Patient Access Specialist

Job Summary

The Patient Access Specialist at North Mississippi Health Services supports the organization’s financial health by managing daily activities related to insurance information, point of service collections, and customer service. This role requires an experienced individual with excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills to manage demographic and insurance information, resolve real-time edits and denials, and interface effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

JOB FUNCTIONS

• Scheduling/rescheduling, pre-certifying, checking medical necessity, and pre-registering patients for appointments, diagnostic tests, and outpatient procedures as ordered by referring providers
• Obtains necessary information required for scheduling, pre-certification, and pre-registration
• Obtains and/or verifies patient demographics, insurance information/eligibility, and benefits
• Informs patients and/or clinical staff of proper preparation and instructions for tests ordered
• Notifies patients of appointment details, test, and/or procedure location
• Effectively communicates NMHS' organizational revenue cycle and financial policies to patients and patient representatives
• Provides bedside registration to obtain consent form signatures, collect insurance, and other confidential information
• Accurately enters medical record data that aligns with CMS and other regulatory agencies
• Ensures timely and accurate processing of accounts in accordance with best practices, defined workflows, procedures, and applicable legislation/regulations
• Corrects front-end errors in real-time to minimize denial throughput
• Develops strategies for consistent patient demographic information accuracy
• Reviews post-service denials to assist in developing front-end strategies to reduce denial inflow
• Identifies trends and reports potential significant and recurring issues along with possible solutions to leadership
• Takes proactive, corrective action through systematic and procedural development to reduce incoming denials
• Maintains familiarity with payer methodologies to ensure accurate estimates are communicated with patients and system variances are communicated with leadership
• Manages expected reimbursement to ensure appropriate patient portion is collected prior to service
• Analyzes estimate variances to understand deviations and report potential significant and recurring issues to leadership
• Collaborates with the business office to ensure estimates and transparency are accurate
• Develops strategies for partnering with the business office to ensure estimates and transparency are accurate

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Business, Healthcare, Coding, or equivalent field. Associate's Degree will be considered in lieu of a Bachelor degree.
• Experience: 1-3 years of relevant experience in Patient Access, Claims, Billing, or Revenue Cycle.
• Licenses and Certifications: Working knowledge of Registration systems, Medicare/Medicaid/Third Party Liability/Workers Compensation. Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook).
• Skills: Knowledge of applicable state and federal regulations relating to registering accounts and collecting at point of service. Excellent negotiating and analytical skills. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Excellent interpersonal skills. Effectively and efficiently prioritizes and organizes tasks. Develops, implements/evaluates projects (timely & efficient manner). Ensures accurate and timely collection of all appropriate patient estimates. Ensures effective monetary management of deposits. Ensures timely and accurate processing of accounts in accordance with best practices, defined workflows, procedures, and applicable legislation/regulations. Gathers and relays information with knowledge, tact, and diplomacy. Exhibits strong written and verbal communication skills. Reflects a positive, caring attitude toward clients, patients, staff, and the public we serve. Evaluates and coaches reporting employees to accomplish major goals and objectives. Develops, implements/evaluates projects in a timely & efficient manner. Effectively communicates information to staff, internal and external customers.
• Physical Demands: Standing, walking, sitting, lifting/carrying up to 20 lbs, pushing/pulling, climbing, balancing, stooping/kneeling/bending, reaching overhead, grasping, speaking, hearing, repetitive motions, eye/hand/foot coordination, occasionally grasping, frequently speaking, frequently hearing, constantly repetitive motions, frequently eye/hand/foot coordination, occasionally.

Benefits

• A****vailable
• Continuing Education 403B Retirement Plan with Employer Match Contributions
• Pet, Identity Theft and Legal Services Insurance
• Wellness Programs and Incentives
• Referral Bonuses
• Employee Assistance Program
• Medical Benefits
• Dental Benefits
• Vision Benefits
• Licenses + Certification Reimbursement
• Life, Long-Term and Short-Term Disability, Group Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• Employee Discount Program
• Other: Early Access to Earned Wages, Tuition Assistance, Relocation Assistance, Paid Time Away, Special Employee Rates at NMMC Wellness Centers