Patient Access Rep - Ochsner Therapy and Wellness - Raceland

Ochsner Clinic Foundation•Houma, LA

10d

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, or admission. The role gathers and verifies accurate identification, demographic, financial, and insurance information for the patient’s medical record while maintaining confidentiality. It includes point-of-service collections, explaining insurance benefits and financial responsibility, and verifying coverage through electronic systems, telephone, or web applications. The representative supports patient satisfaction through professional service and may be cross-trained to support multiple functions across patient and payer types. The role requires compliance with applicable laws, accreditation standards, regulatory requirements, and the employer’s Compliance & Privacy Program and Standards of Conduct. It is a sedentary position involving mostly sitting, with occasional walking or standing and occasional handling of up to 10 pounds. The employee may work with patients who have known or suspected communicable diseases, may enter isolation rooms, and may face occupational exposure risks associated with communicable diseases, hazardous medications, or hazardous waste.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least 1 year of experience in a hospital, clinic, medical office, business services/revenue cycle, or another customer-service-related environment. Experience may include front-line registration, financial counseling, banking, retail, or similar work involving direct customer or patient interaction.
Computer skills and dexterity for data entry and retrieval; proficiency with Windows-style applications, role-specific software, and keyboarding.
Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present information clearly and professionally.
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 present information and respond to patient and customer questions proficiently.
Ability to solve practical problems and handle high-stress situations professionally.
Strong decision-making and analytical skills, with 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), Medical Assistant certification, or another medical specialty-based certification.

Responsibilities

Provide excellent customer service to patients, guests, and family members.
Create, activate, and complete patient scheduling, clinic registration, and hospital admission processes.
Ensure required forms are completed and paperwork and documents are gathered and accurate.
Gather and enter patient and guarantor demographic and financial information accurately and efficiently.
Explain insurance benefits and collect co-pays, deductibles, and self-pay amounts due.
Perform financial analysis for each case and inform patients of their financial responsibility.
Balance the cash drawer daily, prepare deposit slips, and follow the cash-drawer closing process at the end of each shift.
Verify insurance through electronic verification, telephone, or web applications.
Adapt interactions to the patient population, including respecting privacy, explaining services or procedures, requesting permissions, and adjusting communication style.
Demonstrate respect and cooperation with staff and a willingness to prevent or resolve interpersonal conflicts.
Remain knowledgeable about applicable laws, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements and ensure compliance.
Immediately report known or suspected unethical or questionable conduct and patient or employee safety, privacy, or other compliance concerns.
Perform other related duties as required.