Patient Access Rep- OLG Interventional Pain Management Clinic- Full Time

Ochsner Health•Lafayette, LA

About The Position

The Patient Access Rep greets patients and guests courteously in person and by telephone; schedules appointments and completes patient check-in, registration, and admission processes. The role obtains and verifies patient identification, demographic, and financial information for the medical record while maintaining confidentiality and supporting accurate reimbursement. Responsibilities also include point-of-service collections, insurance verification through electronic systems, telephone, or web applications, and professional patient interactions. The representative is cross-trained to support multiple functions across patient and payer types and contributes to patient satisfaction. The position requires at least one year of relevant customer-facing experience in a hospital, clinic, medical office, business services or revenue cycle environment, or a similar setting. A high school diploma or equivalent is required; an associate’s degree and relevant healthcare access or medical certifications are preferred. The role requires computer and clerical skills, effective communication, interpersonal and organizational abilities, familiarity with healthcare insurance benefits and payer guidelines, and sound judgment in handling challenging situations. This is a sedentary healthcare-setting role involving primarily sitting, with occasional standing or walking and occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling up to 10 pounds. The position may involve contact with patients who have known or suspected communicable diseases, possible entry into isolation rooms, and occupational risk of exposure to hazardous medications or waste. The description notes that the listed duties are not exhaustive and may be changed or supplemented.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least one year of experience in a hospital, clinic, medical office, business services or revenue cycle, or another customer-service-related environment involving direct customer or patient interaction.
Computer skills and dexterity for data entry and information retrieval.
Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present information clearly and professionally.
Proficiency with Windows-style applications, role-specific software, and keyboarding.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Clerical skills and knowledge of healthcare insurance benefits, payer referral and authorization guidelines, and current federal, state, and local billing regulations.
Ability to present information and respond proficiently to questions from patients and customers.
Ability to solve practical problems and manage high-stress situations professionally.
Good organizational, time-management, and conflict-resolution skills.
Decision-making and analytical skills, with strong attention to detail.
Ability to work collaboratively with other departments and exercise sound judgment in handling or escalating difficult situations.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree.
Certification in Healthcare Access Manager (CHAM), Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA), Medical Assistant, or another medical specialty-based certification.

Responsibilities

Provide courteous, professional customer service to patients, guests, and family members.
Create, activate, and complete patient scheduling, clinic registration, and hospital admission processes.
Gather and verify patient identification, demographic, guarantor, and financial information and enter it accurately.
Ensure required forms are completed and paperwork and other documents are gathered and accurate.
Explain insurance benefits and collect copayments, deductibles, and self-pay amounts due.
Verify insurance using electronic verification, telephone, or web applications.
Perform financial analysis of cases and inform patients of their financial responsibility.
Balance the cash drawer daily, prepare deposit slips, and follow end-of-shift cash drawer closing procedures.
Adapt communication and service to the patient population, including respecting privacy and requesting permissions.
Demonstrate respect and cooperation with staff and help prevent or resolve interpersonal conflicts.
Remain knowledgeable about and comply with applicable laws, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements.
Report known or suspected unethical conduct and patient or employee safety, privacy, or other compliance concerns.
Perform other related duties as required.