Patient Access Services Representative - ER Admitting - Bilingual (English/Spanish) Preferred

Kern Medical • Bakersfield, CA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Kern Medical is seeking a Patient Access Services Representative to join their ER Admitting team. This role involves patient access, registration/admitting, and financial counseling activities. The Patient Access Services Representative I is the entry-level position, gaining specific knowledge of patient and insurance information and payment options. The Patient Access Services Representative II performs more complex assignments. This position is crucial for ensuring complete patient registration, verifying insurance, assessing financial responsibility, and assisting patients with funding options and hospital policies.

Requirements

• Level I: High School diploma or GED and six (6) months of patient access experience OR an equivalent combination of education, training, or experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
• Level II: High School diploma or GED and one (1) year of patient access experience OR an equivalent combination of education, training, or experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
• Knowledge of State and federal government funding programs such as Medicare, Medi-Cal, CCS, TRICARE/CHAMPUS, Workers’ Compensation; and commercial insurance payers.
• Knowledge of billing and reimbursement guidelines and methodologies for state and federal government and non-government payers.
• Knowledge of medical and insurance terminology.
• Knowledge of HIPAA privacy and compliance practices.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing sufficient to perform the essential functions.
• Ability to read, understand, and apply policies and guidelines.
• Ability to obtain information from a variety of sources, including patients and families.
• Ability to use computers and various software to accomplish work.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, families, and other internal and external customers.
• Ability to use tact and empathy in working with patients and families under stressful situations.
• Ability to perform work effectively with frequent interruptions.
• Ability to perform multiple tasks in a fast paced environment.
• Ability to lift, carry, push or pull files.
• Ability to sit at work station for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to report to various departments throughout the hospital.
• Employees must maintain all health requirements designated by Kern Medical.
• A background check may be required for this classification.
• All Kern Medical employees are designated “Disaster Service Workers”. In the event of a disaster or civil disorder, all Kern Medical employees are to remain at work or to report to work in a safe and practicable manner.
• If position responsibilities require driving a personal vehicle, then possession of a current valid California Driver’s License and adherence to the Kern County Hospital Authority Vehicle Use and Driving Standard Policy (ENG-EC-119) is required.
• If position responsibilities require driving a vehicle owned, leased or rented by Kern Medical, then possession of a current valid California Driver’s license, a signed authorization for Release of Drivers Record Information and adherence to the Kern County Hospital Authority Vehicle Use and Driving Standard Policy (ENG-EC-119) is required.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) Preferred

Responsibilities

• Greets patients, reviews process, and schedules appointments for exam or follow-up.
• Assembles all data and documents required for complete patient registration, including pre-admission, admission, pre-registration, and registration functions.
• Completes all insurance verifications and authorizations.
• Enters all patient demographic information into the hospital’s EHR (Electronic Health Record) system and uses other department applications for eligibility and authorization.
• Assesses patient financial responsibility and collects co-pays, co-insurance, out of pocket, share of cost and/or deductibles at time of admission.
• Screens admissions and informs referring physician offices, patients and their families about hospital policies and procedures regarding method of payment sources for services rendered.
• Interviews patients at the workstation and/or at the bedside to determine possible eligibility for state-funded programs.
• Obtains and documents funding information from patients and provides information on available funding resources.
• Obtains funding for patients in the statuses of scheduling, pre-registration, registration, or post registration as assigned.
• Uses payer resources and websites to explore and assess eligibility.
• Initiates referrals for Medi-Cal, CMS, CCS, and KMCHP.
• Administers KMC Financial Assistance Policy and Procedures to determine patient eligibility for discounted prices or charity care.
• Works in collaboration with all areas of the revenue cycle to identify and resolve issues and/or barriers.
• Enters a variety of fiscally related information into databases.
• Maintains fiscal records and files.
• Submits and responds to requests for information and inquiries related to patient access processes, policies, and/or other related information.
• Researches and resolves customer problems.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• New Hire Premium : +6% of base rate of pay, matched up to 6% if contributed to Deferred Compensation Plan.
• Shift Differential Pay : varies per classification.
• A Comprehensive Benefits Package : includes Holidays, Paid Time Off, Retirement, Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance.
• Additional compensation may be available for this role through differentials, incentives, and bonuses.
• This position may be eligible for participation and company contributions into the Kern County Employees’ Retirement Plan.

What This Job Offers

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