Patient Access Specialist, w​/rotating weekends, Main Campus

Overview

Job Summary: The Patient Access Specialist I is an entry level position and is responsible for the accurate and efficient admitting, registering, bed placement, and financial analysis activities for all patients upon arrival to the healthcare system, including initiation of activities necessary to comply with managed care contracts and CMS regulations. The role entails responding professionally to patient information inquiries, greeting and initiating the registration process upon arrival, reviewing past account balances, notifying patients of their financial responsibility, and collecting these balances.

The position supports the department in meeting pre-collections goals defined by revenue cycle management, reviews accounts with inadequate financial coverage in coordination with financial counseling services, and facilitates applications for State Agency or Charity. The Patient Access Specialist I must understand and enforce the healthcare system patient access policy and procedures, demonstrate empathy and confidentiality, and communicate effectively with patients, third party payers, and other departments.

Strong organizational skills, multitasking ability, fast-paced environment adaptability, and teamwork are essential. The role requires the ability to work in a clinical setting with some stressful situations, personal flexibility, and moderate physical activity. Excellent computer skills are required.

Required: High School Diploma or equivalent

Preferred: Graduate of Medical Secretary Program

Required: Demonstrated ability to read, write, arithmetic (including fractions and decimals). Strong computer skills, excellent customer service, interpersonal communication and telephone etiquette. Ability to multitask and manage high volumes. Proficiency with computer, fax machine, copier, and multiline telephone.

Preferred: Knowledge of basic registration and third party payer; experience in a physician front office or insurance/healthcare call center; medical terminology; knowledge of CPT and ICD-9 codes; insurance coding and billing knowledge.

Required: (None stated)

Preferred: Certified Healthcare Access Associate from NAHAM

Essential Functions:

• Register and activate scheduled patients by gathering all demographic, financial, and pertinent information necessary to meet all regulatory and billing requirements.
• Register and activate walk-in, add-on, and emergency room patients by gathering all patient demographic, financial, and pertinent information necessary to meet all regulatory and billing requirements.
• Verify insurance eligibility and benefits for scheduled outpatient and inpatient patients.
• Validate pre-certification.
• Compute patient liability at point of registration.
• Communicate and collect patient financial liabilities.
• Review prior bad debts and request payment of outstanding prior bad debt.
• Alert Financial Advocates of accounts with financial clearance issues.
• Document patient liability and financial clearance status to ensure timely processing at the point of service.
• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written customer service skills to patients, physicians, and visitors.

Location:

Erlanger Baroness Hospital, Chattanooga, TN

Position:
Patient Access Specialist, 7a-7p with rotating weekends, Main Campus

Standard

Hours:

Regular