Southwest Florida Proton

Financial Counselor - Medical Practice

Department: Administrative & Non-Clinical
Reports To: Practice Manager / Operations Director
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Location: Southwest Florida Proton Center (Lee County, FL)
Position Type: Full-Time

POSITION OVERVIEW

At Southwest Florida Proton, our mission is to deliver world-class proton therapy with a deeply patient-centered approach. The Medical Financial Counselor plays a critical role in supporting patients through the financial aspects of their cancer care. This role helps patients understand insurance coverage, financial responsibility, and available support resources while ensuring a compassionate and seamless financial experience during a highly vulnerable time.

This role requires a high level of initiative, ownership, and accountability. The ideal candidate demonstrates an owner’s mindset, proactively identifies barriers, and develops creative solutions that improve the patient experience and financial outcomes for the organization.

The Financial Counselor serves as a key liaison between patients, payers, and internal teams — including front desk, clinical staff, coding, and billing — ensuring accurate financial coordination throughout the patient journey.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Patient Financial Counseling

• Provide compassionate insurance benefit explanations, including deductibles, co-pays, co-insurance, and out-of-pocket maximums
• Meet with patients and/or family members to discuss treatment costs and financial expectations related to proton therapy and radiation oncology services
• Generate and present clear financial estimates based on treatment plans, contracted payer rates, and benefit structures
• Develop and offer appropriate payment plans or financing options when applicable
• Collect patient payments, including co-pays, deposits, and balances due, and assist with financial aid or third-party funding processes
• Connect eligible patients with financial assistance programs, foundations, or Medicaid resources when appropriate
• Communicate financial limitations and options with empathy, discretion, and professionalism

Insurance Verification & Benefits Coordination

• Verify insurance eligibility and benefits across all payer types, including commercial plans, Medicare, and Medicaid
• Maintain working knowledge of in-network and out-of-network proton therapy coverage and radiation oncology benefits
• Obtain prior authorizations and coordinate with clinical and administrative leadership on complex cases (e.g., inpatient, multi-site care, or travel-related treatments)
• Collaborate with billing and access teams to ensure financial and clinical documentation accuracy

Administrative & Data Management

• Accurately enter and maintain patient demographics, insurance details, authorizations, and coverage timelines within EMR and practice management systems
• Maintain documentation related to estimates, financial discussions, and payment arrangements
• Prepare balance summaries and financial documentation as needed
• Participate actively in internal practice meetings, including operational, financial, and performance improvement discussions
• Collaborate in meetings and communications with external partners, including billing vendors, payers, and financial assistance organizations
• Maintain professional interactions with patients, families, providers, and payer representatives at all times

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred (Healthcare Administration, Business, or related field)

Experience & Knowledge

• 1–3 years of healthcare financial counseling, insurance verification, or patient access experience required
• Working knowledge of medical insurance benefits and terminology
• Familiarity with radiation oncology or oncology financial workflows preferred
• Experience with EMR and practice management systems; familiarity with quality reporting programs preferred

Skills & Competencies

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize in a fast-paced clinical environment
• Demonstrated initiative and strong problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work effectively and independently with external billing partners and vendors
• Proven ability to deliver superior patient satisfaction and service excellence
• Experience leading or contributing to performance improvement initiatives
• Ownership mindset with the ability to think strategically and act in the best interest of patients and the organization
• High level of empathy and professionalism when discussing sensitive financial topics
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Service-oriented mindset with the ability to build trust with patients and families

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Competitive compensation commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous paid time off and paid holidays
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution
• Mission-driven, collaborative culture focused on advancing cancer care in Southwest Florida

This description provides a general overview of the essential responsibilities and qualifications for this role and is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Duties and requirements may evolve based on organizational needs.

Southwest Florida Proton is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws.