Patient Accts Rep Amb ED

Brown Medicine • Cranston, RI

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, according to established credit policies and procedures, this role interviews and registers patients for Emergency/Trauma Center or Ambulatory treatment. This involves obtaining demographic, third-party insurance, and related financial information, and entering it into an on-line computer system. The role also completes third-party documentation, discusses existing balances for previous Hospital services, and makes preliminary determinations on welfare eligibility. It involves requesting cash deposits approximating the charge for scheduled services or co-insurance if applicable, and/or the co-payment required by third-party coverage for clinic visits and outpatient ancillary services. Payment terms are arranged, and the Patients Accounts Advocate is contacted when applicable. Eligibility for free service is determined when necessary. Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence.

Requirements

• A level of knowledge generally obtained through completion of High School with additional math and computer courses.
• Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills in order to obtain patient information and deal effectively with the public at point of contact.
• Persuasive collection techniques.
• Ability to tactfully set payment arrangement terms and collect money.
• Full knowledge of third-party health insurance claims processing, coverage, and documentation requirements.
• Math skills and the ability to operate an on-line computer terminal.
• Acquired knowledge of Accounting Department patient billing system.

Responsibilities

• Completes Hill-Burton application when patient lacks evidence of adequate health insurance coverage, according to established criteria for provision of uncompensated hospital services.
• Requires patient to sign statement of financial responsibility.
• Assists patient to apply for welfare coverage, if no coverage is obtained or if unable to pay.
• Determines eligibility for Rhode Island Hospital free service for clinic visit only, using a sliding scale and based on established guidelines.
• Advises Senior Patient Advocate of patients lacking health insurance coverage and/or sources of income sufficient to reimburse the Hospital for services rendered.
• Completes documentation required to initiate commercial insurance, Workers’ Compensation and/or CHAMPUS claims.
• Verifies third-party insurance plan numbers and benefit levels.
• Documents all information obtained in PMAS accounting notes.
• Contacts insurance carrier when necessary to obtain treatment authorization and co-payment information.
• Obtains authorization for treatment from health maintenance organizations, verifying coverage as needed.
• Discusses existing Hospital account balances and arranges payment schedules for them.
• Requests evidence of coverage or requested payment ranging from partial to full cost for clinic visit or entire treatment series.
• Requires completion of financial information to make payment arrangements when a patient is unable to pay the entire amount.
• Upon determination that a liability claim exists, completes a lien form and notes it in the PMAS accounting file.
• Collects cash/credit card payment for Outpatient/Emergency/Trauma services when possible.
• Posts payments to the specific general ledger account.
• Prepares bank deposit for pickup by cashier twice daily.
• Determines priority of health insurance coverage.
• Registers all patients on-line by entering appropriate data to the computer system via terminal.
• Embosses identification card to initiate or update patient Hospital record.
• In ambulatory registration, registers all patients for PAC Operating Room, clinics, and ancillary areas.
• Takes APC Operating Room bookings and initiates all charge vouchers for out-patient procedures.
• In Emergency Department registration, notifies the appropriate security agency of emergency treatments resulting from assaults, gunshot wounds, animal bites, accidents, and the like, according to Rhode Island State Department of Health regulations.
• Follows up on third-party documentation from Private Physician’s offices and other hospital off-hour ancillary areas.

Benefits

• Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.

What This Job Offers

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