Patient Access Specialist at Memorial Health Care Center – Owosso, Michigan

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direct supervision of the Supervisor/Manager of Patient Access and the Director of Revenue Cycle, the Patient Access Specialist will respond to questions from patients and their representatives about their patient balances, as well as complete insurance verifications on surgery patients and admissions daily. Will be able to problem solve and assist with financial and insurance questions within the department. Will exhibit excellent customer service skills, and have effective communication skills. Strives for superior performance by consistently providing service that is recognized as ultimately contributing to the patient and family experience.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Communicates and collects self- pay balances.
2. Able to answer general billing questions for patients and their representatives.
3. Able to use web sites, Availity, Mi Health and various other insurance systems.
4. Payroll deduction forms for employees.
5. Accurately balances and maintains a cash drawer daily.
6. Completes verifications for Same day surgeries and Admissions daily.
7. Completes verifications for LTC patients as requested.
8. Runs various reports to assist in Accurate revenue cycle information.
9. Serves as a backup for the Patient Access department as needed.
10. Completes work within authorized time to assure compliance with departmental standards.
11. Maintains confidentiality of all information.
12. Must Demonstrate excellent communication and customer service skills.
13. Demonstrates knowledge of the Advanced Directive procedure and is able to explain verbally the general concept of Advanced Directive process. Ensures a copy of the Advanced Directive is placed in the patient’s chart. If a patient does not have an Advanced Directive, ensure the patient has the appropriate information and answers any questions pertaining to Advanced Directives.
14. Maintains a well-organized and clean environment to work at maximum efficiency and prevent transmission of infection and disease.
15. Demonstrates knowledge of and supports hospital mission, vision, value statements, standards policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality statements, corporate compliance plan, customer service standards, and the code of ethical behavior.
16. Other duties as assigned.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

1. High school diploma/GED required.
2. PC or word processing experience required.
3. Post high school courses in Medical Terminology required or must complete a course within one year of date of hire.
4. Hospital billing experience highly preferred.

EXPERIENCE

1. PC or word processing required.
2. Medical office or patient access experience preferred.
3. Knowledge of health insurance plans preferred.
4. Excellent customer service skills.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL ABILITIES/MOTOR SKILLS

These physical requirements are not exhaustive and additional job-related physical requirements may be added on an as needed basis. Corrective devices may be used to meet physical requirements.

1. Sedentary Work: Frequently required to stand, kneel and crouch. On a daily basis may be required to move about, sit, climb stairs and bend. Is frequently required to lift and carry up to 20 lbs. May be required to push/pull/carry items between 20-100 lbs.
2. Vision: Requires the ability to perceive the nature of objects by the eye. Near acuity: Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less. Midrange Acuity: Clarity of vision at distances of more than 20 inches and less than 20 feet.
3. Motor Coordination: While performing the duties of the job, it is required to regularly perform functions that include using hand and finger movement, handle or feel objects, be able to use tools or equipment that requires reaching with hands and arms. Must be able to travel independently throughout the hospital; access patients/families including areas confined by space and/or equipment.
4. Speaking/Hearing: Ability to give and receive information through speaking and listening.

ESSENTIAL TECHNICAL ABILITIES

1. Proficiency using modern office, computer and telephone equipment as used by Memorial Healthcare.
2. Ability to enter and retrieve data from a computer.
3. Ability to record admissions
4. Ability to pull required reports for admissions.
5. Status changes within our EMR system.

ESSENTIAL MENTAL ABILITIES

1. Ability to adapt and maintain focus in fast paced, quickly changing or stressful situations.
2. Ability to read and interpret a variety of documents including, but not limited to, policies, operating instructions, white papers, regulations, rules and laws.
3. Ability to learn insurance requirements and procedures for admissions.
4. Ability to perform required switchboard functions.
5. Ability to collect and ask for payments.
6. Ability to perform simple accounting functions: adding, subtracting, making change.

ESSENTIAL SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

1. Ability to see for the purpose of reading information received in formats including, but not limited to, paper, computer, reports, bulletins, updates, manuals.
2. Able to see and hear for work-related purposes.
3. Ability to communicate receptively and expressively in English both written and spoken, with employees, volunteers, and patients.
4. Ability to maintain self-control.
5. Ability to respond to codes as needed.
6. Ability to direct phone calls appropriately

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

1. Ability to interact with co-workers, hospital staff, administration, patients, physicians, the public and all internal and external customers in a professional and effective, courteous and tactful manner, at all times, physically, verbally and in all written and electronic communications.
2. Required to remain calm when adversity is encountered.
3. Open, honest, and tactful communication skills.
4. Ability to work as a team member in all activities.
5. Positive, cooperative and motivated attitude.