Financial Counselor

Location: Onsite - Center for Sight - Sarasota, FLPosition Type: Full-TimeJob SummaryThe Financial Counselor is responsible for performing financial clearance functions including insurance verification, prior authorization review, referral validation, and patient financial counseling to ensure patients are financially cleared prior to services.This role works collaboratively with clinic staff, providers, revenue cycle teams, and payers to promote accurate financial clearance, minimize financial risk to the organization, and ensure a positive patient financial experience. The Financial Counselor must understand Revenue Cycle workflows, payer practices, utilization management, and basic coding principles to ensure accurate and timely financial clearance.Essential Job Functions(Other duties as assigned)Perform benefits verification for scheduled services.Validate prior authorization requirements and ensure approvals are obtained timely when required.Review referrals for accuracy and completeness based on payer requirements.Calculate and communicate patient financial responsibility (copays, deductibles, coinsurance, non-covered services).Conduct financial counseling conversations with patients in a professional, empathetic, and compliant manner.Collect pre-service payments in accordance with organizational policies.Review accounts for potential financial assistance eligibility and guide patients through available programs when applicable.Document all verification, authorization, and counseling activity accurately within the practice management system.Maintain knowledge of payer-specific requirements, fee schedules, and coverage guidelines.Identify and escalate payer discrepancies, workflow issues, or system errors impacting financial clearance.Collaborate with Scheduling, Authorization, Charge Capture, and AR teams to ensure seamless revenue cycle workflow.Support denial prevention by ensuring accuracy of insurance selection, coverage validation, and authorization documentation.Follow established workflows to prevent under- or over-collection.Adhere to compliance standards, HIPAA regulations, contractual obligations, and the organization’s Code of Conduct.Participate in departmental meetings, training sessions, and process improvement initiatives as assigned.WORK ENVIRONMENTFast-paced, deadline-oriented, onsite.This is position is in office 40 hours per week.PHYSICAL DEMANDSThe physical demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this job.Prolonged sitting and computer useFrequent use of hands for typing and data entryOccasional standing, walking, bending, or reachingVisual acuity required for detailed computer workReasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.POSITION TYPE AND EXPECTED HOURS OF WORKFull-time position. Standard business hours with flexibility based on operational needs.TRAVELOccasional travel may be required.Required Education And ExperienceMinimum of 2–3 years of experience in healthcare revenue cycle, financial counseling, insurance verification, or related fieldExperience supporting physician group practices preferredKnowledge of insurance verification, prior authorization, referrals, and patient responsibility calculationsUnderstanding of payer guidelines and basic coding principlesProficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)Strong data entry accuracy and attention to detailExcellent verbal and written communication skillsStrong interpersonal skills with the ability to handle sensitive financial discussions professionallyAbility to multitask and prioritize in a deadline-driven environmentAbility to work independently in a remote or hybrid environmentStrong organizational skills and time managementPreferred Education And ExperienceAssociate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, or related field preferredExperience with NextGen and eligibility platformsExperience with financial assistance programs