Financial Navigator, WCI

JOB DESCRIPTION:

• This position will serve as a financial navigator to cancer patients, identifying financial needs based on insurance coverage and providing guidance to patients in acquiring sustainable coverage as they maneuver through the oncology service authorization and payment process.
• Optimize patient coverage: Provides self-pay quotes to patients for oncology services rendered to include, but not limited to inpatient, imaging, lab, etc.
• Works with patients to optimize access and qualification for available benefits/assistance.
• Interacts with Medicare, insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies and assistance programs as an advocate for the patient and the clinic to ensure eligibility of coverage.
• Communicates and collaborates with the treatment team and administrative staff in supporting and maintaining understanding of the financial implications of medical intervention on the patient and healthcare provider.
• Constantly seek and maintain knowledge of new/existing avenues of financial assistance and support for patients.
• Patient Education: Works routinely with patients to ensure understanding and to provide support, explain the financial implications of patient care and share available sources of assistance throughout their treatment such as possible co-pay and prescription assistance programs.
• Provides financial counseling, as needed, to address sensitive financial issues resulting from coverage. Admin:
• Performs job related services throughout the continuum of care; out-patient, in-patient with a focus on newly diagnosed patients.
• Partner with billing personnel according. Works with financial counselors to ensure external assistance is credited to patients accounts.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Maintains standards of professional practice, strict confidentiality, advocacy and ethics.
• Adheres to department and organizational policies and procedures. Supports the Mission, Vision and Values of Emory Healthcare and Winship Cancer Institute.
• Uses effective customer service/interpersonal skills and discretion at all times and in all forms of communication with patients and with clinic staff.
• Have a high level of initiative and ability to self-direct to solve financial problems of patients and work collaboratively with the treatment team.
• Exceptional communication, conflict resolution, organization, follow-up and negotiation skills required.
• Ability to work in a high volume caseload environment required. Ability to utilize software relevant to the job, including Microsoft Office Suite, medical records systems and medical billing systems.
  
  MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
• Associates Degree in Business or a related field and three (3) years of healthcare billing or financial counseling experience, including a strong knowledge of insurance benefits, collections, authorizations, and pre-certifications OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Oncology experience preferred to include knowledge of community resources, cancer state aid and all Medicaid products.
  
  PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (MediumMax 25lbs): up to 25 lbs, 0-33% of the work day (occasionally); 11-25 lbs, 34-66% of the workday (frequently); 01-10 lbs, 67-100% of the workday (constantly); Lifting 25 lbs max; Carrying of objects up to 25 lbs; Occasional to frequent standing & walking, Occasional sitting, Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing), Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.
  
  ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Factors affecting environment conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include, but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure Bio-hazardous waste Chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors Communicable diseases Electrical shock, Floor Surfaces, Hot/Cold Temperatures, Indoor/Outdoor conditions, Latex, Lighting, Patient care/handling injuries, Radiation, Shift work, Travel may be required. Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.