Patient Access Associate

About the Role

Responsible for obtaining Personal Health Information (PHI) for all Kent patients in a timely, professional, and caring manner. This information, entered into the Hospital’s Information and Clinical Systems, includes demographic and financial data used by all hospital departments. Assists in maintaining the hospital's financial integrity through insurance verification, co-payment collection, and managing patient bed assignments.

Responsibilities

• Greet and receive patients and visitors, providing comfort and assistance to patients and their families, and communicating with police and rescue personnel when necessary.
• Obtain complete and accurate Personal Health Information (PHI) to register patients into the Hospital Information and Clinical Systems (Patcom and Affinity) with minimal inconvenience.
• Explain financial requirements and regulatory mandates to patients professionally and compassionately.
• Communicate with physicians’ offices to ensure accurate scheduling and registration information.
• Obtain signatures for consent to surgery/treatment, financial responsibility, and other required authorizations.
• Collect insurance co-payments for Emergency Department visits and Out-Patient Services, as well as deposits and deductibles during registration when appropriate.
• Organize test results, registration, and medical forms for inclusion in the patient’s permanent medical record.
• Create and distribute daily registration schedule reports to appropriate areas.
• Verify patient insurance information through online communication with payers using the SSI system.
• Scan insurance cards, physician orders, and important documents into the SSI Optical Imaging System.
• Explain and issue regulatory required information, including HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices, Important Message to Medicare Patients, Medicare Advance Beneficiary Notice, and Advance Directive Information.
• Manage daily patient bed assignments using the Electronic Bedboard and Bed Tracking system.
• Determine appropriate nursing units for post-operative, emergency department transfers, and direct admissions.
• Coordinate with physicians, Nursing ED, and Outpatient Surgery to resolve bed assignment issues.
• Lead daily Bed Management meetings.
• Monitor transactions in Patcom and Affinity to ensure an accurate daily hospital census.
• Maintain a courteous, helpful, and professional demeanor with staff, patients, and families.
• Promote customer service in all interactions.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma and a minimum of two years of job-related experience or equivalent.
• Certificate of Medical Terminology and strong oral communication skills preferred.
• Exceptional patient relation and customer service skills.
• Minimum typing speed of 40 wpm with proficiency in using multiple computer applications.
• Experience in a medical office or customer service setting preferred.

About Us

Care New England Health System (CNE) and its member institutions—Butler Hospital, Women & Infants Hospital, Kent Hospital, VNA of Care New England, Integra, The Providence Center, and Care New England Medical Group—are a trusted, integrated health care organization. CNE fuels medical research advancements, attracts top specialty-trained doctors, develops renowned services and innovative programs, and engages in critical discussions about health and end-of-life care. We are transforming the future of health care, providing a leading voice in ensuring the health of the individuals and communities we serve.