Patient Access Representative - Pulmonary

PeaceHealth • Bellingham, WA

21h

About The Position

PeaceHealth is seeking a Patient Access Representative for its Pulmonary service. This per diem/relief, day position assists in coordinating activities among scheduling, insurance verification, and pre-certification, and serves as a clinical liaison with physician practices interacting with pre-visit services.

The role registers and pre-registers patients, verifies insurance coverage and requirements, obtains prior authorizations or referrals, collects patient payments, responds to customer inquiries, and manages appointment schedules. Depending on location, duties may also include providing departmental coverage, transporting patients, and other assigned work. The position is predominantly in an office environment and involves frequent computer and office-equipment use.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 1 year of medical office or related customer service experience; for Care Delivery Area and Outpatient Clinics, a strong customer service background may be considered in lieu of medical office or related experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of medical terminology and CPT/ICD-10 coding (preferred).
• Knowledge of insurance processes and regulations (preferred).
• Ability to manage conflict effectively and professionally.
• Excellent time-management skills, with emphasis on meeting time-sensitive deadlines.
• Good customer-service and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate and exchange accurate information.
• Close visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures, transcribe, view a computer terminal, and read extensively.
• Ability to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and negligible force frequently or constantly to move objects.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Knowledge of medical terminology and CPT/ICD-10 coding.
• Knowledge of insurance processes and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Pre-register and register patients, entering accurate demographic and financial information; registration methods may vary by location and may include use of a mobile cart.
• Collect patient balances, co-payments, co-insurance, and other payments.
• Verify insurance coverage and ensure requirements are met; obtain prior authorizations and referrals as appropriate before patient arrival.
• Respond to customer inquiries.
• Assist with departmental coverage as needed.
• Manage daily appointment schedules, which may include reminder calls and contacting referrals.
• Transport patients using escort or wheeled transport equipment when needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• At St. Joseph Medical Center, manage incoming emergency department phone calls and possibly provide switchboard coverage, monitor the OB Prosec/McKinley alarm system, and possibly assist with Cardiac Rehab departmental charge entry.
• At St. John Medical Center, possibly assist with scheduling for other imaging or ancillary services.

Benefits

• For positions less than 0.5 FTE: 403(b) retirement plan for caregiver contributions, wellness benefits, discount program, expanded EAP, and mental health program.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED