Patient Access Rep - OLG Therapy at Coolidge

Ochsner Clinic Foundation•Lafayette, LA

11d

About The Position

The Patient Access Rep greets patients and guests courteously by phone and in person, schedules appointments, and completes patient check-in, registration, or hospital admission. The role obtains and verifies patient identification, demographic, and financial information for accurate medical records and reimbursement while maintaining patient confidentiality. It also includes point-of-service collections, insurance verification, and professional, patient-focused interactions. The representative is cross-trained to support multiple functions across patient and payer types and helps improve patient satisfaction. The position requires compliance with applicable laws, accreditation standards, regulatory requirements, and the employer’s Compliance & Privacy Program and Standards of Conduct. The role is subject to reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities. The description notes that duties may change and that additional related duties may be assigned. The work is described as sedentary, involving mostly sitting and occasional brief periods of standing or walking, with occasional lifting or moving of up to 10 pounds. The role involves work with patients who have known or suspected communicable diseases and may include entering isolation rooms. There may also be occupational exposure risks related to hazardous medications or waste in the healthcare environment.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least 1 year of experience in a hospital, clinic, medical office, business services/revenue cycle, or other customer service-related environment; experience may include registration, financial counseling, banking, retail, or similar direct customer or patient interaction.
Computer skills and dexterity for data entry and information retrieval.
Effective verbal and written communication skills; ability to present information clearly and professionally.
Proficiency with Windows-style applications, role-specific software, and keyboarding.
Strong interpersonal, clerical, organizational, time management, and conflict resolution skills.
Technical knowledge of healthcare insurance benefits, payer referral and authorization guidelines, and current federal, state, and local billing regulations.
Ability to respond proficiently to patient and customer questions, solve practical problems, and handle high-stress situations professionally.
Excellent decision-making and analytical skills, with strong attention to detail.
Ability to collaborate with other departments and use sound judgment when handling or escalating difficult situations.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree.
Certification in Healthcare Access Manager (CHAM), Certification in Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA), or certification as a 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, financial, and insurance information; accurately enter that information.
Ensure required forms are completed and that paperwork and documents are gathered and accurate.
Explain insurance benefits and collect co-pays, deductibles, and self-pay amounts due.
Perform financial analysis of each case and inform patients of their financial responsibility.
Verify insurance electronically, by telephone, or through web applications.
Balance the cash drawer daily, prepare deposit slips, and follow end-of-shift cash drawer closing procedures.
Adapt communication and behavior to the patient population, including respecting privacy, explaining services or procedures, requesting permission, and adjusting communication style.
Demonstrate respect and cooperation in staff relationships and work to prevent or resolve interpersonal conflicts.
Remain knowledgeable about and comply with applicable laws, accreditation standards, regulations, and employer compliance and privacy requirements.
Immediately report known or suspected unethical conduct and patient or employee safety, privacy, or other compliance-related concerns.
Perform other related duties as required.