(PAR) Patient Access Representative - PRN

Ochsner Clinic Foundation•Slidell, LA

About The Position

The Patient Access Representative 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 accurate identification, demographic, and financial information for patients’ permanent medical records while maintaining confidentiality. It includes point-of-service collections, insurance verification through electronic tools, telephone, or web applications, and face-to-face interactions with patients to complete registration and admission. The representative supports patient satisfaction by representing the organization professionally and may be cross-trained to support multiple functions across patient and payer types. The position requires customer service, accurate data entry, and the ability to explain insurance benefits and financial responsibility. The representative gathers required forms and documents, collects copayments, deductibles, and self-pay amounts, performs financial analyses, and handles daily cash drawer balancing and deposits. Work is performed in a healthcare setting, with potential occupational exposure to communicable diseases and hazardous medications or waste. The role is described as PRN.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least one year of experience in a hospital, clinic, medical office, business services or revenue cycle, or other customer-service-related environment. Experience may include front-line registration, financial counseling, banking, retail, or similar roles 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 packages, and keyboarding.
Strong interpersonal, clerical, organizational, time-management, and conflict-resolution skills.
Technical knowledge of healthcare insurance benefits, payer guidelines for referrals and authorizations, and current federal, state, and local billing regulations.
Ability to respond professionally to questions from patients and customers, solve practical problems, and handle high-stress situations.
Sound decision-making and judgment, including handling or escalating difficult situations; analytical skills and strong attention to detail.
Ability to work collaboratively with other departments.

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 excellent customer service to patients, guests, and family members.
Create, activate, and complete patient scheduling, clinic registration, or 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 copayments, deductibles, and self-pay portions due.
Perform financial analyses of cases and inform patients of their financial responsibility.
Balance the cash drawer daily, prepare deposit slips, and follow cash drawer closing procedures at the end of each shift.
Verify insurance through electronic verification, telephone, or web applications.
Adapt communication and behavior to the patient population, respecting privacy and adjusting introductions, explanations, requests for permission, and communication style.
Demonstrate respect and cooperation in staff relationships and help prevent or resolve interpersonal conflicts.
Remain knowledgeable about and comply with applicable laws, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements.
Immediately report known or suspected unethical conduct, patient or employee safety concerns, privacy concerns, and other compliance-related concerns.
Perform other related duties as required.