Patient Access Services Representative III - Full Time - Ambulatory Registration - Bilingual (English/Spanish) Preferred

Kern Medical • Bakersfield, CA

5d • $27 - $36

About The Position

Kern Medical is an acute care teaching center with 222 beds and a network of outpatient clinics. The Patient Access Services Representative III works under supervision in patient access, registration/admitting, and financial counseling. The role is the lead level in the Patient Access Services Representative classification series and requires advanced knowledge of insurance funding and strong customer service when assisting patients in person and by telephone. Assignments may be in registration/admitting, financial counseling, or related patient access areas, and may include limited shift supervision. This position is distinguished from the Patient Access Services Supervisor, which has full supervisory responsibilities.

The role may include all phases of patient registration and admitting, financial counseling, researching complex public and commercial insurance funding issues, and developing methods, policies, and procedures for an assigned area. The representative also supports patient access staff and collaborates across the revenue cycle to address process and system improvements.

The listed estimated pay is $26.7799 to $35.9900, including a 6% premium. Additional compensation may be available through differentials, incentives, and bonuses, and the position may be eligible for participation and company contributions to the Kern County Employees’ Retirement Plan. A bilingual English/Spanish speaker is preferred. Employees must maintain health requirements designated by Kern Medical. A background check may be required. Kern Medical employees are designated Disaster Service Workers and may be required to remain at or report to work during a disaster or civil disorder when safe and practicable. If driving is required by the position, the applicable current California driver’s license and vehicle-use policy requirements apply.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and two years of patient access experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, or experience sufficient to perform the essential duties.
• Knowledge of state and federal funding programs, including Medicare, Medi-Cal, CCS, and Workers’ Compensation.
• Knowledge of commercial insurance payers, including indemnity, PPO, managed care, and HMO plans.
• 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.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, and to read, understand, and apply policies and guidelines.
• Ability to coordinate and review others’ work and obtain information from patients, families, and other sources.
• Ability to use computers and various software applications to accomplish work.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with patients, families, and internal and external customers, using tact and empathy in stressful situations.
• Ability to work effectively with frequent interruptions and perform 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.
• Must maintain health requirements designated by Kern Medical.
• A background check may be required.
• If driving a personal vehicle is required, a current valid California Driver’s License and compliance with the applicable vehicle-use policy are required.
• If driving a vehicle owned, leased, or rented by Kern Medical is required, a current valid California Driver’s License, signed authorization to release driver record information, and compliance with the applicable vehicle-use policy are required.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual English/Spanish skills are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Greet patients, explain the process, and schedule examination or follow-up appointments.
• Serve as a lead by assigning and monitoring work, training employees on work methods, and providing direction; may supervise staff and conduct performance evaluations or make hiring, disciplinary, and termination recommendations.
• Assemble data and documents needed for patient pre-admission, admission, pre-registration, and registration; complete insurance verifications and authorizations.
• Enter patient demographic information in the STAR system and use other department applications for eligibility and authorization.
• Assess patient financial responsibility and collect applicable co-pays, co-insurance, out-of-pocket amounts, share of costs, and deductibles at admission.
• Screen admissions and inform referring physician offices, patients, and families about hospital payment-source policies and procedures.
• Interview patients at workstations or bedside to determine possible eligibility for state-funded programs.
• Obtain and document patient funding information, explain available funding resources, and secure funding at assigned stages of the patient access process.
• Use payer resources and websites to assess eligibility; initiate referrals for Medi-Cal, CMS, CCS, and KMCHP; apply Kern Medical’s Financial Assistance Policy and Procedures to assess eligibility for discounted prices or charity care.
• Collaborate with revenue cycle areas to identify and implement system or procedural enhancements and report improvement ideas to a supervisor.
• Enter fiscally related information into databases and maintain fiscal records and files.
• Respond to inquiries about patient access processes and policies, research issues, and resolve customer problems.
• Mentor, train, and develop Patient Access staff and serve as a resource for questions and problem solving.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• New-hire premium of 6% of base pay, matched up to 6% if contributed to the Deferred Compensation Plan.
• Shift differential pay, varying by classification.
• Comprehensive benefits package including holidays, paid time off, retirement, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Possible participation and company contributions in the Kern County Employees’ Retirement Plan.
• Additional compensation may be available through differentials, incentives, and bonuses.

What This Job Offers

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