Department Assistant II, Burbank, Per Diem

UMass Memorial Health•Fitchburg, MA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Performs complex administrative duties for patients needing routine or urgent appointments, medical procedures, tests, and related ancillary services in an ambulatory in/outpatient setting. Assesses patients’ needs, including financial counseling, interpreter services, and social services, and refers them to the appropriate person or area. Alerts providers to emergent patient care needs. The position supports patient access and clinical operations by greeting patients and visitors, verifying demographic and insurance information, collecting payments, obtaining treatment and billing consents, managing calls, scheduling appointments and procedures, coordinating tests and preparation instructions, and working with insurers on prior authorizations and referrals. It also maintains patient and financial records, assists with billing discrepancy resolution, prepares information for clinicians, and performs other administrative and clerical duties. The role is based at HealthAlliance Burbank. The listed schedule is Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., day shift; hours are listed as 0, and compensation for reduced schedules is prorated. The role may have a signing bonus; eligibility is confirmed during the interview process. The position is non-exempt and represented by SEIU Service & Maintenance.

Requirements

High school diploma.
At least one year of related experience; this experience requirement is waived for candidates with an associate or bachelor’s degree.
Ability to use specialized applications software and computer systems.
Ability to perform multiple functions and work under stressful situations.
Professional behavior and excellent communication and human relations skills.
Associate degree or higher preferred.
Knowledge of business office procedures and medical terminology or procedures preferred.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree or higher.
Knowledge of business office procedures and medical terminology or procedures.

Responsibilities

Greets patients and visitors for scheduled or urgent appointments and procedures.
Confirms and verifies patient demographic and insurance information.
May collect patient co-payments and obtain signatures for treatment authorization and insurance or billing information.
Assesses patient needs, including financial counseling, interpreter services, and social services, and refers patients to the appropriate resource.
Receives and directs phone calls; connects patients with providers or takes messages as directed.
Schedules urgent appointments as directed by clinicians and schedules treatment with multiple providers and treatment areas.
Arranges associated tests and procedures according to established guidelines and criteria, prioritizing appointments to support patient care and efficient use of staff and resources.
Provides patients with test and procedure preparation information verbally, by mail, or through the patient portal as needed.
Works with insurers to obtain prior authorizations and ensures required pre-authorizations, pre-certifications, and clinician referrals are obtained before visits.
Complies with referral management regulations, verifies eligibility for procedures or tests, and follows up to correct discrepancies.
May facilitate prescription renewal matters by telephone, fax, or email within scope of authority and as directed by clinicians.
Prepares patient information for clinicians and scrubs and electronically submits Patient Encounter information.
Reviews and audits billing discrepancy reports and researches errors for resolution as directed by management.
Maintains accurate and timely records, logs, charges, files, and other required information.
Performs administrative and clerical work, including retrieving files, distributing mail and records, faxing, collating, data entry, and relaying messages.
May prepare special reports or spreadsheets for clinicians and compose or select standard form letters for routine clinician responses.
Collects co-payments, maintains related records or makes daily cash deposits, and calculates daily totals for second-tier reconciliation.
Meets productivity standards and participates in knowledge sharing, cross-training, meetings, and training sessions.
Supports the health system’s mission, vision, goals, and CARES values; follows change-control processes and departmental policies and procedures.
Maintains excellent attendance, communicates effectively, shares information, and gives and receives feedback.
Follows the Code of Conduct, behavior standards, dress code, environment-of-care policies, and health and safety requirements.
Maintains an organized, clean, and safe work environment; contributes to process improvement and quality improvement.
Works collaboratively with colleagues, respects diverse views, and helps maintain a professional, tolerant, civil, and accepting environment.
Uses supplies, equipment, and time efficiently and performs other similar and related duties as required or directed.