Clinical Office Assistant- Respiratory Therapy PRN

Hunt Regional Healthcare•Greenville, TX

About The Position

The Clinical Office Assistant supports Respiratory Therapy and other service lines by scheduling patients, verifying insurance and benefits, validating prior authorizations, and registering patient accounts with a focus on hospital reimbursement. The role interprets payer guidelines, records complete and accurate benefit information, obtains required authorizations and patient estimates, and helps address issues such as exhausted benefits or unapproved certifications. It also involves communicating insurance issues and potential patient balances, assisting with drug replacement or assistance programs, and responding to patient and insurance inquiries. Working alongside clinical staff, financial counselors, other departments, physicians, and office staff, the assistant greets patients, explains relevant documents and hospital policies, checks vital signs, and serves as a runner for medicine and supplies. The position requires maintaining clinical competencies, providing professional customer service, protecting patient confidentiality, following hospital and department policies, and completing assigned projects and other duties.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Computer knowledge and experience with automated systems.
Prior experience involving public contact.
Clinical experience.
Knowledge of payer guidelines.
Ability to produce written correspondence using proper grammar, spelling, and composition.
Ability to operate office equipment, including copy machines, fax machines, and printers.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Good communication skills.
Ability to pass basic job-related competencies.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience in a hospital, insurance, or office environment is preferred.
Medical terminology is preferred.

Responsibilities

Answer phones and greet patients in a pleasant, professional manner.
Schedule patients and maintain daily schedules for multiple service lines.
Assess patient accounts to verify insurance coverage and benefits; enter complete benefit information, obtain required authorizations, and provide patient estimates.
Interpret payer guidelines and ensure accurate input while maintaining a minimal error rate.
Screen accounts and take appropriate action when benefits are exhausted or certification is not approved, referring cases to the Financial Counselor or Eligibility vendor as appropriate.
Notify patients about insurance issues and, when possible, unexpected patient balances.
Assist patients with applications for drug replacement or assistance programs.
Verify patient demographic information and discuss financial obligations during registration.
Explain pertinent documents and hospital policies.
Work with financial counselors, other departments, physicians, and physician office staff.
Handle patient and insurance inquiries and resolve concerns in a timely, amicable manner, involving PFS or Nursing Leaders when needed.
Maintain clinical competencies, including checking vital signs and other clinical responsibilities.
Pick up medicine and other supplies as a runner.
Promote excellent customer service and communicate effectively with patients, families, physicians, co-workers, and other customers.
Comply with the HMHD Compliance Plan, Code of Conduct, corporate integrity and compliance training requirements, and HIPAA standards.
Follow safety, attendance, punctuality, time-clock, call-in, dress-code, and professional-appearance expectations.
Attend scheduled departmental meetings and perform special duties and projects as assigned.