Professional Summary

Professional Overview

Janice Verhougstraete is an experienced Financial Counselor at Sparrow Health System, a leading healthcare provider in Lansing, Michigan. With over 25 years of expertise in the healthcare finance industry, Janice specializes in guiding patients and their families through the complexities of medical billing, insurance navigation, and financial assistance programs.

Experience Summary

Current Role

As a Financial Counselor at Sparrow Health System since 1996, Janice is responsible for providing comprehensive financial counseling and support to patients. Her key responsibilities include:

• Assisting patients in understanding their medical bills and insurance coverage

• Identifying and facilitating enrollment in eligible financial assistance programs

• Negotiating payment plans and arrangements to ensure patient financial stability

• Collaborating with insurance providers to resolve billing discrepancies and claims

• Educating patients on cost-saving strategies and financial management best practices

Janice's extensive knowledge and empathetic approach have earned her a reputation as a trusted advisor, helping countless patients alleviate the financial burden of healthcare costs and focus on their recovery.

Career Progression

Prior to her current role, Janice held positions as a Financial Counselor and Billing Specialist at local healthcare organizations, where she honed her skills in patient advocacy, financial analysis, and process optimization. Her proven track record of success and commitment to delivering exceptional service have led to her long-standing tenure at Sparrow Health System.

Academic Background

Janice holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Michigan State University, where she graduated with honors. Her academic background provides a strong foundation in financial management, data analysis, and problem-solving, which she leverages daily in her role as a Financial Counselor.

Areas of Expertise

• Healthcare finance and medical billing

• Insurance claim processing and reimbursement

• Patient financial counseling and advocacy

• Financial assistance program identification and enrollment

• Effective communication and customer service

Professional Impact

Throughout her career, Janice has been instrumental in developing and implementing innovative financial counseling programs at Sparrow Health System. Her contributions have resulted in:

• Increased patient satisfaction scores by 15% through enhanced financial counseling services

• Secured over $2.5 million in financial assistance for patients in need

• Streamlined the medical billing process, reducing patient complaints by 20%

• Served as a subject matter expert, providing training and mentorship to fellow financial counselors

Conclusion

With her extensive experience, deep industry knowledge, and unwavering commitment to patient well-being, Janice Verhougstraete is a valuable asset to the Sparrow Health System team. Her ability to navigate the complexities of healthcare finance and her dedication to empowering patients make her an invaluable partner in the pursuit of improving patient outcomes and financial well-being.