Patient Service Representative
Lowell Community Health Center · Lowell, MA · 1 mo ago
HealthcareFull-time
Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary point of contact for patients, addressing inquiries and ensuring effective communication between patients and healthcare providers.
- Greet patients and visitors with a warm and friendly demeanor.
- Check in patients for appointments and verify personal and demographic information.
- Direct patients to appropriate waiting areas or examination rooms.
- Accurately gather and input patient demographic, insurance, medical, and financial information into the practice management system.
- Document patient consent and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Enter and update insurance information in the practice management system in a timely and accurate manner.
- Verify patient insurance eligibility and coverage using multiple systems.
- Confirm prior authorizations and primary care provider (PCP) assignments; assist in resolving access issues.
- Verify effective dates and benefit details including co-pays, PCP site, and outstanding balances.
- Work closely with Health Benefits Navigators to resolve issues for uninsured or underinsured patients.
- Address eligibility alerts, electronic actions, and telephone encounters to correct patient accounts.
- Contact patients with inactive insurance to obtain updated information in advance of appointments.
- Schedule, reschedule, or cancel patient appointments as needed.
- Provide patients with appointment details and preparation instructions.
- Inform patients of co-pays, outstanding balances, and other financial responsibilities.
- Collect payments and provide receipts as required.
- Educate patients on payment options including cash, check, credit card, and online payments (e.g., MyChart).
- Provide information on insurance coverage and financial assistance programs, including sliding fee scale options.
- Refer patients to Health Benefits Navigators when appropriate.
- Promote and assist patients with Patient Portal enrollment and respond to portal requests per protocol.
- Deliver exceptional customer service and maintain a welcoming environment.
- Use effective questioning and listening skills to support telephone and in-person communication.
- Resolve patient complaints and concerns professionally and in a timely manner.
- Maintain patient confidentiality and respect patient dignity at all times in compliance with HIPAA.
- Communicate effectively with care teams to ensure smooth patient flow.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and professional front desk environment.
- Monitor office supplies and request restocking as needed.
- Collaborate with providers, nurses, and medical assistants to support patient care.
- Assist in coordinating referrals to specialists or other departments.
- Participate in departmental meetings and trainings as required.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent; additional education in healthcare administration or related field preferred.
- Experience in a healthcare or customer service environment preferred.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and EHR systems.
- Ability to multitask and work effectively under pressure.
- Knowledge of HIPAA and healthcare regulations preferred.
- Bilingual language skills highly preferred.