Patient Access Associate II

Riverside Healthcare • Kankakee, IL

17d • $18 - $21

About The Position

The Patient Access Associate II for the Cardiac Specialists department at Riverside Healthcare is responsible for managing patient registration, scheduling, and insurance compliance in a fast-paced environment. This role involves interacting compassionately with patients and their representatives, ensuring a thorough understanding of revenue cycle expectations and payment options. The Associate will handle the accurate collection and recording of demographic, insurance, and clinical data, screen for compliance with payer requirements, and provide exceptional customer service throughout the patient access process.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Strong customer service skills with the ability to communicate effectively and compassionately.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy and problem-solving.
• Proficient in general arithmetic and computer literacy, with the ability to learn new software applications.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

• Associate Degree preferred.
• Prior call center experience preferred.
• Knowledge of medical terminology and experience in office or clerical roles preferred.
• Understanding of hospital revenue cycle, payer regulatory compliance, and HIPAA Privacy and Security requirements.

Responsibilities

• Patient Registration and Scheduling: Accurately collect, analyze, and record all necessary demographic, insurance/financial, and clinical data for patient scheduling, pre-registration, and registration.
• Coordinate and schedule patient appointments, considering clinical urgency, procedural conflicts, and patient and physician preferences.
• Optimize patient schedules to ensure convenience and continuity of care, and pre-register appointments whenever possible.
• Insurance and Compliance: Verify third-party eligibility and benefits, ensuring compliance with payer requirements for medical necessity and precertification.
• Accurately process and document financial information and patient responsibilities, explaining payer policies and financial expectations clearly to patients.
• Review and analyze patient records to identify discrepancies, reverify payor information, and ensure accurate documentation of medical necessity.
• Customer Service: Interact with patients, their representatives, and internal and external entities with a focus on customer satisfaction and compassionate service.
• Provide clear preparation instructions for tests/procedures and guide patients to the appropriate treatment sites.
• Respond to and manage telephone, electronic, and in-person inquiries, ensuring accurate information and resolution of issues.
• Data Entry and Documentation: Electronically record and manage information in a timely and accurate manner, maintaining confidentiality and adhering to HIPAA regulations.
• Maintain and organize reference materials, both financial and clinical, and perform accurate data entry for charges and documentation.
• Compliance and Reporting: Follow EMTALA, HIPAA, and payer regulations for registration and scheduling.
• Review and assess departmental workflow and make necessary adjustments to meet volume needs and ensure timely responses.
• Attend mandatory continuing education and department meetings to stay updated on policies and procedures.
• Additional Duties: Perform courier services between the AIC and main hospital campus as required.
• Assist with maintaining departmental supplies and files, ensuring all necessary materials are available and organized.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off programs
• Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
• Educational Assistance Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED