What is the role of a financial counselor in the context of patient access?

The role of a financial counselor in the context of patient access primarily revolves around assisting patients with their financial concerns, which includes navigating insurance coverage, understanding benefits, and setting up payment plans. This function is essential as many patients face financial barriers when accessing healthcare services. By providing guidance and support in these areas, financial counselors help ensure that patients can afford necessary care without unnecessary stress. They evaluate the patients' financial situations, explain potential costs, and outline the available financial assistance options or payment plans tailored to the patients' circumstances.

This role is critical in promoting access to healthcare services and improving patient satisfaction by addressing one of the major hurdles patients encounter – the financial aspect of their care.