Director, Patient Access

About the role

Manages the day-to-day operations of the scheduling teams to optimize performance and quality levels while ensuring the most efficient use of resources.

Responsibilities

• Reviews and approves timesheets and paid time off requests in the time management system and generates regular reports to the management team on staff adherence to schedule.
• Performs performance management of the team including reviews, corrective action, mentoring, and performance improvement plans.
• Makes necessary adjustments in work assignments based on daily operating activity of the department.
• Ensures efficient and high-quality delivery of care within the department.
• Maintains productivity and performance of individual schedulers and authorization staff to meet MGMA standards.
• Oversees and monitors financial collections of procedure patients.
• Collaborates with all internal and external customers and departments to ensure timely and accurate patient registration and processing related to all aspects of the patient and revenue cycle process.
• Conducts department audits to maintain consistency in the scheduling and authorization process.
• Supervises, trains, and evaluates performance over assigned staff.
• Understands and stays abreast of payer requirements and changes within the industry. Provides training and oversight to staff to assure that these requirements are executed.
• Attends administrative meetings and participates in committees as requested.
• Trends/identifies claim denials due to demographic and referral/authorization errors. Research and resolve scheduling discrepancies in a timely manner. Provide trends and action plans for improvement to the leadership team.
• Supports and complies with all company policies and procedures.

Requirements

Minimum five years of experience in a supervisory, manager, or leadership role.

Proven leadership skills with an ability to motivate with a positive attitude that positively impacts others.

Excellent organizational skills and strong customer service orientation are required with a strong background in computers and data entry.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of medical clinic operations and scheduling.
• Federal, state, and HIPAA privacy regulations.
• Knowledge of medical terminology and office procedures.
• Working knowledge of eligibility, verification of benefits, and prior authorizations from various HMOs, PPOs, commercial payers, and other funding sources.

Skills

• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with employees, patients, and providers.
• Analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Effectively managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Represent the company in a professional manner related to appearance, communication, and the maintenance of patient confidentiality.
• Interpersonal skills are essential to communicate effectively, written and oral, with internal and external personnel at various levels.

Abilities

• Analyzing problems and interpreting information.
• Prioritizing and reprioritizing, as necessary.
• Working independently, and as part of a team.
• Developing plans, evaluating workflow, and implementing improvements.
• Maintaining patient confidentiality and following HIPAA guidelines.
• Multitasking and working well under pressure.

Education

Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.