Discharge Coordinator at Beacon Health System – Elk, Indiana

Hospital Discharge Coordinator reports to the specialty BMG manager/director and is responsible for coordinating specialty follow-up care for patients following hospital and emergency department discharge. The role schedules specialist appointments, verifies insurance eligibility, communicates coverage and financial responsibility to patients, and collects applicable co-payments and deductibles. This position supports continuity of care and access to specialty services on behalf of the medical group.

MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS

• MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Performs routine reception and referral duties in accordance with established policies and procedures by:

• Receiving and greeting patients and visitors when checking out after emergencies room services.
• Obtaining information from the patient to accurately complete the patient record for payment information and scheduling purposes
• Maintaining good rapport and cooperative working relationship with all members of the medical offices and hospital departments.
• Acting as liaison between provider offices and hospital departments to ensure timely access to follow up care and representing Beacon Medical Group to make a good first impression.
• Performing time of service collections for copays and deductibles at discharge to support health system financial goals while maintaining strong patient relations.
• After collecting applicable co-payments and deductibles, posting patient payments on the patient's account and generating a system receipt to give to the patient.
• Performing online insurance eligibility and specialty referral scheduling.
• Gathering pertinent information from insurance carriers and ancillary staff to make certain the patient's financial obligations for services rendered.
• Referring the patient for financial assistance if they are unable to secure satisfactory payment arrangements
• Documenting communications, actions, and other data in an information system regarding referrals.
• Evaluating current processes for enhancement and make necessary recommendations.
• Run emergency department discharge reports to identify patients discharged when no specialist referral coverage was available; proactively contact identified patients to schedule appropriate specialist follow-up.
• Assisting management team to identify referral patterns by inputting referral data into the referral database.
• Communicating with the Manager (or Director) regarding any concerns or problems

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:
• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Complies with established organization and department policies.
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

Commitment to Beacon's six-point Operating System, referred to as The Beacon Way:

• Leverage innovation everywhere.
• Cultivate human talent.
• Embrace performance improvement.
• Build greatness through accountability.
• Use information to improve and advance.
• Communicate clearly and continuously.

Education and Experience:

• The knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated below are acquired through the successful completion of a high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Must be a minimum of 17 years of age.
• A minimum of one year of previous hospital or medical office experience is preferred.
• Additional college-level courses in the medical practices area are desired.
• Associate's degree preferred.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Requires basic office and keyboarding skills and the ability to use designated reference materials and office equipment (i.e., computer, printer, fax machine, calculator, etc.).
• Requires effective telephone skills (for example, to accurately take and relay information about patients and referrals).
• Demonstrates proficient computer skills (i.e., data entry, word processing and spreadsheets). Requires the ability to use multiple databases (such as Availity, Carelon, and Cerner)
• Requires an understanding of time-of-service collections. Specifically, must understand co-pays and deductible insurance requirements and communicate to patients as necessary.
• Demonstrates analytical skills necessary to solve patient problems and interpret data.
• Must be tactful in handling patient problems often of a highly personal and confidential nature.
• Promotes collaboration and innovation in the clinical services to ensure continuity of care from emergency room to follow up care.
• Must be able to maintain professionalism during frustrating interpersonal situations

Working Conditions

• Assigned hours within your shift, starting time, or days of work are subject to change based on departmental and/or organizational needed.
• May need to travel to other Beacon locations.
• Understands and strives for providing excellent customer service.
• Ability to adjust communication skills to the level of the patient.
• Requires independent critical thinking skills and extensive problem-solving skills.
• Requires a flexible work schedule (including evenings, nights and weekends) that meets the needs of the Department.