Job Purpose: Patient Finance Services The Financial Counselor / Surgery Scheduler is responsible for coordinating surgical procedures while providing patients with clear and compassionate guidance regarding insurance benefits, financial obligations, and payment options. This position works closely with surgeons, clinical staff, patients, insurance companies, hospitals, and surgery centers to ensure procedures are scheduled accurately and efficiently. The position requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, professionalism, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while providing an excellent patient experience.
Education & Experience
· High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree or related healthcare/business
education preferred.
· Previous experience in medical office operations, surgery scheduling, financial counseling,
insurance verification, billing, or revenue cycle preferred.
· Experience with EHR and medical scheduling systems preferred.
· Prior experience working directly with patients in a healthcare setting preferred.
Essential Responsibilities: Surgery Scheduling & Coordination
· Coordinate and schedule surgical procedures with physicians, patients, hospitals, surgery
centers, anesthesia, and clinical staff.
· Coordinate pre-operative and post-operative appointments, testing, medical clearances,
consents, and required documentation.
· Confirm surgery details, arrival times, and preparation instructions with patients.
· Maintain accurate surgical schedules and documentation in the EHR.
· Monitor and resolve cancellations, scheduling conflicts, changes, and outstanding pre-operative requirements. · Communicate timely updates and instructions to patients and members of the care team. · Collaborate with clinical staff to identify and resolve issues that may delay or impact surgery. · Prepare and communicate surgery-related financial estimates, including surgeon professional fees when applicable.
Insurance Verification & Authorization
· Verify insurance eligibility, benefits, and coverage for surgical procedures and related services.
· Obtain and track required authorizations, referrals, and insurance approvals.
· Submit required clinical and supporting documentation to insurance companies.
· Monitor authorization status and follow up promptly to prevent delays in patient care.
· Identify and communicate insurance coverage issues to patients and appropriate team
members.
· Collaborate with billing and clinical teams to resolve insurance discrepancies and authorization
issues.
Patient Communication, Customer Service & Financial Counseling
· Provide patients with clear, timely, and compassionate instructions regarding the surgical process,
preparation requirements, scheduling, and next steps.
· Respond promptly and professionally to patient questions and concerns by phone, electronic
messaging, and in person, while communicating sensitive medical and financial information with
discretion.
· Provide exceptional customer service to patients, families, physicians, staff, vendors, and other
internal and external customers.
· Review and explain insurance benefits, patient responsibilities, deductibles, copays, coinsurance,
and estimated out-of-pocket costs.
· Explain potential charges, including surgeon, facility, anesthesia, laboratory, pathology, and imaging
fees, and help patients understand their financial responsibilities.
· Educate patients on payment options, financial assistance, and available payment plans.
· Discuss outstanding balances and financial obligations in a professional, respectful, and
compassionate manner.
· Collect deposits, copays, deductibles, and other patient payments in accordance with
organizational policies.
· Accurately document financial estimates, payment arrangements, and patient communications.
· Escalate complex billing, insurance, or financial concerns to the appropriate supervisor or
department.
Documentation & Compliance
· Maintain accurate and complete patient information in the EHR and scheduling systems.
· Document scheduling, insurance, authorization, financial, and patient communication activities
appropriately.
· Maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and organizational privacy policies.
· Follow applicable federal and state regulations, organizational policies, and department
procedures.
· Document all collections-related communications, financial agreements, and payment
arrangements for seamless revenue cycle management.
Pay: $20.00 - $35.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
