Patient Access Specialist- Full Time

Serves as a patient advocate and resource through the scheduling, pre-registration, registration, admitting/discharge and authorization process. Greets, screens and checks in patients, families vendors and visitors in a professional manner while working to exceed customer service expectations. Pre-registers current and prospective patients which includes: performing verification of demographic and insurance eligibility/benefit information, identifying and communicating out of pocket liability, providing cost estimations as well as attempting to collect in advance or at time of service as well as making referrals to Patient Financial Counselor for self-pay or inability to pay.

Availabile Shifts:

• 72nd Street Clinic (72nd and West Center Rd): Monday-Friday 8a-5p
• Float among 3 clinics- 72nd Street, Council Bluffs (320 Mckenzie Ave), and Downtown (555 N 30th) Clinics: Monday-Friday 10a-4p.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

• Provides excellent customer service to any individuals presenting for clinic care, surgery, admissions or in need of direction by being able to assist any who present to their Access location with their admitting, registration/check-in, collections or other needs as identified.

• Maintains excellent communication and positive rapport with all points of contact which include internal and external entities, documenting pertinent discussions and details of correspondence in all applicable systems to provide tracking and point of reference.

• Responsible for obtaining and communicating accurate benefit information and eligibility, pre-determination/pre-authorization as well as detailed benefit and patient liabilities per insurance company requirements and established time frames, i.e. online vs. telephone to ensure credible coverage and benefits are in place.

• Follows established protocols and procedures for verification and collection of pertinent demographics.

• Communicates with Medical Unit Manager or Director to determine bed assignment and resource availability at time of admission if not performed in advance of patient presentation.

• Communicates arrival of surgical patients following registration or admission providing transport assistance as needed to pertinent care unit.

• Monitors patient care waiting areas, being situationally aware of setting to ensure a clean, safe and comfortable environment for anyone presenting to BTNRH.

• Processes incoming calls both internal and externally to aid in services which may include but are not limited to: scheduling, pre-registration, processing nurse call information, pharmacy refills and referral requests, physician and/or staff paging needs, financial counseling queries, admission/discharge notifications as well as vetting special requests and questions as needed.

• Assists in coordinating and scheduling interpretive services as identified needed.

• Responsible for opening and closing of clinic/admission locations ensuring security systems are utilized as directed.

• Works to collect co-payment and payment on account at time of service and is responsible for preparing daily bank deposits at appropriate intervals, carefully following payment and cash controls as directed.

• Communicates in a positive and professional manner with the patient / guarantor on any scheduling, registration, authorization or financial issues, including assisting with Financial Assistance application or referrals,

• Confirms legal guardianship status when applicable, obtaining legal guardianship documentation and consents.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to apply knowledge of electronic medical records, charts and medical terminology.

• Knowledge of insurance terms, reimbursement procedures, rates and policies related to medical terminology.

• Ability to maintain petty cash funds, make change and process credit cards.

• Ability to give attention to detail and follow established standards and procedures.

• Knowledge of Explanation of Benefits (EOB), CPT, HCPC and Diagnosis Codes.

• Must have excellent verbal/ written communication skills to communicate effectively with physicians, clinicians, patients and families.

• Knowledge of telephone etiquette required.

• Ability to handle multiple tasks at a time.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification within 120 days of transfer or hire required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

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