Patient Access Associate

UnityPoint Health • West Des Moines, IA

82d

About The Position

The Patient Access Associate is responsible for obtaining accurate and thorough demographic and financial information for each patient visit. Ensures that appropriate signatures, financial information and precertification requirements are secured. Screens for benefit eligibility on appropriate accounts. Informs/educates patients that have not been pre-registered of their financial responsibility reviewing deductibles, coinsurance, allowable and copayments. An estimate is developed and reviewed with each patient. Collection process is initiated and posted to the patient’s account. When these functions are completed with accuracy this process will ensure patient safety through appropriate identification, maximum reimbursement for hospital charges and compliance with all state and federal regulations. Interacts in a customer focused and compassionate manner to ensure patients and their representative’s needs are met, and that they understand the medical center’s policies for the resolution of patient financial liabilities and the various available payment options.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Prior customer service experience is required.

Nice To Haves

• Associates Degree or DMACC Patient Access Certificate preferred.
• Two years of experience in a hospital patient access/patient accounts department, medical office/clinic or insurance company.
• Experience interacting with patients and a working knowledge of third party payers.
• Experience conducting financial conversations requesting payment for services.
• Prior experience with verification and payer benefit and eligibility systems.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Flexibility of schedule.
• EPIC experience.

Responsibilities

• Accurately and thoroughly collects, analyzes and records demographic, insurance/financial and clinical data in computer system.
• Updates and edits information in computer, ensuring that all fields are populated correctly and appropriately.
• Completes eligibility check and obtain benefits through electronic means or via phone contact with insurance carriers or other agencies.
• Contacts patients/families/physicians to obtain additional demographic/insurance information and update in computer system if needed.
• Interprets physicians’ hand-carried orders to determine service needs and scans physician orders or verifies that complete and valid orders are on file for each patient.
• Obtains information and completes MSPQ and other payer-specific documents.
• Reviews and explains all registration forms prior to obtaining signatures from patient or appropriate patient representative.
• Explains benefits and requests copay, deductible and coinsurance as applicable after developing an estimate applying allowable (based on payer).
• Identifies prearranged payment commitment and follows instructions as outlined by the financial clearance department.
• Completes registration checklist.
• Ensures that all monies collected are posted to the correct patient account and are secure or turned over to appropriate associates/cash posting specialists.
• Provides receipt of payment.
• Balances cash drawer at the end of each shift to ensure cash, checks and payments made by credit card are accounted for and balance transactions.
• Meets defined / established collection goals of the health system.
• Identifies patients in financial hardship and refers to Patient Financial Coordinators/Certified Application Counselors for charity/financial assistance.
• Refers to Cash Posting Specialists requiring payment plans.
• Responsible for maintaining knowledge of EMTALA regulations and following these regulations.
• Remains aware of state (IA) and federal laws in regards to registration processes.
• Ensures each patient’s identification band is correct by asking the patient to review the information and initial the band.
• Ensures that medical necessity has been established when scheduled testing doesn’t meet requirements or that the patient signs a waiver of non-covered service prior to testing.
• Notifies patients of need for Advanced Beneficiary Notice (ABN) for Medicare.
• Documents on accounts using hospital account note with activity comments to ensure easy account followup.
• Identifies payer requirements for preauthorization.
• Performs followup visits to patients in nursing areas, ER treatment room or clinical departments to obtain additional registration information, documents and/or signatures.
• Participates in performance improvement initiatives and demonstrates initiative to improve quality and customer services.
• Instrumental in training new Patient Access staff.
• Supervises volunteers and interns.
• Thoroughly performs responsibilities of the kiosk Promotor role including but not limited to coordinating and assisting patients for use of the kiosks where applicable.
• Adheres to all confidentiality policies and procedures.
• Answers telephone calls promptly and accurately.
• Retrieves, files photocopies or scans medical correspondence, reports and miscellaneous items, as requested.
• Arranges or assists with patient transport as necessary.
• Maintains physician not in system master file as instructed and assigned.
• Monitors and maintains multiple work queues as instructed and assigned.
• Monitors tracking system and prints orders and transcribes and scans into computer system.

Benefits

• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• 401K matching
• Employee recognition program
• Dental and health insurance
• Paid holidays
• Short and long-term disability
• Pet insurance
• Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay
• Tuition reimbursement
• Adoption assistance

What This Job Offers

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