Patient Access Representative

Overview:

The Patient Access department is staffed 24 hours a day with personnel directly responsible for pre-registration insurance verification, scheduling, and registration of all inpatients and outpatient into the organization. Arranges for the efficient and orderly admission of inpatients and registration of individuals who have hospital-based outpatient testing or procedures. Ensures that the patient information is collected and that patients are aware of their rights to make decisions regarding their healthcare, conditions of admission, patient rights and financial responsibilities, hospital policies and procedures. Answers and directs calls to appropriate areas, follows hospital protocol regarding emergency codes and overhead announcements. Interviews incoming patient or patient representatives and enters information required for registration into computer database. Distributes appropriate information to ancillary departments. Participates in department meetings, hospital and department in services, performance improvement and CQI activities. Adheres to infection control policies and guidelines appropriate for their work area. Hand hygiene and PPE (job applicable) followed when appropriate.

Responsibilities:

• Greets patients courteously, determines their needs, and offers assistance.
• Registers patient by performing necessary procedures such as preparation of records, reports, notices, service charge slips, and payor information.
• Interviews patients, relatives, or others responsible to determine payment arrangements and refers unusual cases to immediate supervisor.
• May assist self-pay patients in making suitable arrangements for balances due beyond initial deposits or third-party payments. 
• Answers inquiries to patient accounts and advises patient on insurance benefits. 
• Receives all payments and deposits, issues receipts for all monies received and, otherwise, makes proper accounting for all funds received.
• Posts charges daily to proper patient accounts. 
• Posts payments to accounts daily.
• Contacts insurance carriers/agencies to obtain precertification of ancillary, admission and surgical procedures. 
• May transport patients in wheelchairs.
• Operates various office equipment to include copiers, fax machines and other equipment as assigned. 
• Operates communication systems, placing and answering telephone calls, paging or contacting staff and maintaining appropriate records. 
• May serve as general receptionist for Clinic supplying non-technical information regarding the Clinic or refer questions to proper person.
• Makes and maintains appointment schedules for Clinic Physicians. 
• May secure required signatures on reports and records relative to release of information according to policies of the Clinic.
• May assist physicians and nursing personnel as required.
• Contacts patients, physicians, or others for information necessary to properly complete insurance or other type billings. 
• Maintains sufficient files according to established procedures for efficient operation of the Clinic including patient charts.
• Compiles periodic and statistical reports and other data as directed.
• Maintains work area in a clean and safe manner.

Qualifications:

Minimum Education:

•  High School diploma or equivalent required.  Associate’s degree preferred.

Minimum Work Experience:  

• High School Diploma or Equivalency required.
• Two years experience in healthcare registration preferred
• Excellent verbal, presentation and written communication skills.

 Required to comply with OSHA regulations for the N95 respirator training and fit testing. (job classifications that require fit testing)

 

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:  

• Ability to communicate in English, both orally and written.
• Ability to work independently within general guidelines.
• Ability to work well with others in a calm, friendly manner in a high volume, high stress environment.
• Ability to remain focused amid frequent interruptions.