Financial Counselor

Little Rock shows steady growth in healthcare financial roles, including Financial Counselors, driven by expanding medical services and patient volume. Compared to larger metro areas, competition is moderate, offering a promising opportunity for candidates with billing and patient collection expertise.

Navigating diverse patient financial situations and managing high-volume billing calls are common hurdles. In Arkansas’ hospital settings, adapting to local insurance nuances and effectively communicating payment options to patients are essential skills for success.

Progression often leads to supervisory roles or specialized positions like financial aid coordination or credit counseling. Building expertise in billing codes and patient financial advising enhances prospects within healthcare finance or broader financial services.

Strong communication and negotiation skills are vital, alongside detailed knowledge of medical billing codes like CPT and ICD-10. Organizational ability to manage multiple accounts and a proactive approach to patient financial counseling distinguish top performers.

CHI emphasizes compassionate patient engagement combined with comprehensive benefits supporting work-life balance. Their focus on community health and employee wellness offers a supportive environment distinct from standard hospital billing departments.

Employees benefit from tuition assistance programs and access to wellness initiatives, encouraging continuous learning and career growth. CHI’s integration within CommonSpirit Health opens pathways to diverse healthcare roles and specialized financial services training.

Financial Counselors in Little Rock typically earn between $38,000 and $47,000 annually, aligning with regional healthcare finance roles. Salary varies based on experience, certifications, and specific employer benefits such as Catholic Health Initiatives’ comprehensive packages.

Certifications like Certified Patient Account Manager (CPAM) or training in CPT/ICD-10 coding improve credibility. Local healthcare employers value practical billing experience combined with recognized credentials to navigate complex insurance and collection processes.

You’ll often guide patients through payment plans for past due balances, assist with hardship applications, and clarify billing statements. Empathy and clear communication help resolve financial concerns while maintaining positive patient relationships.

The organization provides structured workflows, electronic statement systems, and team collaboration to handle patient accounts efficiently. This support reduces burnout risks and ensures counselors can focus on personalized patient financial assistance.