Regional Patient Advocate

About the role

The Regional Patient Advocate is responsible to screen patients on-site at hospitals for eligibility assistance programs. They travel within an assigned region to provide additional coverage as needed, and to cover for representatives who are ill, on leave or out of the office for any reason.

Responsibilities

• Provide information and reports to client contact(s) to keep them up to date on progress.
• Possibly be assigned a small workload of accounts to resolve.
• Cover facilities within an assigned region when onsite representatives are out of the office.
• Screen patients referred to Firstsource for State, County and/or Federal eligibility assistance programs.
• Initiate the application process bedside when possible.
• Identify specific patient needs and assist them with the appropriate assistance.
• Introduce patients to Firstsource services and inform them that we will be contacting them on a basis about their progress.
• Lay the groundwork for the Patient Advocate Specialist to develop a positive relationship with the patient.
• Legibly record all patient information on the designated intake screening sheet, and log account screening detail in the Onsite Reporting TOOL.
• Document the results of the screening in the hospital system.
• Inform the designated hospital employee(s) of the availability of assistance for each patient in a timely manner.
• Perform outside field work as required for patient home visits to screen for eligibility of State, County, and Federal programs.
• Maintain a positive working relationship with hospital staff of all levels and departments.
• Access information for the Patient Advocate Specialist as needed (discharge dates, balances, itemized medical, etc.).
• Adhere to prescribed policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Handbook and the Employee Code of Conduct.
• Maintain awareness of and actively participate in the Corporate Compliance program.
• Assist with other projects as assigned by management.
• Must be able to walk, sit, and stand for extended periods of time. Dress code and other policies may differ at each healthcare facility. Travel to and from multiple facilities. Working on holidays or odd hours may be required at times.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED is required.

1–3 years' experience with medical billing, coding eligibility (government or hospital) or other pertinent medical experience is preferred.

Must have reliable transportation to travel to multiple local facilities as needed.

Basic personal computer skills are required.

Skills

• Ability to effectively work and communicate with coworkers, patients, outside agencies and hospital employees.
• Ability to present oneself in a professional and courteous manner at all times.
• Ability to stay on task with little or no supervision.
• Demonstrate initiative and creativity in fulfilling job responsibilities.
• Possess excellent organization skills.
• Ability to