Patient Access Services Representative- Outpatient Scheduling & Referral Management - Full Time - Temporary

Kern Medical • Bakersfield, CA

4d

About The Position

Kern Medical is hiring a temporary Patient Access Services Representative I for outpatient scheduling and referral management. This is the entry level of the Patient Access Services Representative classification series. Employees use hospital or healthcare knowledge and develop specific knowledge of patient and insurance demographic information and payment options. Assignments may be in registration/admitting, financial counseling, or related patient access areas. This role performs less complex assignments than the Patient Access Services Representative II classification.

The representative greets patients, schedules appointments, completes registration and insurance verification and authorization, assesses and collects patient financial responsibility, and helps patients understand payment sources and available funding resources. The role also supports eligibility screening and referrals for public programs, applies Kern Medical's Financial Assistance Policy and Procedures, and works with revenue-cycle teams to resolve issues and barriers.

This is a temporary, extra-help position with a limited term of up to nine months. Health benefits coverage may be offered. Shift differentials vary by classification. The estimated pay is $19.3955 to $26.0659 per hour; additional compensation may be available through differentials, incentives, and bonuses.

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, as well as commercial insurance payers.
• Knowledge of billing and reimbursement guidelines and methodologies for government and non-government payers.
• Knowledge of medical and insurance terminology and HIPAA privacy and compliance practices.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing; read, understand, and apply policies and guidelines.
• Obtain information from a variety of sources, including patients and families; use computers and software to accomplish work.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, families, and internal and external customers.
• Use tact and empathy with patients and families in stressful situations; work effectively with frequent interruptions and multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull files; sit at a workstation for prolonged periods; and report to various hospital departments.
• A background check may be required.
• If job duties require driving, possess a current valid California Driver's License and comply with the applicable Kern County Hospital Authority vehicle-use and driving policy requirements.

Responsibilities

• Greet patients, explain the process, and schedule examination or follow-up appointments.
• Assemble data and documents needed for patient registration, including pre-admission, admission, pre-registration, and registration materials.
• Complete insurance verifications and authorizations.
• Enter patient demographic information into the Electronic Health Record and use department applications for eligibility and authorization.
• Assess patient financial responsibility and collect applicable co-pays, co-insurance, out-of-pocket costs, share of cost, and/or 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 and provide information about available funding resources.
• Obtain funding for patients in scheduling, pre-registration, registration, or post-registration statuses, as assigned.
• Use payer resources and websites to assess eligibility and initiate referrals for Medi-Cal, CMS, CCS, and KMCHP.
• Apply Kern Medical's Financial Assistance Policy and Procedures to determine eligibility for discounted prices or charity care.
• Collaborate with revenue-cycle areas to identify and resolve issues or barriers.
• Enter fiscally related information into databases and maintain fiscal records and files.
• Respond to information requests and inquiries about patient access processes and policies; research and resolve customer problems.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED