Patient Advocate

Organization:SSRRH-Sutter Santa Rosa Reg HospitalPosition Overview:Effectively captures patient liabilities while providing financial counseling to patients/guarantors, who require assistance in seeking and applying for healthcare funding (e.g., Charity Care, MediCal, or other local/governmental assistance programs) and/or require assistance in reviewing and establishing payment options while during pre-registration activities or at the site of service. Determines the financial status of the patient during the financial counseling process and coordinates benefit authorization and management. Ensures compliance and exceptional customer service when working with patients/guarantors.Responsible for supporting the success of a high-performing shared services organization by helping to champion and drive the long-term SSRRH vision. Helps foster an environment in which continuous improvement in business processes and services is welcomed and recognized. Participates in programs and in using tools in support of building a high performance culture via the standard SSRRH responsibilities (e.g. performance measurement, people development, customer relationship management, etc.).Job Description :EDUCATIONHS DiplomaAssociate's or equivalent education/experienceCERTIFICATION & LICENSURECHAA-Certified Healthcare Access AssociateCPAT-Certified Patient Account TechnicianCRCR-Certified Revenue Cycle RepresentativePREFERRED EXPERIENCE AS TYPICALLY ACQUIRED IN:Experience within a hospital or clinic environment, an insurance company, managed care organization or other financial service setting, performing financial counseling, financial clearance and/or customer service activities as typically acquired in two years.Completion of regulatory/mandatory certifications and skills validation competencies preferredExperience executing Patient Access standards, processes, policies, procedures and service level agreements preferredSKILLS AND KNOWLEDGEKnowledge of insurance and governmental programs, regulations and application processes (e.g., Medicare, MediCal, Social Security Disability, Champus, Supplemental Security Income Disability, etc.), managed care contracts and coordination of benefits is requiredKnowledge of medical and insurance terminology as well as an understanding of healthcare insurance is requiredGeneral knowledge of patient access financial counseling functions in acute and non-acute settings preferredWorking knowledge of medical terminology and coding desiredWorking knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations desiredExcellent time management skills and the ability to manage frequent in-person and/or phone patient contacts while effective maintaining and documenting data in the patient registration/accounting systemsExcellent verbal and written communication and active listening skillsInterpersonal skills necessary in dealing with internal and external customers; must develop positive relationships with clinical staff to maximize the benefit and effectiveness of the financial counseling function (e.g., Nursing notifies Financial Counselor of when an elusive family member is visiting patient).Accuracy and attentiveness to detail requiredMust possess a personal presence that is characterized by a sense of honesty, integrity, and caring with the ability to inspire and motivate others to promote the philosophy, mission, vision, goals, and values of Sutter HealthMust be able to set and organize own work priorities, and adapt to changeMust be able to work concurrently on a variety of tasks/projects in an environment that may be stressful with individuals having diverse personalities and work stylesAbility to meet or exceed targeted customer service, productivity and quality standardsFluency in both English and a minimum of one other language is preferred for this role to allow Sutter Health to better serve the community and patient populationRequires the ability to work with and maintain confidential informationJob Shift:DaysSchedule:Part TimeShift Hours:8Days of the Week:VariableWeekend Requirements:Every other WeekendBenefits:YesUnions:YesPosition Status:Non-ExemptWeekly Hours:24Employee Status:RegularNumber of Openings:1Sutter Health is an equal opportunity employer EOE/M/F/Disability/Veterans.Pay Range is $29.23 to $36.34 / hourThe salary range for this role may vary above or below the posted range as determined by location. This range has not been adjusted for any specific geographic differential applicable by area where the position may be filled. Compensation takes into account several factors including but not limited to a candidate’s experience, education, skills, licensure and certifications, department equity, training and organizational needs. Base pay is just one piece of the total rewards program offered by Sutter Health. Eligible roles also qualify for a comprehensive benefits package.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, registered domestic partner status, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, ancestry, national origin (including possession of a driver's license issued to individuals who did not present proof of authorized presence in the U.S.), age, medical condition, physical or mental disability, military or protected veteran status, political affiliation, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical condition, genetic information or any other characteristic made unlawful by local, state, or federal law, ordinance or regulation. External hires must pass a background check/drug screening. Qualified applicants with arrest and/or conviction records will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with Federal, state, and local laws, including but not limited to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.