Patient Access Advocate I

Job Highlights

This role is hybrid. The selected candidate will need to live within one hour from the Des Peres, MO location. Candidates may work remotely but must be able to come into the system office in Des Perbes, MO on occasion as required. Work schedule is Monday through Friday. Start times are flexible between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM, with corresponding end times between 2:30 PM and 4:30 PM. Candidates may select their preferred start time. There is no on-call requirement for this role.

Preferred Skills & Matching Criteria

• Must be present and engaged during work hours.
• Must be an organized self-starter, capable of working independently from home.
• Must demonstrate critical thinking and a willingness to learn.
• Some college education is preferred.
• Must possess empathy and a strong desire to assist patients.
• Must be able to meet monthly and yearly savings goals.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel is preferred.
• Must be comfortable managing multiple patients and programs simultaneously.
• Must have strong verbal communication skills and be comfortable interacting with patients, team members, staff, manufacturers, and foundations.
• Experience with Epic, patient financial counseling, denials, insurance, and pharmacy terminology is preferred.
• Persistence and attention to detail are essential; an accounting or finance background is beneficial.

Job Summary

Ensures patient assistance programs are being effectively utilized and ensures all eligible patients are enrolled in assistance programs. May have direct patient contact.

Job Responsibilities and Requirements

Primary Responsibilities:

• Supports patient assistance needs for multiple ministry locations, sometimes remotely, and serves as a resource to assist with drug/device recovery, lab out of pocket costs, copay cards and private independent foundation enrollments for the organization.
• Completes analysis of patient accounts for enrollment in available medication, device or lab test.
• Collaborates with patient financial services for follow-up/meetings with patients to obtain signatures or other required documentation to ensure that patients have completed all necessary steps in the assistance process.
• Reviews registration reports for each entity across the system to identify/determine patients that may be eligible for financial assistance.
• Conducts monthly audits on enrollments to ensure accurate and complete order submissions; address situations where interventions are needed.
• Works with charity programs to obtain payment on behalf of patients, which includes following up on payment status, resolving denials, and expediting requests.
• Affords assistance and cross-trains other team members and provides coordination of best programs for patients.
• Creates and maintains a positive and cohesive work environment with coworkers and management.
• Ensures compliance and HIPAA guidelines are maintained for every patient.

Other Duties as Assigned.

Education

High School diploma/GED or 10 years of work experience.

Experience

Two years’ experience in patient financial assistance, patient access or provider office.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing 0-25 lbs.
• Frequent sitting, standing, walking, reaching and repetitive foot/leg and hand/arm movements.
• Frequent use of vision and depth perception for distances near (20 inches or less) and far (20 feet or more) and to identify and distinguish colors.
• Frequent use of hearing and speech to share information through oral communication.
• Ability to hear alarms, malfunctioning machinery, etc.
• Frequent keyboard use/data entry.
• Occasional bending, stooping, kneeling, squatting, twisting and gripping.
• Occasional lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing 25-50 lbs.
• Rare climbing.

Department

8725010033 Supply Chain Mgmt

Work Shift

Day Shift (United States of America)

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Benefits

SSM Health values our exceptional employees by offering a comprehensive benefits package to fit their needs. Paid Parental Leave: we offer eligible team members one week of paid parental leave for newborns or newly adopted children (pro-rated based on FTE). Flexible Payment Options: our voluntary benefit offered through DailyPay offers eligible hourly team members instant access to their earned, unpaid base pay (fees may apply) before payday. Upfront Tuition Coverage: we provide upfront tuition coverage through FlexPath Funded for eligible team members. Explore All Benefits

SSM Health is an equal opportunity employer

SSM Health does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Click here to learn more.