OUR MISSION
All of us, for each of you, every time.
OUR VISION
Together, serving as the trusted regional healthcare partner.
OUR VALUES
Listen~Love~Respect~Excel~Innovate
At Samaritan, we do more than deliver healthcare—we make a meaningful difference
in the lives of our community every day. We’re committed to creating an
exceptional workplace where professionals feel valued, supported, and inspired
to provide outstanding care to every patient we serve. The Financial Access
Specialist serves the Hospital and Clinic by performing pre-service financial
screening and clearance of scheduled patients, including benefit verification
and price estimation. This position will maintain a proficient understanding of
insurance plans, including State Medicaid, employer-sponsored plans, Medicare
Advantage plans and Qualified Health Plans offered via the State Exchange. The
Financial Access Specialist will determine benefit coverage levels and connect
patients with alternate assistance resources as needed. The Financial Access
Specialist interacts in a customer-focused and compassionate manner to ensure
patients’ needs are met, and that they understand the hospital and clinic
policies for the resolution of patient financial responsibilities and various
payment options, including Financial Assistance. In all encounters with
patients and families, the Financial Access Specialist will strive for the
highest level of customer service.
This is a full-time remote position that will be required to come on-site for
onboarding and equipment pick-up (3-4 DAYS ONLY). This is a full-time role
working Monday-Friday from 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM PST.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Review schedules for future dates of service on a revolving basis.
2. Answer patient financial inquiries via phone and in-person regarding
scheduled and/or future planned visits.
3. Identify patients’ financial needs and align with appropriate resources.
4. Communicate patient financial obligation, provide estimate, and pursue
pre-service deposit.
5. Collects from patients who have ability to pay, including past balances,
down payments, co-payments and/or deductibles.
6. With the assistance of person(s) responsible for pre-authorization and/or
Pre-Registration Specialists, ensures authorization is secure prior to
services and maintain accurate record of authorizations.
7. Verify service-specific insurance benefits and provide benefit/coverage
review. Accurately explain concepts such as deductible, coinsurance and/or
co-payments and how they may affect the cost of care.
8. Explain payment expectations for non-covered and out-of-network services.
9. Review and explain all forms prior to obtaining signatures from patient or
appropriate representative.
10. Ensures appropriate forms are signed prior to services (i.e., sterilization
permit, No Surprises Act, non-covered waiver, ABN, etc.).
11. Collaborate with Case Management, Billing, Admitting, person(s) responsible
for pre-authorization, and pre-registration with the goal of securing
payment for services provided.
12. Discuss financial arrangements for newborn(s); informs patients of the
timeframe for enrolling a newborn in coverage, provides any documentation
or guidance for the patient to enroll their child prior to or after the
anticipated delivery date.
13. Keep current with specific insurance rules and changes, including State
Exchange.
14. Aid patients in completion of Medicaid application via Washington
Healthplan Finder.
15. Promptly notifies insurance company of admissions and discharges per
insurance company requirements.
16. Communicate via phone, email, mail, and in-person regarding payment
expectations.
17. Comply with HIPAA regulations, maintaining confidentiality and utilizing
information only as necessary to complete work.
18. Utilizes appropriate strategies, including phone calls and online databases
to verify the insurance coverage of scheduled patients to ensure services
are provided and reimbursements are ultimately obtained.
19. Documents all information obtained during patient financial screening to
ensure a streamlined process for financial assistance needs.
20. Strong organizational skills, ability to work independently and prioritize
tasks.
21. Ensures patient have logistical information necessary to receive their
service (e.g., appointment place, date and time, directions to facility).
22. Performs other duties as assigned. Ensures additional accountabilities, as
may be required by management, be handled in a manner necessary to meet
organizational standards.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The professional in this position reports to the Director of Revenue Cycle. This
position works closely with Scheduling (Hospital and Clinic), Financial
Counselors, Case Management, Billing, Admitting professionals and Physician
offices to ensure completion of all pre-service financial clearance functions.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Education:
1. 1. Minimum High School Diploma or equivalent required.
2. Associate’s degree in healthcare administration or equivalent college
coursework preferred.
Experience:
1. 1-3 years of work experience with insurance verification, revenue cycle
functions, hospital/physician offices or related area’s preferred.
2. 1-3 years customer service experience required.
Skills/Competencies:
1. Demonstrates competency on equipment listed on department specific
checklist.
2. Critical thinking skills: Seeks resources for direction when necessary.
3. Performs independent problem solving. Decision-making is logical and
deliberate.
4. Performs actions that demonstrate accountability. Exercises safe judgement
and practices within legal and ethical guidelines.
5. Demonstrates competency in ability to care for customers/patients across
the age continuum.
6. Demonstrates strong organizational skills.
7. Provides high quality customer service.
8. Familiarity with statutes and regulations that can impact financial
conversations with patients (e.g., 501(r).
As a Samaritan professional, you will be asked to commit to being part of a
culture grounded in our Mission, Vision, Values, and Strategy that brings
service and operational excellence to life each day while creating an
exceptional experience for our patients, professionals, physicians, and
students. Additionally, how we present ourselves matters, and adherence to our
Professional Appearance Policy reflects the pride, respect, and professionalism
we bring to those we serve.