Clinic Patient Access Coordinator - Ottumwa in Fairfield, Iowa at Jefferson County Health Center

POSITION OVERVIEW (non-exempt):

Perform all functions of reception, scheduling, patient registration and collection of co-payments and/or patient due balances in an accurate timely manner. Assist in duties of business office functions of scanning, faxing, and system work queues. Assists patients that are uninsured or underinsured with their financial obligations for healthcare services and works to facilitate appropriate payment arrangements. Assists patients and their families with applications for third party resources or the health center’s charity care program when appropriate. Reviews patient accounts and determines accounts requiring collection action. A significant degree of independent judgment and decision making is required to address the full range of tasks and responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma required. Associates degree in a business-related field preferred.
• Experience in medical office, inclusive of provider scheduling desirable.
• Experience with automated systems and strong knowledge in PC Programs, MS Office and Web-based programs and research required.
• Experience and knowledge of accounts receivable, medical terminology, customer service and credit, collection and billing preferred.
• Bi-lingual (Spanish speaking) preferred

ACCOUNTABILITY:

Reports to Clinic Manager

DIRECT REPORTS:

None

POSITION-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS:

• Responsible for prompt, courteous reception and processing of all patients presenting to the clinic.
• Obtains correct and pertinent information required to complete the registration process in a timely manner.
• Make patients feel comfortable and welcome in the office.
• Obtain signatures pertinent to the registration process.
• Obtain insurance coverage and verify insurance eligibility by sources available.
• Attempt to collect co-payment for current visit and patient due balance if applicable.
• Perform entry of collected payment(s) into the computer system using the cash drawer function.
• Daily balance of individual cash drawer for accuracy.
• Verify and update all demographic information.
• Answer the telephone promptly, courteously, and professionally.
• Route calls and/or take messages when appropriate.
• Ask pertinent questions to schedule appointments appropriately using established scheduling guidelines. Accurately enter patient appointments into computer system.
• Scan patient information accurately to patient’s medical record using appropriate scan matrix rules for documentation type and description labeling.
• Shares in responsibility of work queue assignments.
• Attends all required health center meetings and in-services.
• Conducts patient financial interviews to assist with the resolution of the patient’s account, and to ensure compliance with hospital financial policies. This includes assisting patients with financial assistance applications and other paperwork as determined.
  • Maintain complete records of all patients applying for indigent or financial assistance to include the application, proof of income, the acceptance/denial letter, and any other applicable documentation.
  • Ensures that the financial assistance guidelines and applications are up-to-date.
• Responsible for providing patients with an estimate of services and their potential financial liability for non-emergent scheduled procedures. Collecting payments prior to these elective procedures, according to JCHC policies and procedures.
  • Determine the patient’s financial ability to pay by researching existing financial liabilities and payment history.
• Arranges for payments on patient balances within the guidelines of the health center policies and procedures.
  • Is able to communicate the terms of Financial Policy to patients for full comprehension of payment expectations.
• Monitors and completes work queues in accordance with assignments from direct supervisor and JCHC policies.
  • Other work queues as assigned.
• Seeks guidance and direction in the performance of responsibilities and duties.
• Communicate collection issues, guidance, and concerns to Revenue Cycle Manager, who will then determine the appropriate action to be taken and will escalate appropriately.
• Facilitates resolution of patient billing issues.
• Maintains and expands current knowledge of rules and regulations of industry and government programs, hospital financial and billing policies, and educates patients, families, team members and other staff as necessary.
• Maintains close communication with various departments and collaborates to resolve any billing and reimbursement issues. Facilitates resolution of patient billing issues.
• Follows HIPAA regulations and ensures that the confidentiality of patients’ medical, personal, financial records, employee records, and organizational records is maintained.
• Makes reasonable efforts to limit the use and disclosure of (PHI) Protected Health Information to the Minimum Necessary in order to perform job.
• Compliance with established policies & procedures and directives from supervisor.
• Position requires being available during business hours.
• Recognizes and performs duties which need to be performed although not directly assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Works in a well-illuminated, climate-controlled environment
• May come in contact with hazardous chemical or treatment modalities
• Possibility exists of exposure to communicable diseases
• Involvement in patient care may result in unavoidable work-related illness or injury
• Work environment is comfortable, with minimal exposure to physical hazards
• Moderate to loud noise environment when machines/equipment in use
• Involvement in checking in/moving of supplies may result in unavoidable work-related injury
• Must be constantly alert for patient/family emergency situations