Patient Access Representative

Responsible for Processing Requests

• Processes all requests for services from outside agencies, families, and community professionals.
• Trips referrals to the Referral Response/Emergency Service Clinicians for potential inpatient admissions.
• Ensures that all patients are registered in the hospital information system.

Responsible for Insurance Information

• Obtains and verifies all insurance information.
• Instructs families or referring clinician to obtain preauthorization for hospital services.
• Enters any and all updates of changes in address, phone numbers and insurances into the hospital information system.

Compliance and Communication

• Consistently applies the corporate values of respect, honesty and fairness and the constant pursuit of excellence in improving the health status of the people of the region.
• Knows and acts in accordance with the principles of the Brown University Health Corporate Compliance Program and Code of Conduct.
• Receives all requests/calls for service.
• Communicates all important information obtained about patients and families gathered from the initial and subsequent phone calls or face-to-face meetings to the RRS clinician, evaluating clinician or evaluating team.
• Schedules emergency/urgent appointments.
• Completes the Referral Response Evaluation Log and documentation necessary to open the Intake Medical record.
• Prepares Intake Chart (including stress plates) in a timely manner for the evaluating/Triage clinician.
• Obtains and verifies patient’s funding information.
• Informs families or referral source of the pre-authorization requirements for treatment.
• Immediately notifies Utilization Management Coordinator of funding problems or potential problems for emergency/urgent referrals.
• Makes sure parents/Legal Guardians sign all forms and answer any questions they may have upon arrival.
• Corrects any call changes made to the D.O.C’s call schedule and distributes changes to appropriate departments and call center.
• Pages and keeps DOC informed when needed for an Emergency admission evaluation.
• Notifies inpatient units when a patient is ready to go upstairs.
• Prepares daily census report including Admit/Discharge/Transfer notices in a timely manner.
• Coordinates with Patient Services Representatives to ensure PSRs obtain any other information from families at the time of appointment to complete the Intake registration process.

Observance of Policies and Principles

• Observes all hospital guiding principles and policies, rules and regulations, including those pertaining to quality improvement, infection control, risk management and safety.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or the equivalent with some advanced training in social sciences.
• One to three years related experience in a psychiatric hospital or mental health setting.
• Excellent phone/verbal interpersonal communication skills.
• Good typing or data skills.
• Able to handle multiple functions at the same time.