Patient Access Coordinator/Emergency Department - Jefferson Hospital - Part-time (Rotating shifts)

Highmark Health•Jefferson Hills, PA

About The Position

The Patient Access Coordinator creates the first impression of Allegheny Health Network’s services for patients, families, and other external customers upon arrival. The role completes applicable patient access processes, which may include patient identification, scheduling, registration, financial clearance, authorization and referral validation, estimate preparation, and payment collection. The coordinator collects and documents information on patients’ behalf, connects patients with financial advocacy resources when appropriate, obtains required regulatory signatures, and explains what patients and families should expect and what their financial responsibilities are. The position requires attention to detail, strong communication skills, empathy, and compassion. The coordinator must be able to multitask and work swiftly under pressure in a high-acuity patient environment while collaborating with healthcare professionals. The work includes standing for long periods and using a computer on wheels at the bedside. The employee follows EMTALA guidelines and AHN policies and procedures, as well as standard and isolation precautions. The role is part-time with rotating shifts and serves as a central registration and problem-resolution resource during evenings, weekends, and holidays. Employees must protect confidential information and comply with HIPAA, information security requirements, the Code of Business Conduct, and applicable laws and company policies.

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, and/or demanding customer service environment.
Ability to stand for long periods and use a computer on wheels at bedside.
Strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, empathy, compassion, ability to multitask under pressure, and ability to collaborate with healthcare professionals.
Must comply with applicable confidentiality, privacy, security, legal, and organizational policy requirements.

Nice To Haves

Medical terminology knowledge.
Insurance knowledge.

Responsibilities

Conduct scheduling, registration, and admitting functions independently at bedside; validate patient demographic data; verify insurance information through payor contacts, online resources, or electronic verification systems; and use accurate plan codes and coordination-of-benefits order.
Obtain limited clinical data based on the service required and collect or update information needed for timely, accurate billing, including workers’ compensation and motor vehicle claims.
Provide or obtain signatures on required 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 the self-pay vendor or financial advocacy department.
Promote a positive patient experience and cooperate with patients, healthcare personnel, and designated external agencies or vendors.
Communicate as needed with designated contacts to exchange information and promote positive working relationships.
Maintain focus on productivity standards and recommend approaches to improve performance and productivity when appropriate.
Communicate pertinent information, including alias name changes and information blocks, to help prevent unauthorized release of information; maintain patient confidentiality.
Register patients accurately in the electronic health record during system downtime and monitor and reconcile every patient for accuracy.
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 relevant AHN organizational policies and procedures and complete or attend mandatory training and education within approved timelines.
Perform other duties as assigned or requested.
Follow EMTALA guidelines, standard and isolation precautions, HIPAA requirements, information security guidelines, and the Code of Business Conduct.