-6500 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules._
_This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen._
**Requisition Number** _75190_
**Reg/Temp** _Regular_
**Employment Type** _Full-Time_
**Shift** _Day_
**Work Schedule** _M-F 8:00-5:00_
**Clinical/Non-Clinical Status** _Non-Clinical_
**Location Name** _Moran Midvalley Health Center_
**Workplace Set Up** _On-site_
**_City_** _Murray_
**_State_** _UT_
**Department** _MOR OPC 31C MV OPHTHALMOLOGY_
**Category** _Finance/Accounting_
**Workplace Set Up** _On-site_
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