Patient Access Associate II

About The Job

Location: Harbor Hospital
Department: Emergency Room
Status: Full-time
Schedule: Evening Shift, 3:00pm-11:30pm with rotating weekends
Must be available for mandatory On-Site Invision Class upon hire: Tuesday & Wednesday, 8:00am-4:30pm. On-Site Training: 3-4 weeks of training with a preceptor and direct supervisor expected which could be outside of the assigned schedule.

Responsibilities

• Communicate with patients, families, physicians, quality review, and insurance companies to obtain information and insurance verification to assure quality patient care and payment of hospital accounts.
• Greet patients, provide information, answer phones, register outpatients and/or inpatients, code lab accounts, and enter orders as required.
• Obtain all necessary demographics, insurance information, appropriate codes, and authorizations from insurance companies, patients (or their representatives), and physicians in a courteous and efficient manner for billing.
• Perform other registration clerical and billing support as required.
• Review patient accounts and collect payments at time of service as well as review past due accounts for monies owed; refer patients to patient advocacy for any additional financial assistance.
• Maintain a professional and courteous behavior to ensure a positive image within the community served and to promote customer satisfaction.
• May perform bed assignments, assign physicians, and schedule patient appointments.
• Contributes to the achievement of established department goals and objectives and adheres to department policies, procedures, quality standards, and safety standards.
• Complies with governmental and accreditation regulations.
• Greet all patients, family members, and visitors into the department/service area. May screen visitors and issue visitors passes.
• Alerts nurse when patients present with any complaints that could be perceived as acute or life-threatening. Places ID band on each patient.
• Interviews patients, families, and outside sources to obtain complete and accurate demographic and financial information. Inputs data into system for registration, billing, and patient tracking.
• Screens and completes necessary questionnaires and specific forms according to predetermined requirements by government or regulatory agencies or hospital policies.
• Completes ABN process through registration system as needed. Explains to patient as required. Completes Medicare Secondary Payor Questionnaire (MSPQ) as required. Distributes Medicare Letter to inpatients.
• Confirms coverage using online electronic verification systems; selects appropriate insurance codes and may obtain authorizations by utilizing online electronic verification system or other resources such as HDX EVS or Blueline; follow up on insurance authorizations and referrals if needed.
• Is proficient in the use of multiple systems such as Teletracking, SMS, Cerner, Amnion, and IDX.
• Explains regulatory financial requirements to the patient or responsible party and collects deposits and deductibles as required.
• Reviews past due accounts at the time of service; collects payments; refers patients to patient advocacy for any additional financial assistance.
• Follows established cash reconciliation policy guidelines and may complete daily reconciliations.
• Comprehends and adheres to HIPAA and Red Flag rules.
• Adheres to the MedStar Health Financial Assistance Policies and Procedures.
• Utilizes Managed Care Handbook for plan requirements of contracted services or if service is carved out.
• Provides administrative support in various areas of the respective Patient Access departments where needed.
• Performs Admitting functions in a timely manner. Works additional time as requested when staffing problems occur.
• Performs scanning functions into the document imaging system and audit control of records with 98% accuracy.
• Maintains accurate documentation.
• Completes mandatory training (SITEL) within defined time frame.
• Participates in meetings and on committees and represents the department and hospital in community outreach efforts.
• Participates in multi-disciplinary quality and service improvement teams.

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or GED required; Working knowledge of medical terminology and insurance required; ICD-10 coding preferred.
• Experience: 1-2 years directly related healthcare experience required; 1-2 years customer service experience, cash handling, and payment processing preferred.
• Licenses and Certifications: No special certification, registration, or licensure; CHAA (Certified Healthcare Access Associate) preferred.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Working knowledge of various computer software applications and basic computer skills preferred.
• Dependability; critical thinking, self-management, initiative, creativity, and problem-solving abilities to improve the quality and efficiency of the department.
• Ability to perform in a high-pressure environment and deal effectively and professionally with a diverse population.

Pay

Hiring Range: USD $18.70 - USD $32.72 /Hr.