Medical Financial Counselor, Outpatient Medical Oncology

Experience the highest level of appreciation at UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center — named Top Workplace in the Baltimore area by The Baltimore Sun two years in a row (2019 & 2020); Top Workplace in the USA for 2021!  As part of the acclaimed University of Maryland Medical System, our facility is one of three ANCC Pathway to Excellence® designated hospitals in Maryland. UM BWMC features one of the state’s busiest emergency departments, as well as a team of experts who care for our community and one another.  The University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center (UMBWMC) provides the highest quality health care services to the communities we serve. Our medical center is home to leading-edge technology, nationally recognized quality, personalized service and outstanding people. We have 285 licensed beds and we’re home to 3,200 employees and over 800 physicians. Our expert physicians and experienced, compassionate staff are connected to medical practices in the local community as well as at University of Maryland Medical Center in downtown Baltimore. For patients, this means access to high-quality care and research discoveries aimed at improving Maryland’s health.  Our physicians and nursing staff specialize in emergency, acute, medical-surgical and critical care. In addition, our medical center is home to many Centers of Excellence, offering expert outpatient health care.

Shift Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00AM - 4:30PM

Location: Baltimore Washington Medical Center

General Summary

Works collaboratively with the patient, the clinical treatment team, and various departments within the UM BWMC and UMMS CBO (or designated billing company) to establish a financial plan of action, which minimizes the financial liability incurred by patients, while facilitating patients’ timely access to care

Principal Responsibilities and Tasks

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

• Collaborates with interdisciplinary treatment team to direct, educate, coordinate and assist patients with applying for various financial assistance programs including hospital financial assistance, external pharmaceutical and private foundations assistance programs, and State and Federal assistance programs.
• Demonstrates care, concern and inclusion when interacting with and informing patients of eligibility criteria. Provides patient-centered assistance in anticipating and responding to the needs of our customers.
• Works closely with UMMS CBO (or designated billing company) setting up payment plans and ensuring collections are met according to the agreement.
• Works directly with patients to apply for Medical Assistance if applicable.
• Investigates and responds to patient inquiries and complaints regarding insurance coverage, payment plans and other financial issues
• Communicates effectively with immediate supervisor. Provides information regarding work progress, actions and issues in a timely and effective manner.

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent (GED) is required
• Experience working in an oncology or medical treatment setting.
• Familiarity with pharmacological therapies (chemo, immuno, hormonal, etc), radiation treatment planning
• Understanding of Medicare/Medicaid programs.
• Experience assisting patients with applying for pharmaceutical and private foundation assistance programs.
• Working knowledge of other grant programs and other internal financial assistance programs.
• Understanding of revenue cycle in a health care setting.
• Experience with patient accounting, access, billing and/or coding preferred
• Experience with Epic preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated skills in effective critical thinking, strong written and oral communications, age appropriate interpersonal interactions with patients ranging in age from young adult to geriatric adult and excellent customer relations skills.
• Demonstrated strong knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid, managed care, and commercial insurance regulations, understanding of options for uninsured and underinsured patients to obtain insurance coverage and/or other assistance program to assure access to care, and appreciation for verification, pre-authorization, and payment process.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with both internal and external customers (colleagues, Medical Staff, liaisons, and patient/family), assess, adapt, and calmly respond to changing and/or crisis environment, make independent decisions consistent with current policies, procedures, and ethical standards, prioritize work assignments and manage time effectively to complete duties and be available to adapt hours to meet the needs of all customers.
• Basic computer skills required. Functional knowledge of Microsoft Office suite with emphasis on MS Word and Excel.