Patient Advocate

Job Number:

32309

Location:

Sumter Campus

Street Address:

126 US-280

City, State:

Americus, Georgia

Zip Code:

31719

Department:

PSMC ADMITTING

Shift:

Days

Job Type:

Full time

Posted Date:

2025-07-21

Job Description Summary:

Patient Advocate provides financial counseling services through direct and indirect consultation with patients.
This can be done
either through Pre Service Financial clearance via telephone or through direct patient contact.
Responsible for understanding the
patient's financial standing, determining a financial course of action based on the standing, and seeking financial assistance programs if
necessary.
Understands the coordination of insurance benefits, screens and approves state financial assistance programs, and
knowledgeable of PPMH payment options and guidelines.
Possesses the ability to estimate patient liability based on treatment
plans/pre-certification, and deliver estimation to the patient or their family. Collects funds for co-insurance, co-pay, and deductible.
Obtains accurate patient demographics and insurance information to be used for billing and reimbursement purposes.
Responsible for
educating patients and designated individuals on their rights and responsibilities as a hospital patient and or guarantor, as well as
securing all federal and state mandated forms (i.e., self-pay forms, Joint Commission, HIPAA, Advance Directives, waivers, Advance
Beneficiary Notices, Medicare Secondary Payer Questionnaire, etc.). Senses emotionally sensitive financial situations and mitigates
family burden; and works continuously with the patient during treatment to adjust financial programs if needed and if applicable.

Description:

Patient Advocate

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Adheres to the hospital and departmental attendance and punctuality guidelines. Performs all job responsibilities in alignment with the core values, mission and vision of the organization.

Performs other duties as required and completes all job functions as per departmental policies and procedures.

Maintains current knowledge in present areas of responsibility (i.e., self education, attends ongoing educational programs).

Attends staff meetings and completes mandatory in-services and requirements and competency evaluations on time.

Demonstrates competency at all levels in providing care to all patients based on age, sex, weight, and demonstrated needs.

For nonclinical areas, has attended training and demonstrates usage of age- specific customer service skills.

Candidates must successfully complete the Patient Financial Services Training.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General environment: Works in a well-lighted, air-conditioned area, with moderate noise levels.

May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights.

May be required to change from one task to another of different nature without loss of efficiency or composure.

Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur.

May be scheduled as needed including overtime.

OSHA CATEGORY

OSHA Category II - Employees will occasionally be exposed to hazards such as blood, body fluids, or tissues.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

2 year / Associate Degree in a related field (Required)

In lieu of an Associates Degree; a Minimum of 4 years additional relevant experience is acceptable.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

2 - 3 years Healthcare Financial counseling in a patient registration environment; or 2-4 years of Healthcare experience in registration or experience obtained through a financial institution, collection agency or similar work environment. (Required)

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSURES

Required Certifications/Licensures: CPAR Certification must be obtained within 20 months of hire, ACA Certification.

GENERAL SKILLS

Organizational Skills

Communication Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Customer Relations

Mathematical Analytical Grammar

Spelling Read

Comprehend Written Instructions

Follow Verbal Instructions

Basic Computer Skills

Microsoft Office Suite

General Clerical Skills

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Have near normal hearing - Hear alarms, telephone, tape recorder, normal speaking voice

Have near normal vision - Clarity of vision (both near and far), ability to distinguish colors

Have good - manual dexterity Ability to perform - repetitive tasks, motion

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Standing - Frequently within shift (34-66%)

Walking - Frequently within shift (34-66%)

Sitting - Frequently within shift (34-66%)

Climbing - Occasionally within shift (1-33%)

Bending, Stooping - Occasionally within shift (1-33%)

Twist at waist - Occasionally within shift (1-33%)

Pushing, Pulling - Occasionally within shift (1-33%)