Patient Services Advocate

About the role

Responsible for completing the patient registration process for dental services by collecting demographic information, determining appropriate fees and collection of payment. Function as liaison between dental students and patients.

Responsibilities

• Interview patients to document necessary demographic information
• Review and explain policies and regulations such as HIPAA with patients
• For uninsured/self-pay patients, determine fees based on sliding fee scale and collect fees due
• Verify and document third party coverage; collect copays due
• Maintain appropriate information in patients' chart as needed
• Prepare daily deposits and reconcile tally sheets
• Refer patients to appropriate resources to apply for alternative methods of funding
• Use electronic schedule to notify clinic when patient is ready to be taken back
• Review patient's check-out documents and schedule follow-up appointments
• Act as a liaison between dental students and patients' families: contacting patients for additional appointments, etc.
• Handle incoming patient calls for dental students, specialists, and other dental providers
• Make every effort to fill broken or cancelled appointments in a timely manner, based on payer mix
• Confirm all appointments, confirm Medicaid, denote ME codes, verify insurance and sliding fee scale status in advance and inform patients of their cost of care
• Record all no shows, cancellations and late arrivals
• Pull end-of-day reports to ensure all encounters are closed and clinical notes are entered
• Ensure patients are contacted and tasks completed daily
• Complete phone tasks daily
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Assist with educating staff regarding the handling of HIPAA patient complaints
• Assist with training of new employees

Requirements

• High School graduate or equivalent
• Two (2) years' experience in a healthcare setting or related field; dental experience strongly preferred
• Two (2) years' experience in customer service

Qualifications

• CPR Certification required

Skills

• Good computer skills including the use of word processing and e-mail software
• Knowledge of Third-Party Reimbursement required
• Ability to accurately register and interview clients
• Ability to read and interpret materials
• Ability to use initiative; be detail oriented, and flexible
• Good oral and written communication, customer service, organizational and mathematical skills
• Ability to use a 10 key calculator and credit card machine
• Capable of preparing daily bank deposits