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

Kern Medical • Bakersfield, CA

4d

About The Position

Kern Medical is hiring a full-time Patient Access Services Representative I to perform patient access, registration/admitting, and financial counseling activities under supervision. Assignments may be in registration/admitting, financial counseling, or related patient access areas. The role requires hospital or healthcare knowledge or experience, with specific knowledge of patient and insurance demographic information and payment options developed on the job. This is the first level in the classification series; the Representative II classification handles more complex assignments.

The representative greets patients, schedules appointments, gathers information and documents for registration, verifies insurance and authorizations, and enters patient information into the hospital’s electronic health record and other department applications. The role also assesses and collects patient financial responsibility, explains payment policies, screens patients for potential eligibility for government funding, and helps patients access financial assistance. The representative collaborates with revenue-cycle teams, maintains fiscal records, and responds to patient access inquiries and problems.

The position requires a high school diploma or GED and six months of patient access experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, or experience. 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, a current valid California driver’s license and compliance with the applicable vehicle-use policy are required.

The estimated pay is $20.5592 to $31.1434 per hour, including a 6% premium. Additional compensation may be available through differentials, incentives, and bonuses. The role may be eligible for participation and employer contributions in the Kern County Employees’ Retirement Plan.

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 government funding programs, including Medicare, Medi-Cal, CCS, TRICARE/CHAMPUS, and Workers’ Compensation, and 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.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; read, understand, and apply policies and guidelines; and obtain information from patients, families, and other sources.
• Ability to use computers and software, establish effective working relationships, and work with tact and empathy with patients and families under stressful circumstances.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions, manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment, lift, carry, push, or pull files, sit at a workstation for prolonged periods, and report to various hospital departments.
• If driving is required, possess a current valid California driver’s license and comply with the applicable Kern County Hospital Authority vehicle-use and driving policy; driving a Kern Medical vehicle also requires signed authorization for release of driver record information.

Nice To Haves

• Customer service and registration experience in a clinic setting or medical office is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Greet patients, explain the process, and schedule examination or follow-up appointments.
• Gather required data and documents and complete patient pre-admission, admission, pre-registration, and registration functions.
• Complete insurance verifications and authorizations.
• Enter patient demographic information into the hospital’s EHR 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 cost, or deductibles at admission.
• Screen admissions and explain hospital policies and payment sources 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.
• 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 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, and research and resolve customer problems.
• 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 varies by classification.
• Comprehensive benefits package including holidays, paid time off, retirement, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Possible participation and employer 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: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED