Financial Access Associate

This position is responsible for the collection of patient pre-service financial obligations in a timely and accurate manner, while demonstrating excellent customer service skills and effective communication. Responsible for accurate cash balancing of payments received, data entry, and assigned clerical duties. Maintains positive customer-focused service to physicians, office staff, co-workers, and other hospital departments following the organization’s core behaviors.

Responsibilities

• Ensures all patient financial responsibilities and payment opportunities are identified and discussed with the patient either prior to or immediately following rendered services.
• Collects specified amounts and assists with coordination of patient activities with the Financial Care Services Department.
• Receives, processes, and secures cash, checks, and credit cards from patients; prepares and issues receipts for payments.
• Ensures all insurance requirements are completed prior to service rendered.
• Files and maintains records according to hospital, departmental, and regulatory requirements; reviews records for completeness and corrects deficiencies.
• Provides follow-up actions on collection processes.
• Performs clerical functions to maintain efficient and smooth operations of the department and pre-service collection process.
• Greets and interviews patients and significant others to collect and discuss patient financial obligations according to hospital guidelines.
• Maintains strict response time in interacting with patients to meet departmental productivity requirements.
• Registers patients in the computer system according to admission/registration guidelines and completes all required registration duties.
• Participates in cross-training functions as directed for maximum flexibility and use of personnel.
• Performs additional duties as assigned and assists in the training and orientation of new staff members.
• Maintains department equipment, records and reports malfunctions, and initiates service work orders.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• 1 year of customer service experience.
• 1 year of clerical experience, including computer usage.
• Ability to maintain/update computer competencies as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1 year of hospital receptionist experience.
• Familiarity with medical terminology and third-party reimbursement procedures.

Skills

• Ability to attend to more than one aspect of a situation simultaneously.
• Efficiency in processing verbal information, either written or spoken.
• Independent thought, planning, or origination of options and solutions.
• Ability to apply principles of reasoning and problem-solving to resolve practical problems with limited standardization.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, turning, and reaching.
• Ability to lift and/or carry up to 25 pounds.

Working Environment

Standard office environment.

Schedule

Scheduled weekly hours: 40. Shift varies.