RESPONSIBILITIES:
- A Patient Access Rep II will assist in the coordination, prioritization and completion of front-end patient registration activities ranging from pre-registration through discharge in the Patient Access Services Department.
- The representative will ensure patient insurance verification is accomplished and all requirements are met.
- Accurately completes patient registrations based on departmental protocols and standards, policies and procedures, and compliance with regulatory agencies.
- Calls patients to pre-register or confirm appointments.
- A Patient Access Rep II prioritizes work for optimal reimbursement and to avoid financial risk to both patient and hospital.
- Ensures all insurance requirements are met prior to or on the date of service and informs patients of their financial liability and collects liability due.
- Identifies patients who require early financial counseling intervention.
- Ensures all uninsured patients are referred to a financial counselor as appropriate.
- A Patient Access Rep II will also assist patients, guarantors and families with insurance questions in a professional manner and is responsible for escalating any unaddressed insurance benefit concerns to the department Financial Counselor.
- Maintains confidentiality of patient information, employee information and other information covered by regulations or professional ethics.
- Performs duties in support of the EHC Patient Access Mission Statement.
- Position requires self-motivated individual with demonstrated ability in time management who can handle high patient volumes and fast pace.
- Maintains thorough understanding of insurance, registration, scheduling, referrals, authorizations, and account follow-up.
- Maintains knowledge of multiple department system applications utilized by Patient Access.
- Familiar with and adheres to all state and federal regulations such as EMTALA, CMS, HIPAA, and JCAHO guidelines.
- Effectively communicates identified issues and concerns in a constructive and professional manner.
- Participates in generating ideas and solutions for improvements.
- Responds in a timely and appropriate way to verbal and written requests.
- Accurately searches the database to establish if patient is new or an established patient.
- Obtains required signature for release of information in a timely manner, adhering to policy and procedures.
- Completes registration by verification of information and insurance for established patient or entering information for new patient prior to discharge of patient.
- Reconfirms date of birth and legal spelling of the patients name.
- Obtains appropriate signature(s) and scans all appropriate documents (Admission/Registration Agreement, Notice of Privacy Practice, and Important Message from Medicare, etc.).
- Scans patient id and insurance cards.
- Makes every attempt to collect patient liability as appropriate and documents the response if not collected.
- Appropriately distributes registration paperwork according to departmental procedures.
- Schedules procedures/follow-up appointments.
- Communicates hospitals financial policies to all patients.
- Call patients to pre-register or confirm appointments.
- Maintains appropriate monthly assurance accuracy rate as determined by the department.
- Maintains established departmental standards regarding productivity, quality, and collections.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Must have at least 2 years healthcare related or customer service experience.
- Knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid, and other commercial payers (HMO, PPO) preferred.
- Associate or bachelor degree may be accepted in lieu of experience.
- Certified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA) preferred.
- Typing skills with a minimum of 35 wpm and good communication skills.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (Medium Max 25lbs): up to 25 lbs, 0-33% of the work day (occasionally); 11-25 lbs, 34-66% of the workday (frequently); 01-10 lbs, 67-100% of the workday (constantly); Lifting 25 lbs max; Carrying of objects up to 25 lbs; Occasional to frequent standing & walking, Occasional sitting, Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing), Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Factors affecting environment conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include, but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure Bio-hazardous waste Chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors Communicable diseases Electrical shock, Floor Surfaces, Hot/Cold Temperatures, Indoor/Outdoor conditions, Latex, Lighting, Patient care/handling injuries, Radiation, Shift work, Travel may be required. Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.