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Patient Financial Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Requisition ID 42179 Department Patient Access Location Poway, California Union CHEU Salary Range ... Certified Healthcare Access Associate (NAHAM) Required License: Not Applicable Preferred License:

Financial Rep Access Dept

Escondido, CA · On-site

$23 - $33.56/hr

Patient Access Union: CHEU Shift: 12-hour Shift - Variable (United States of America) Hours Per Pay ... Certified Healthcare Access Associate (NAHAM) or equivalent Required License: Not Applicable ...

Patient Access Union: CHEU Shift: 12-hour Shift - Variable (United States of America) Hours Per Pay ... Certified Healthcare Access Associate (NAHAM) Required License: Not Applicable Preferred License:

Financial Rep Access Dept

Escondido, CA · On-site

$23 - $33.56/hr

Patient Access Union: CHEU Shift: 12-hour Shift - Night (United States of America) Hours Per Pay ... Certified Healthcare Access Associate (NAHAM) or equivalent Required License: Not Applicable ...

Patient Access Union: CHEU Shift: 12-hour Shift - Variable (United States of America) Hours Per Pay ... Certified Healthcare Access Associate (NAHAM) or equivalent Required License: Not Applicable ...

Patient Access Union: CHEU Shift: 8-hour Shift - Variable (United States of America) Hours Per Pay ... Certified Healthcare Access Associate (NAHAM) or equivalent Required License: Not Applicable ...

Showing results 21-40

Patient Financial Associate information

What does a patient financial associate do?

A Patient Financial Associate is responsible for helping patients navigate the financial aspects of their healthcare. They assist with billing, insurance verification, payment processing, and answering questions about charges or coverage. Their goal is to ensure patients understand their financial responsibilities and help resolve any billing issues. Patient Financial Associates often work closely with both patients and insurance companies to facilitate smooth payment processes.

What are some typical challenges patient financial associates face when helping patients understand their insurance coverage and billing statements?

Patient Financial Associates often encounter challenges when explaining complex insurance policies and billing details to patients who may be unfamiliar or overwhelmed by healthcare terminology. Navigating discrepancies between insurance claims and actual coverage, addressing denied claims, and clarifying patient responsibilities for out-of-pocket costs require strong communication and problem-solving skills. It's common to work closely with both patients and insurance representatives to resolve issues and ensure accurate billing, all while maintaining empathy and professionalism. Effective Associates develop strategies to simplify information and provide reassurance throughout the process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a patient financial associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Patient Financial Associate, you need a solid understanding of medical billing, insurance processes, and healthcare finance, often supported by a relevant associate degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with hospital information systems, billing software, and coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure accurate billing, prompt reimbursement, and positive patient interactions, which are critical for the financial health of healthcare organizations.

What is the difference between Patient Financial Associate vs Medical Billing Specialist?

AspectPatient Financial AssociateMedical Billing Specialist
CredentialsHigh school diploma; some roles may require certificationHigh school diploma; certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, healthcare officesMedical offices, billing companies, healthcare facilities
Primary ResponsibilitiesPatient account management, insurance verification, billing assistanceProcessing claims, coding, submitting bills to insurers
OverlapYes, both handle billing and insurance processesYes, both involve billing and insurance claims

The Patient Financial Associate and Medical Billing Specialist roles share responsibilities related to billing and insurance. However, the Patient Financial Associate focuses more on patient interactions, account management, and financial counseling, while the Medical Billing Specialist primarily handles claim processing and coding. Both roles are essential in healthcare revenue cycle management and often work closely within healthcare settings.

Is healthcare finance a good career?

A Patient Financial Associate role involves managing patient billing, insurance claims, and financial records in healthcare settings. It offers stable employment, opportunities for advancement, and requires skills in communication, attention to detail, and familiarity with billing software. Healthcare finance is considered a growing field with steady demand for qualified professionals.

What are the most commonly searched types of Patient Financial jobs in California?

The most popular types of Patient Financial jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Patient Financial Associate jobs?

Cities in California with the most Patient Financial Associate job openings:

Financial Rep Access Dept

Palomar Health

Poway, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Vision

Re-posted 26 days ago


Palomar Health rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Requisition ID
42179
Department
Patient Access
Location
Poway, California
Union
CHEU
Salary Range
21.49 - 32.27
Job Type
Full-Time
Shift
Varies
Hours Per Shift
12
Hours Per Pay Period
72
Position at Palomar Health
Description
Posting Date: 6/12/2026
Internal Closing Date: 6/18/26
* Internal candidates must apply by midnight on the Closing Date in order to have bidding rights.
Serves as the first contact for patients and families regarding funding sources for inpatient and outpatient services. Responsible for the day to day activities of obtaining funding for patients in the statuses of scheduling, pre-registration, registration, or post registration as assigned. Screens all admissions on a daily basis and educates referring physicians offices, patients and their families on hospital policy and procedures regarding various methods of payment source for services rendered. This may include advising applicable admits of pre-payment deposits and monthly payment arrangements.
Obtains and documents information that appropriately designates current funding information and/or provides information on available funding sources if the patient/family does not have current sources. Works in collaboration with all departments and units in the revenue cycle to appropriately communicate issues and/or barriers, and to formulate work plans for resolution. Obtains appropriate up front collection on all self pay accounts as well as co-pays, deductibles, and co-insurance as identified in information provided by the patient's insurance card or through the eligibility and verification process.
Screen the patient for possible other 3rd party and charity eligibility and keep up-to-date on admission/business office insurance procedures. Adept at utilizing payer resources and web sites to accurately explore and assess eligibility and successfully initiate referrals for MediCal/CMS/CCS. Appropriately administers the Palomar Health Financial Assistance Policy and Procedures to determine if the patient is eligible for discounted prices for services or is eligible for charity care designation. Well versed in policy and procedure that pertains to AB774 and is able to assist the patient/family in determining if they qualify based on federal poverty guidelines.
Responsible for careful financial evaluation of all admissions, taking appropriate steps that are most beneficial to the hospital, while giving the proper level of consideration to the patient. Must be firm and decisive, yet courteous, tactful, considerate and show concern and empathy for the patient/family under often stressful situations. Must be keen, alert and have the ability to effectively communicate with people from various education backgrounds. Must have the knowledge and confidence to make decisions regarding methods of payment and have the ability to work with frequent interruptions.
Speak and read English at a level that is sufficient to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of the position. Knowledge of standard office equipment (i.e., calculator, fax, photocopier) and personal computer and computer software skills (i.e., MS Windows, Excel, Access, Word, Powerpoint, internet, e-mail). Windows computer skills including proficient use of keyboarding, use of mouse or keys for functions such as selecting items, use of drop down menus, scroll bars, opening folders, copying and similar operations required upon employment or within the 1st two weeks of employment to perform the essential functions of the job. Performs other duties as assigned. Follows Palomar Health rules, policies, procedures, applicable laws and standards. Carries out the mission, vision, and quality commitment of Palomar Health.
Job Requirements
Minimum Education: High School Diploma and/or combination of education and experiencePreferred Education: High School Diploma and/or combination of education and experience plus 1 year healthcare-related experience or basic college/medical coursework to learn medical terminologyMinimum Experience: 2 years Patient Access and/or Patient Financial Services experience assisting patients with insurance and government funded programsPreferred Experience: 3+ years Patient Access and Patient Financial Services experience assisting patients with insurance and government funded programs, including experience related to billing and payment of government funded health plans.
Bilingual (Spanish)Required Certification: Not ApplicablePreferred Certification: Certified Healthcare Access Associate (NAHAM)Required License: Not ApplicablePreferred License: Not Applicable
Current employees are not eligible for hiring incentives. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against applicants or employees based on race, color, gender, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law.

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