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

Kern Medical•Bakersfield, CA

About The Position

Under supervision, performs patient access, registration/admitting, and financial counseling activities. Duties may include limited shift supervision, all phases of patient registration and admitting, patient financial counseling, researching complex government and commercial insurance funding issues, and developing methods, policies, and procedures for an assigned area. This is the lead level in the Patient Access Services Representative series. The role requires advanced knowledge of insurance funding and strong customer service skills when working with patients in person and by telephone. Assignments may be in registration/admitting, financial counseling, or related patient access areas, and may include limited supervisory responsibilities. The position is distinguished from the Patient Access Services Supervisor role, which has full supervisory responsibilities. The estimated pay is $26.7799 to $35.9900 per hour, inclusive of a 6% premium. Additional compensation may be available through differentials, incentives, and bonuses. The position may also be eligible for participation and company contributions in the Kern County Employees’ Retirement Plan.

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 government 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; read, understand, and apply policies and guidelines; and coordinate and review others’ work.
Ability to obtain information from patients, families, and other sources; use computers and software; and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers.
Ability to use tact and empathy with patients and families in stressful situations, work through frequent interruptions, and manage 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.
Maintain all health requirements designated by Kern Medical.
A background check may be required.
Employees are designated Disaster Service Workers and must remain at work or report to work in a safe and practicable manner during a disaster or civil disorder.
If driving is required, the applicable valid California driver’s license and vehicle-use policy requirements must be met.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual English/Spanish skills are preferred.

Responsibilities

Greet patients, explain the process, and schedule appointments for examinations or follow-up.
Serve as a lead by assigning and monitoring work, training employees on work methods, and providing direction; may supervise staff, conduct performance evaluations, and make hiring, disciplinary, and termination recommendations.
Assemble the data and documents required for patient pre-admission, admission, pre-registration, and registration, and complete insurance verifications and authorizations.
Enter patient demographic information into 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 policies and payment sources for services.
Interview patients at a workstation or bedside to assess possible eligibility for state-funded programs.
Obtain and document patient funding information, explain available resources, and obtain funding for patients at assigned stages of scheduling, pre-registration, registration, or post-registration.
Use payer resources and websites to assess eligibility; initiate referrals for Medi-Cal, CMS, CCS, and KMCHP; and administer KMC Financial Assistance Policy and Procedures to determine 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, policies, and related information; research and resolve customer problems.
Assist with mentoring, training, and developing Patient Access staff, and serve as a resource for staff 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.
Holidays and paid time off.
Retirement benefits.
Medical insurance.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Life insurance.
Potential participation and company contributions to the Kern County Employees’ Retirement Plan.
Additional compensation may be available through differentials, incentives, and bonuses.