CARE SUPPORT SPECIALIST - FASTERCARE

Independence Health System•Slippery Rock Township, PA

46d•Onsite

About The Position

The Care Support Specialist performs administrative and secretarial functions in direct support of a physician practice. The role has direct customer contact to obtain accurate demographic and insurance information and facilitate appointment and procedure scheduling. It communicates with internal and external customers and facilitates referrals, authorizations, scheduling, and patient flow. The position supports patient access and financial objectives by processing patient information, entering and coding charges, collecting payments, and coordinating referrals and authorizations. It also contributes to compliance and survey readiness, performance improvement, maintaining a clean and safe environment, and professional development. The position has no direct supervisory responsibilities but serves as a coach and mentor to others in the department. The role requires regular, consistent, timely on-site attendance. Scheduling is based on operational needs and may include rotating shifts, standby, or on-call work. Local travel between Independence Health System Health locations may be expected. During a pandemic or as specified by CDC guidelines, goggles, a face shield, and a mask are required.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or higher education.
Strong leadership ability, organizational skills, independent and critical-thinking skills, and sound judgment.
Strong ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.
PA Act 34 Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History Clearance.
Act 33 clearance with renewal.
Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the position and meet the applicable physical and working-condition requirements.

Nice To Haves

Previous outpatient office experience.
Two years of experience in a medical, billing/fiscal, or customer service function is strongly preferred.
Medical terminology experience.
Experience with third-party health care coverage.

Responsibilities

Maintain a positive customer service atmosphere and professional interactions with coworkers and internal customers.
Process telephone calls and messages promptly, accurately, courteously, and efficiently.
Follow department guidelines for patient triage and scheduling.
Process patient information; interview and pre-register patients at or before their visit.
Enter patient information, charges, and codes accurately into the billing system in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Code visits based on diagnoses, identify coding discrepancies, and seek clarification to maximize reimbursement and minimize rejections.
Support financial objectives by making efforts to collect payment at the time of the visit, completing cash sheets accurately, and delivering cash and cash sheets daily to the appropriate location.
Assist with maintaining or reducing organizational and departmental costs.
Facilitate patient access to care by scheduling patients with appropriate providers and at appropriate intervals according to protocols.
Help patients access specialty care and testing as applicable to the office location, and provide instructions and directions based on protocols and physician orders.
Help patients meet insurance requirements for continued care.
Process referrals promptly and coordinate and submit information needed to obtain timely authorizations.
Act as a patient advocate and demonstrate accountability for professional development.
Coach and mentor new hires and students as a preceptor.
Solve problems and seek assistance from the immediate supervisor when appropriate.
Assist the department with preparation for annual surveys and regulatory agency reviews, and participate in continuous survey readiness.
Support performance improvement initiatives, assist with data collection as directed, and incorporate implemented improvements into practice.
Maintain the environment of care, replenish supplies daily, and consistently maintain a clean and safe environment.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Promote a Lean work culture by using Lean principles and processes, seeking work process improvements, and taking ownership of motivation, morale, performance, and professional development.