Patient Access Representative-Lead

University of Mississippi Medical Center•Jackson, MS

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Access Representative-Lead is an advanced patient access role responsible for managing complex patient registration tasks, verifying insurance information, collecting payments, scheduling appointments, and maintaining accurate patient records while ensuring the integrity of the Master Patient Index. This position ensures a seamless and welcoming patient experience, enforces compliance with regulatory and confidentiality standards, and supports process improvements to enhance operational efficiency. The Lead serves as a resource for staff, assists with training, resolves escalated patient and payer issues, and collaborates with clinical and administrative teams to optimize patient access workflows. Strong communication, problem-solving, customer service, and organizational skills are essential for success in this role.

Requirements

High school diploma/GED and one (1) year experience of clinical admissions, patient registration, or patient scheduling.
Advanced knowledge of patient throughput workflows and regulations.
Advance in revenue cycle healthcare systems.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Intellectual capacity to understand and analyze complex payer guidelines and proper patient access regulations.
Demonstrated analytical skills to discover root cause of errors and properly correct.
Good verbal and written communication skills.
Maintains professional standards.
Effective organizational skills.
Basic computer skills, including but not limited to proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, and basic data entry.

Responsibilities

Provide coaching and training to the patient access team, fostering a patient-centered culture that promotes professional, empathetic, and efficient service delivery
Develop, coordinate, and deliver training programs for new and existing patient access staff to ensure proficiency in registration, insurance verification, and payment collection processes.
Greet and assist patients, families, and visitors with professionalism, empathy, and a sense of urgency.
Complete timely and accurate patient registration, including collection and verification of demographic, insurance, and financial information.
Obtain necessary patient signatures on consent forms, privacy notices, and financial documents, ensuring compliance with hospital and legal requirements.
Verify insurance eligibility and benefits using electronic tools or direct contact with payers, and update records accordingly.
Determine and collect patient co-pays, deductibles, or deposits as appropriate; provide information about financial assistance programs when needed.
Collaborate with clinical and security teams to prioritize patient intake based on acuity and maintain efficient patient flow.
Accurately enter and maintain patient data in the electronic medical record (EMR) and registration systems, correcting duplicate records or errors as necessary.
Respond promptly and courteously to patient and family inquiries, demonstrating sensitivity to diverse situations and emotional states.
Stay informed on payer guidelines and hospital policies protocols to ensure compliance and accuracy.
Support process improvements and train new staff; provide backup assistance to other Patient Access areas during high-volume periods.
Collaborate with department leaders to identify training needs and implement strategies that enhance overall patient access operations and customer service quality.
Performs any other assigned duties since the duties listed are general in nature and are examples of the duties and responsibilities performed and are not meant to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Management retains the right to add or change duties at any time.