Patient Access Coordinator I/Emergency Department - AGH - Full-time - Evening Shifts

Highmark Health•Pittsburgh, PA

10d

About The Position

Creates the first impression of Allegheny Health Network’s services for patients, families, and other external customers upon arrival. The coordinator handles patient information and associated clinical and financial risks by completing processes such as patient identification, scheduling, registration, financial clearance, authorization and referral validation, estimate creation, and payment collection. The role connects patients with financial advocacy resources when appropriate and explains information so patients, guarantors, and family members understand what to expect and their financial responsibilities. The position requires attention to detail, strong communication, empathy, compassion, multitasking, and the ability to work swiftly under pressure in a high-acuity patient environment while collaborating with healthcare professionals. The coordinator stands for extended periods and uses a computer on wheels at bedside. The role follows EMTALA guidelines, AHN policies and procedures, and standard and isolation precautions.

Requirements

High school diploma/GED, or one to three months of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience operating a PC and using software applications.
One year of related experience, preferably in a medical setting, financial services setting, or demanding customer service environment.
Strong attention to detail and communication skills; empathy and compassion; ability to multitask and work under pressure in a high-acuity environment.
Ability to stand for long periods and use a computer on wheels at bedside.
Ability to follow EMTALA guidelines, AHN policies and procedures, and standard and isolation precautions.

Nice To Haves

Medical terminology knowledge.
Insurance knowledge.

Responsibilities

Conduct scheduling, registration, and admitting functions independently at bedside; validate patient demographic data and insurance information; obtain limited clinical data as needed; and collect and update information for timely, accurate billing, including workers’ compensation and motor vehicle claims.
Provide or obtain required signatures on regulatory paperwork.
Identify patient financial responsibilities, calculate estimates, collect liabilities, post payment transactions in the ADT system as appropriate, and perform daily reconciliation.
Identify self-pay accounts and document them for follow-up by a self-pay vendor or financial advocacy department.
Promote a positive patient experience and work cooperatively with patients, healthcare personnel, external agencies, and vendors.
Communicate with designated contacts to exchange information and maintain positive working relationships; maintain productivity standards and recommend improvements when appropriate.
Maintain working relationships with healthcare personnel and communicate pertinent information, including alias name changes and information blocks to prevent release of information.
Protect patient confidentiality and ensure accurate electronic health record registration during system downtime, including monitoring and reconciliation of every patient registration.
Serve as a central resource for registration and problem resolution during evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Remain calm and professional in stressful situations and respond to inquiries from patients, visitors, hospital personnel, government agencies, and others.
Follow AHN organizational policies and procedures and complete or attend mandatory training and education within required timeframes.
Perform other duties as assigned or requested.
Comply with HIPAA, information security requirements, the company Code of Business Conduct, applicable laws and regulations, and company policies and training requirements.