Patient Access Services Representative - Outpatient Scheduling - Temporary

Kern Medical • Bakersfield, CA

5d • $19 - $26

About The Position

Kern Medical is hiring a temporary Patient Access Services Representative I, the first level in its Patient Access Services Representative classification series. The role supports patient access functions in areas such as registration/admitting and financial counseling. The representative greets patients, schedules appointments, gathers and enters registration information, verifies insurance and authorizations, assesses and collects patient financial responsibility, and helps patients understand payment sources and possible funding assistance. The position also works with revenue-cycle teams to address issues and responds to patient access inquiries. The temporary extra-help appointment has a limited term of up to nine months. Health benefits may be offered, and shift differentials vary by classification.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and six months of patient access experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, or experience sufficient to perform the essential duties.
• Maintain all health requirements designated by Kern Medical.
• Knowledge of state and federal funding programs, including Medicare, Medi-Cal, CCS, TRICARE/CHAMPUS, and Workers’ Compensation; commercial insurance payers; billing and reimbursement guidelines and methodologies; medical and insurance terminology; and HIPAA privacy and compliance practices.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing; read, understand, and apply policies and guidelines; and obtain information from patients, families, and other sources.
• Use computers and software, establish effective working relationships, and interact with patients and families tactfully and empathetically, including in stressful situations.
• Work effectively amid frequent interruptions, perform multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment, and report to various hospital departments.
• Lift, carry, push, or pull files and sit at a workstation for prolonged periods.
• If driving a personal vehicle is required, have a current valid California Driver’s License and comply with the Kern County Hospital Authority Vehicle Use and Driving Standard Policy.
• If driving a Kern Medical-owned, leased, or rented vehicle is required, have a current valid California Driver’s License, sign an authorization for release of driver record information, and comply with the applicable vehicle-use policy.

Responsibilities

• Greet patients, explain the process, and schedule examination or follow-up appointments.
• Assemble data and documents required for patient registration, including pre-admission, admission, pre-registration, and registration; complete insurance verifications and authorizations.
• Enter patient demographic information into the Electronic Health Record and use other departmental applications for eligibility and authorization.
• Assess patient financial responsibility and collect applicable co-pays, co-insurance, out-of-pocket amounts, share of cost, and deductibles at admission.
• Screen admissions and explain hospital payment-source policies and procedures to referring physician offices, patients, and families.
• Interview patients at a workstation or bedside to determine possible eligibility for state-funded programs.
• Obtain and document patient funding information, explain available funding resources, and obtain funding for patients at assigned stages of the access process.
• Use payer resources and websites to assess eligibility; initiate referrals for Medi-Cal, CMS, CCS, and KMCHP; and apply the KMC Financial Assistance Policy and Procedures to determine eligibility for discounted prices or charity care.
• Collaborate with revenue-cycle departments to identify and resolve issues or barriers.
• Enter fiscally related information into databases and maintain fiscal records and files.
• Respond to requests and inquiries about patient access processes, policies, and related information; research and resolve customer problems.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health benefits coverage may be offered.
• Shift differentials vary by classification.
• Additional compensation may be available through differentials, incentives, and bonuses.

What This Job Offers

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