(PAR) Patient Access Representative - PRN

Ochsner Health•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 hospital 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 systems, telephone, or web applications, and professional face-to-face interactions throughout registration and admission. Representatives are cross-trained to support multiple functions across patient and payer types and contribute to patient satisfaction through professional service. The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent and at least one year of experience in a hospital, clinic, medical office, business services or revenue-cycle setting, or another customer-service environment involving direct patient or customer interaction. An associate degree and relevant healthcare access or medical specialty certifications are preferred. The role requires computer and data-entry skills, effective communication, knowledge of healthcare insurance and billing requirements, strong interpersonal and organizational abilities, sound judgment, and the ability to resolve problems professionally, including in high-stress situations. This is a PRN position. The work is described as sedentary, primarily involving sitting with occasional walking or standing and occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds. The position is in a healthcare setting and may involve contact with patients who have known or suspected communicable diseases, entry into isolation rooms, and occupational risk of exposure to hazardous medications or waste. The routine does not involve exposure to blood, body fluid, or tissue, and the employee is not called upon to provide emergency care or first aid.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least one year of experience in a hospital, clinic, medical office, business services or revenue-cycle setting, 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, with the ability to present information clearly and professionally.
Proficiency with Windows-style applications, role-specific software, and keyboard use.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Clerical skills and 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 while maintaining professionalism.
Good organizational, time-management, and conflict-resolution skills.
Strong decision-making and analytical skills and attention to detail.
Ability to work collaboratively with other departments.
Sound judgment in handling and escalating difficult situations.
Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and comply with applicable laws, regulations, and standards.

Nice To Haves

Associate 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.
Ensure required forms are completed and paperwork and documents are collected and accurate.
Gather and enter patient and guarantor demographic and financial information efficiently and accurately.
Explain insurance benefits and collect copayments, deductibles, and self-pay amounts due.
Analyze each case financially and inform patients of their financial responsibility.
Verify insurance through electronic verification, telephone, or web applications.
Balance the cash drawer daily, prepare deposit slips, and follow end-of-shift cash drawer closing procedures.
Maintain respectful and cooperative staff relationships and help prevent or resolve interpersonal conflicts.
Adapt communication and behavior to the patient population, including respecting privacy, introducing oneself appropriately, explaining services or procedures, requesting permission, and adjusting communication style.
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 immediately.
Perform other related duties as required.