Patient Financial Liaison, Full-time Days at Houston Methodist in Houston, Texas

Job Description:

JOB SUMMARY
At Houston Methodist, the Patient Financial Liaison is responsible for supporting patients who receive a long-term diagnosis such as cancer or transplant to evaluate their financial toxicity, as this effects the patients overall compliance with treatment, adherence to long term drug regimens, and overall wellbeing and quality of life in terms of stress and anxiety. This role supports patients and their specific needs that extend far beyond the course of treatment received at our Hospitals. The Patient Financial Liaison works with the patient from the first diagnosis and treatment plan, all the way through survivorship. The Patient Financial Liaison will assess patient barriers and access to care, analyze cost savings for the patient and the hospital, review the patients financial toxicity, and support the long-term patient experience and physician relations. Works closely with other members of the healthcare team to determine needs and resources. Furthermore, implements comprehensive financial navigation programs based on the patients individualized treatment plan through the utilization of insurance optimization and external assistance, to include pharmaceutical assistance, to assist patients and aid in improving the patients understanding of their financial responsibility.

Requirements:

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Job responsibilities labeled EF capture those duties that are essential functions of the job.

PEOPLE - 25%

1. Meets with the patient prior to and throughout treatment to provide overview and education regarding the patient's financial status. (EF)


2. Establishes a rapport with the patient to build and maintain a effort to assist the patient with insurance and financial needs. Helps the patient understand their insurance options and determine the best choice based on their situation. (EF)


3. Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner. Works independently exercising sound judgment for each individualized patient situation. (EF)

SERVICE - 25%

1. Assesses a patient's risk of financial toxicity or financial stress as it relates to their individualized treatment and income. Partners with the patient to reduce financial barriers to obtaining treatment and reducing financial obligations on the patient. (EF)


2. Works closely with Patient Accounting and Patient Business Services to resolve account balance issues and/or establish payment plans. (EF)

QUALITY/SAFETY - 10%

1. Identifies opportunities for process improvement providing recommendations, and contributes to meeting departmental and hospital targets for quality and safety. Assists with implementation and education of departmental based initiatives and standards of practice. (EF)

FINANCE - 25%

1. Reviews all patients' insurance status, and communicates with the patient about their insurance status, benefit coverage, and expected cost of proposed treatment. When applicable, provides financial needs assessments to the physicians so as to determine treatment interventions that best fit the patient's medical and financial needs. (EF)


2. Completes insurance optimization to support each patient's needs. May include helping the patient with applying for primary or secondary insurance, or assisting with filling out required paperwork for patients to apply for additional insurance, payment assistance, or drug replacement programs. (EF)


3. Assists patients in accessing financial resources to cover the cost of their treatment, which may include: copay assistance programs, premium assistance programs, foundation support, drug replacement programs, community programs, the hospital's charity care or other financial assistance options. (EF)

GROWTH/INNOVATION - 15%

1. Stays up to date on knowledge and understanding of various health insurances, medical and billing, billing codes, treatments, pharmaceuticals, etc. (EF)


2. Participates in departmental projects and shared governance activities.


3. Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies.

This job description is not intended to be all inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

Qualifications:

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)


• Associate or bachelors degree preferred

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• 4 years of healthcare or public health setting with preferred experience in one or more of the following: patient finance, insurance benefits, financial assistance programs, public health, social services, or other community based background.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED

• None

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations


• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security


• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles


• Strong computer skills including Microsoft products


• Ability to build strong relationships within and outside the organization

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Work Attire	Yes/No
Uniform	No
Scrubs	No
Business professional	Yes
Other (dept approved)	No

On-Call*

No (for Non-Exempt or Exempt jobs)

*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Event, etc) regardless of selection above.

Travel**

May require travel within	Yes
Houston Metropolitan area

May require travel outside	Yes
of Houston Metropolitan area

**Travel specifications may vary by department.

Please note any other special considerations to this job: __________________________

Company Profile:

Located in Northwest Houston, Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital is the first Houston Methodist community hospital to earn Magnet status - and is ranked one of the Best Hospitals in the Houston Metro Area by U.S. News & Report. At Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital, you'll feel welcomed from day one by peers who share your commitment to delivering exceptional care. With leading-edge services like open heart surgery and advanced stroke care you'll have the resources to thrive. Join us in Northwest Houston and discover how our I CARE values - Integrity, Compassion Accountability, Respect and a relentless commitment to Excellence come to life in careers that challenge, satisfy and reward like no other.

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