Pre-Registration Clerk at Appalachian Regional Healthcare System – Boone, North Carolina

Position Overview:

The Pre-Registration Specialist is responsible for verifying demographic and insurance information prior to scheduled services. This role ensures a seamless registration experience by providing cost estimates, collecting pre-payments or preparing patients for payment at the time of service, and educating patients on financial policies. The Pre-Registration Specialist demonstrates professionalism, effective communication, and compassion in every patient interaction, supporting the highest standards in customer service, financial accuracy, and patient experience.

Compensation is commensurate upon education, experience, certification, and internal equity. Hiring compensation range starts from $15.90 /hour.

The Perks and Benefits:

• Collaborative environment: Work alongside dedicated healthcare professionals who share a passion for delivering high-quality care.
• Professional development: We offer ongoing training and opportunities for career advancement, including tuition reimbursement and participation in our progressive Career Pathways Program.
• Impactful work: Help ensure patient safety and contribute directly to positive patient outcomes in our community.
• Location perks: Boone, North Carolina, located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, offers exceptional outdoor activities like biking, hiking, kayaking, skiing, and more. Enjoy great shopping, fine dining, breweries, wineries, and cultural attractions in Boone, Blowing Rock, and Linville.
• Top-tier community: Boone boasts a top-rated North Carolina public school system and is home to Appalachian State University. Recognized as a top destination by Forbes, Southern Living, and Niche, Boone is ideal for families, professionals, and retirees alike.
• Compensation is commensurate upon education & experience - range is $15.90 /hour or more (depending on education & experience). Benefits begin the first of the month following 60 days of employment from the new hire orientation date. This position is a non-exempt position.
• Comprehensive benefits package to include health, dental, and vision insurance as well as HSA.
• Supplemental insurance to include short and long-term disability insurance, accidental insurance, life insurance, hospital indemnity insurance, critical illness insurance, identity theft protection, legal insurance, etc.
• Student loan refinancing benefit and college savings fund as well as tuition reimbursement for qualifying employees.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match.
• Paid time off - front-loaded for the first year for qualifying part-time and full-time employees (amount based on status and FTE at the time of hire) - paid time off accrual begins following the first year of employment. Cash out option also available for qualifying employees by meeting specified criteria.
• Paid parental leave - qualifying employees are eligible to use two (2) weeks of paid parental leave anytime during the first six (6) months following the birth or adoption of a child - to be taken consecutively.
• Employee wellness program - Love Your Life - award-winning voluntary wellness program available for UNC Health Appalachian employees.
• Employee to Employee (E2E) program - Caring for our own.
• Additional employee perks include discounted rates for Dollywood, Biltmore, Tweetsie Railroad, etc. (subject to change).

Key Responsibilities:

• Verify patient demographics and insurance details prior to services.
• Provide accurate cost estimates and communicate financial responsibilities.
• Collect payments or set expectations for point-of-service payment.
• Educate patients on financial policies and answer related questions.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and confidentiality guidelines.
• Maintain accurate records in scheduling and billing systems.
• Communicate professionally with patients, families, physicians, and departments.
• Escalate complex insurance or financial matters appropriately.
• Support a positive and efficient registration process that enhances patient experience.

Position Requirements:

Minimum Education:

• High School Diploma or GED required

Experience:

• Two years of customer service experience preferred

Required Registration/License/Certification:

• Not applicable

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Exceptional customer service and interpersonal communication skills

• Proficient in data entry, word processing, and basic mathematics

• Organized and able to manage multiple tasks and shifting priorities

• Detail-oriented with the ability to verify and update critical patient information

• Personable and professional in all patient interactions

• Ability to read, write, type, and perform duties accurately in a fast-paced environment

Physical Demands:

• Manual dexterity and mobility
• Prolonged, extensive or considerable sitting and at times, standing/walking
• Bending, squatting, twisting, and turning
• Near acuity: ability to see clearly at 20 inches or less

Working Conditions:

• Exposed to the risk of bloodborne diseases
• Frequently exposed to hazards from electrical/mechanical/power equipment, odorous chemicals, and specimens and unpleasant elements (accident, injury, slippery surfaces uneven surfaces), etc.
• Subject to irregular hours (days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays) and emergencies
• Continuous sitting > 8 hours per shift
• Episodes of walking/standing greater than > 4 hours per shift
• Speaking, reading, and writing > 8 hours per day
• Infrequently per shift: lift, carry, push, and/or pull > 30 lbs.
• Frequently per shift: bends, squats, kneels, twists, turns, and reaches
• Frequently per minute: hand, finger, and wrist repetition and moderate dexterity
• Frequently per hour: exposed to soft voices > 3 feet away
• Frequently per hour: exposed to close eye work

About UNC Health Appalachian
It's official - UNC Health Appalachian earned an "A" in the fall 2023 Leapfrog Patient Safety Grades! UNC Health Appalachian, the leader for healthcare in the High Country, comprises three hospitals, 13 medical practices, Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. UNC Health Appalachian stays committed to promoting health in the High Country, enhancing quality of life, and simply “making life better.”

About UNC Health
UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses and more than 500 clinics along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine (SOM). It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve and to further the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina SOM. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided more than $400 million in uncompensated or charity care to the citizens of North Carolina. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognition for quality care, patient safety and the overall patient experience. For more information, please visit unchealth.org.

UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. We value a workforce that reflects a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, as it enhances our ability to provide outstanding care. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. UNC Health Appalachian is committed to providing a fair and inclusive hiring process and a workplace where all team members feel respected and empowered. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us.

Employment at UNC Health Appalachian is contingent upon successful completion of a background and drug screen. For accommodations or additional information, contact arhsrecruitment@unchealth.unc.edu