Financial Counselor

The Financial Counselor role at Sonora Behavioral Health supports patients and guarantors by clarifying insurance benefits, out-of-pocket expectations, and available payment options. The position focuses on verification, patient financial counseling, and accurate account documentation to support timely collections and appropriate reimbursement.

Role Overview

The Financial Counselor helps patients understand insurance benefits and their financial responsibilities. This work includes verifying coverage, reviewing admission documentation, assisting with payment planning, and maintaining precise patient financial records within the patient accounting system.

Key Responsibilities

• Verify insurance benefits and audit admission paperwork to confirm accuracy and completeness.
• Review and update patient demographic and insurance information in the patient accounting system.
• Counsel patients and guarantors on insurance coverage, benefit details, expected out-of-pocket costs, and available payment options.
• Collect patient balances, including deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and related amounts.
• Complete financial assistance applications and verify income and expense documentation.
• Prepare charity care documentation, administrative adjustment requests, and payment arrangements as needed.
• Maintain collection, charity, and adjustment logs and review activity with leadership.
• Analyze account information and take appropriate action to support timely payment and reimbursement.

Required Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience: 3+ years of experience in healthcare financial counseling, patient access, billing, or a related field.
• Insurance Knowledge: Extensive knowledge of Commercial Insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid.
• Skills: Strong customer service, communication, and problem-solving ability.
• Communication: Ability to explain complex insurance and financial information to patients and families.
• Patient Support: Demonstrates compassion, empathy, patience, and emotional intelligence while assisting patients through challenging situations.

Location & Work Setting

This position is based in Tucson, AZ and is onsite.

Tools & Systems

Experience with a patient accounting system is required for maintaining accurate patient financial records and processing account updates.