Patient Access & Scheduling Associate

Genesis Healthcare System•Moline, IL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Access Associate greets patients/family members and obtains and/or verifies demographic, clinical, financial and insurance information in the process of registering patients for service delivery. Tasks include the entry of patient/guarantor information in the patient accounting system, collection of patient signatures on all appropriate forms and the imaging/copying of registration documents. Genesis HealthCare System is committed to serving the community by helping each person achieve optimal health and well-being by providing compassionate, exceptional, and affordable healthcare services. All employees are expected to live the Genesis Mission and values of Compassion, Excellence, Integrity, Team, and Innovation, acting as an 'owner' of Genesis with patients at the center of all actions.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Past work experience of at least (6) six months within a physician office, hospital or clinic environment, performing registration activities or an insurance company, performing payer activities.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills are necessary in dealing with peers, internal and external customers.
Accuracy, attentiveness to detail and time management skills are required.
Must be comfortable operating in a collaborative, shared leadership environment.
Must have a thorough knowledge of various insurance documentation requirements, the patient accounting system, and various data entry codes to ensure proper documentation and billing of the patient's account.
Must thoroughly understand HIPAA confidentiality regulations.
Must be able to work in an environment of changing priorities.
Must be able to work concurrently on a variety of tasks/projects in an environment that may be stressful with individuals having diverse personalities and work styles.
Excellent problem solving skills are essential.
Requires quick assessment and judgment of dynamic situations.
Must be able to comprehend and retain information that can be applied to work procedures to achieve appropriate service delivery.

Responsibilities

Greets patients, family members and visitors in an appropriate and courteous manner, determining their need for assistance including directions or other assistance.
Adjusts the sequence of registration/transportation based upon departmental guidelines and/or personal judgment when the health of the patient is in question. Determines the type of service the patient is to receive by reviewing physician orders, the alphabetical patient schedule and/or by questioning the patient. Refers the patient to the appropriate scheduling and/or ancillary department for follow-up and action. Requests assistance from other staff/volunteers to ensure that registrations/transportation functions are performed in a timely manner in order to avoid patient waiting periods.
Provides wheelchair assistance for those who require it or obtain immediate clinical support. Escorts or transports patients and their belongings to the designated areas. Assists in the distribution of registration forms, ID bracelets, patient ID plates and other items.
Performs duties in a variety of settings/locations and for multiple patient types. Responsible for validating/obtaining and entering demographic, clinical, financial, and insurance information into the patient accounting system by interviewing the patient, family member and/or guarantor.
Informs patient/guarantor of their liabilities and collects appropriate patient co-payments, co-insurances, deductibles, deposits and outstanding balances at the point of check-in. Provides financial education, referring the patient to financial counseling, as required. Documents payments/actions in the patient accounting system and provides the patient with a payment receipt.
Validates medical necessity (LMRP/LCD review) of Medicare and Non-Medicare cases to ensure clinical and financial clearance. Contacts scheduling department staff if cases require clarification of diagnosis and/or tests/procedures.
Obtains signed physician orders for tests and procedures from physicians/offices. Scans orders and other documentation into the patient accounting system.
Prepares identification bracelets and patient ID labels for inpatients and selected outpatients. Obtains/scans patient/guarantor signatures on required forms. May inventory & record the patient's valuables, securing appropriate authorizations, if needed. Provides patient information and other required documents.
May perform pre-registration functions on select patients by obtaining and entering information gained through patient contacts. Provides information regarding directions, parking, transportation service, overnight accommodations, etc.
Provides information, directions and assistance to patients, family members and visitors, ensuring timely, customer-centric service delivery in an effective and efficient manner. Communicates with various ancillary departments to ensure smooth patient flow and high data integrity.
Prepares special reports as directed by the manager to document utilization of the patient access department's services and patient flow.
Receives cross training as necessary to provide relief support to other staff when needed, based upon the work schedule or workload to assist in the smooth deliver of department services. May also be chosen to serve as a resource to train new employees.
Maintains a working knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations, as well as Genesis policies and procedures in order to ensure adherence in a manner that reflects honest, ethical, and professional behavior.
Other duties as needed and assigned by the manager.