Patient Advocate

Overview

Patient Advocate role at Altus Community Healthcare.

Job Summary: Performs administrative functions, including collecting patient information/payment, executing admissions, transfers, discharge procedures, and coordinating charting as needed.

• Greets and directs patients within the facility.
• Contact the nursing staff for emergency medical needs and address/answer questions or concerns.
• Interview patients, family, or other responsible parties at registration to obtain necessary account information and biographical information (identification and insurance cards).
• Collect patient liable amounts (copays, deductibles, coinsurance) and/or issue promissory notes as needed.
• Ensure charts are prepped prior to office appointments and are completed and accurate.
• Process patient charts according to paper workflow and established policies/procedures; produce paperwork for distribution to appropriate departments and align documents for the medical record and financial file.
• Work with insurance authorization and referrals to verify benefits.
• Obtain all necessary signatures for treatment, release of medical information, assignment of insurance benefits, and payment of services from legally responsible parties.
• Explain policies regarding services, charges, insurance billing, and payment of accounts.
• Pre-register and register patients.
• Prepare daily deposits and reports to maintain the integrity of the cash drawer.
• Act as a patient advocate.
• Maintain a professional appearance and composure under high pressure situations.
• Perform other related clerical duties such as photocopying, faxing, filing and scanning.
• Check dates on expendables (chemicals, equipment, etc.).
• Maintain up-to-date with hospital/departmental policies and procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality of patient and hospital information.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with patients, families, visitors and Center employees.
• Document concisely, precisely and accurately on all records as indicated by policy.
• These duties are performed as described, with 95% accuracy; marginal duties (5%) as assigned.

• Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent (GED) and 6 months to 1 year of relevant experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Medical Assistant Certificate.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks and with the administrative team.

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and maintain effective communication in a high-pressure environment.
• Ability to apply basic algebra and geometry concepts.
• Ability to solve practical problems and interpret instructions furnished in various forms.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Constant sitting, walking, standing, and/or lifting as required.
• Full range of motion including crouching, stooping, reaching, bending, and twisting.
• Frequent lifting/pushing/pulling up to approximately 25 pounds.
• See, hear and distinguish colors; prioritize and handle multiple tasks; function independently without constant supervision.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Category 3
- No Occupational Exposure.