Patient Services Associate Duties (as needed/directed)Answers patient calls, responds to caller requests based on principles of practice, triage calls to appropriate person, and retrieves voicemail messages according to practice protocol Schedules appointments appropriately informs patient of any appointment time changes, confirms appointments Performs patient check-in/check-out functions: verifies insurance, registers patient, informs team of patient's arrival, attempts to collect payments on accounts and processes according to policy Identifies if referral is required for care and verifies validity of location, date & number of visits Issues referrals for specialists and diagnostic studies as directed Maintains up to date knowledge of insurance requirements pertinent to patient service and billing procedures. Assumes a leadership role in program/initiative development, implementation, and management, as per direction from practice leadership As appropriate, generates/creates reports to monitor performance against pre-established expectations/metrics Act as the communication link to the practice regarding program/initiative changes, improvements, effectiveness, and efficiency: solicits feedback on current and new programs/initiatives and responds accordingly Provides support to practice leadership for establishing, implementing, and maintaining practice policies, procedures and efficient systems that support daily operations and/or clinical program/initiative effectiveness.