Patient Access Specialist

Boys Town • Council Bluffs, IA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Access Specialist serves as a patient advocate and resource throughout scheduling, pre-registration, registration, admitting, discharge, and authorization processes. The specialist greets, screens, and checks in patients, families, vendors, and visitors professionally while working to exceed customer-service expectations. The role includes verifying demographic and insurance eligibility and benefit information, identifying and communicating out-of-pocket liabilities, providing cost estimates, seeking payment in advance or at the time of service, and referring self-pay patients or those unable to pay to a Patient Financial Counselor.

This position is based at the Council Bluffs Clinic, 320 McKenzie Ave. The schedule is Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a 30-minute lunch, and Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. with no lunch. The work is relatively sedentary in a normal office administrative environment, with minimum exposure to physical risks and use of standard office equipment.

The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent and Basic Life Support (BLS) certification within 120 days of hire or transfer. Three or more years of clinic and/or hospital experience and knowledge of Explanation of Benefits (EOB) are preferred. The role also includes other duties as assigned to meet organizational needs and modeling behaviors that reflect the Boys Town mission.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification within 120 days of hire or transfer.
• Ability to apply knowledge of electronic medical records, charts, and medical terminology.
• Knowledge of insurance terms, reimbursement procedures, rates, and policies related to medical terminology.
• Ability to maintain petty cash, make change, and process credit cards.
• Attention to detail and ability to follow established standards and procedures.
• Knowledge of Explanation of Benefits (EOB), CPT, HCPC, and diagnosis codes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for communicating with physicians, clinicians, patients, and families.
• Knowledge of telephone etiquette.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks at a time.

Nice To Haves

• At least 3 years of experience working in a clinic and/or hospital setting.
• Knowledge of Explanation of Benefits (EOB).

Responsibilities

• Provide customer service to people presenting for clinic care, surgery, admissions, or assistance, including help with admitting, registration/check-in, collections, and other identified needs.
• Maintain positive communication and rapport with internal and external contacts, documenting relevant discussions and correspondence in applicable systems.
• Obtain and communicate accurate insurance benefit and eligibility information, pre-determinations, pre-authorizations, and patient liabilities within insurer requirements and established time frames.
• Follow established protocols for verifying and collecting demographic information.
• Communicate with the Medical Unit Manager or Director about bed assignments and resource availability when needed at admission.
• Notify the appropriate care unit when surgical patients arrive after registration or admission, and provide transport assistance as needed.
• Monitor patient waiting areas and remain aware of the surroundings to help maintain a clean, safe, and comfortable environment.
• Process internal and external calls related to scheduling, pre-registration, nurse-call information, pharmacy refills, referrals, paging, financial counseling, admission and discharge notifications, and other requests or questions.
• Coordinate and schedule interpretive services when needed.
• Open and close clinic or admission locations and use security systems as directed.
• Collect co-payments and payments on accounts at the time of service, and prepare daily bank deposits while following payment and cash-control procedures.
• Communicate professionally with patients and guarantors about scheduling, registration, authorization, or financial matters, including assisting with Financial Assistance applications or referrals.
• Confirm legal guardianship when applicable and obtain guardianship documentation and consents.
• Serve as a role model by carrying out activities and behaviors that reflect the values and principles of the Boys Town mission.
• Perform other duties as assigned to meet organizational needs.

Benefits

• Reduced- to no-cost visits for employees and enrolled dependents for services performed by a Boys Town provider at a Boys Town location.
• Low- to zero-dollar co-pays on certain maintenance drugs through pharmacy benefits.
• No-cost mental health visits with an in-network provider.
• Generous match on a 401(k) or 401(k) Roth account.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Parenting resources from Boys Town experts.
• Professional development opportunities.

What This Job Offers

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