Patient Access Associate (PRN)
About the role
At Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital, the Patient Access Associate is responsible for obtaining and entering accurate demographic and insurance information in the electronic health record (EHR) on patients presenting at the various entry points of the facility. This position performs cashiering functions, ensuring that all hospital accounts are secure through the collection of required co-pay, deductibles, and co-insurance. It also performs medical necessity checks to ensure compliance with Medicare guidelines. The role employs effective communication skills to promote excellent customer service in every interaction and must adhere to all departmental, hospital, governmental, and healthcare licensing agency requirements related to EMTALA and HIPAA. FLSA status: Non-exempt.
Qualifications
Education
- High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)
Experience
- Two years of experience in a strong customer service environment
- One year of registration experience in a hospital environment preferred
Skills and Abilities
- Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
- Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
- Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members, and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
- Ability to multi-task and flexibility to meet the requirements of the patients and the department
- Knowledge of basic registration/access functions and insurance procedures
- Ability to problem solve
- Ability to remain calm in stressful situations with patience and understanding
- Excellent customer service and professional communication skills
- Proficient computer skills and ability to learn and navigate multiple software programs
- Ability to handle detail work accurately and rapidly
Responsibilities
People
- Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic team-focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal departmental and organizational results
- Communicates openly in a non-judgmental manner and in a professional demeanor during all interactions with customers and co-workers