Patient Access Services Emergency Department Specialist

Work Schedule

Part Time (24 Hours) Saturdays & Sundays 6:30 PM-7:00 AM

Benefits Eligible

Primary Purpose

The primary purpose of this position is patient facing in clinical nature in both the Emergency Room and Urgent Care Emergent Care setting. The position requires the staff to enter into patient rooms to perform screening duties to include: patient registration, collecting data for patient name, date of birth, address, validate patient county of residence, telephone number, emergency contact, date of injury/illness, verification of insurance (that may require utilization of multiple websites to validate), explain and obtain the Consent for Medical Treatment and the Patient Statement of Responsibility, identify and collect the Primary Care Physician, collect and scan the patient identification and insurance cards, secure patient photo for chart, and initiate preliminary collections and financial counseling services to unfunded patients. This service is to ensure Parkland's financial viability and assist with care plan coordination to eliminate delays in patient care. The role is presented in all areas of the Emergency Room and Inpatient to include:

• Trauma Services
• Psychiatric Services
• Labor & Delivery Services
• Urgent Care Emergency Services
• All Inpatient Units for Direct Admissions (Medical, Surgery, Trauma, and Obstetric).

Education

• High School diploma/GED required.
• Associate degree preferred.
• CHAA, CHAM, CPAT, CRCR preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 2 years' experience within a hospital or clinical environment, an insurance company, managed care organization, other financial service setting, registration, financial counseling, financial clearance and/or customer service in a health care environment.
• Working knowledge of patient access, financial counseling, and customer service functions in both acute and non-acute, banking, and financial, department of health and human service settings is a plus.
• Working knowledge of medical terminology and insurance terminology.
• Ability to work multiple computer systems such as patient, registration/accounting system, document imaging, scanning, proprietary payer websites and data quality monitoring, both accurately and efficiently.
• Knowledge and functions of relationships within a hospital environment.

Equivalent Education and/or Experience

• Completion of a Parkland Workforce Development Training Program may substitute for the required education and experience.
• May have an equivalent combination of education and experience to substitute for both the education and the experience requirements.

Certification/Registration/Licensure

• Certified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA) preferred.
• Certified Patient Account Technician (CPAT) preferred.
• Certified Revenue Cycle Representative (CRCR) preferred.

Skills or Special Abilities

• Must be proficient in the use of personal computers, printers, scanners, etc.
• Must be able to demonstrate working knowledge of computer software, i.e., Word and Excel Knowledge, Hospital Information/Enterprise Systems, i.e., EPIC.
• Customer service skills and experience.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be able to function in a high-level stressful environment while simultaneously multi-tasking.
• Ability to receive and express detailed information through oral and written communications.
• Professional approach and appearance.
• Detailed oriented with basic mathematical and analytical skills.
• Must be able to resolve registration issues as they relate to multiple groups including third party payors, system, patients, and physicians.
• Knowledge of contract reimbursement, third party payors and insurance verification preferred.
• Ability to problem solve within the guidelines of established policies and procedures.
• Medical and insurance terminology.
• Must be willing to support on the job training of new hires
• Bilingual skills preferred.

Responsibilities

• Greets patients, family members, peers, and leadership in a professional, friendly, and respectful manner to promote a positive public image of Parkland. Willingness to move about the system to ensure all facets of the job responsibilities are completed accurately and timely to support the needs of the organization. Required to assist the hospital in the event of an internal or external disaster.
• Obtain, verify, and update accurate demographic, financial, and insurance information in the process of registration. Including the entry of patient/guarantor information in the patient registration/accounting systems. Ensure accounts are billed accurately and timely. Guarantee that medical record numbers are not duplicated, or overlays created.
• Review patient accounts for financial status to identify non-funded and/or under-funded patients. Initiates preliminary financial counseling screening by reviewing the current residency status, income, employment, and insurance eligibility. If insurance is available, complete validation of coverage and collect copayment as identified. If insurance is not available, explain and offer a PFA/SPCD application to initiate a funding resource. Patient balance may require an estimate of costs for services and a payment plan to be established for the patient.
• Educate patients about financial liabilities. Use proper payment collection, security, deposit and documentation techniques. Adhere to financial and cash control policies and procedures.
• Clearly and timely document actions taken in account notes to ensure information is available and understandable for other departments to review. Track productivity/quality and provides cumulative reports daily, weekly and monthly as required. Ensures appropriate patient consents are communicated and received.

Job Accountabilities

• Identifies ways to improve work processes and improve customer satisfaction. Makes recommendations to supervisor, implements, and monitors results as appropriate in support of the overall goals of the department and Parkland.
• Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements, and trends in the field by attending seminars/workshops, reading professional journals, actively participating in professional organizations, and/or maintaining certification or licensure. Integrates knowledge gained into current work practices.
• Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws and guidelines that impact the area. Develops effective internal controls designed to promote adherence with applicable laws, accreditation agency requirements, and federal, state, and private health plans. Seeks advice and guidance as needed to ensure proper understanding.