Patient Financial Access Specialist ED

About the position

The Patient Financial Access Specialist-ED is responsible for all functions and processes related to patient registration in all the YNHH Emergency Departments (ED) locations and Admitting areas. Utilizing effective communication and technology, proficiently assesses and balances the patient volume in a highly acute and/or non-acute environment assuring the timely processing of the visit. Consistently exhibits emotional maturity in order to provide excellent customer service as outlined in the hospital's standards of Professional Behaviors. Remains a 'grace under fire' within the emergency setting during traumatically intense circumstances. Obtains and updates the patient's demographics while adhering to the Patient Identity/Red Flag procedures to ensure patient safety. Understands the various insurance carriers by electronically verifying insurance eligibility and enters insurance accurately to satisfy billing requirements. Identifies co-payments and/or deductibles that are required at the point of service for both emergency visits and elective admissions. When applicable, initiates other funding referrals as outlined by departmental policy. Obtains all required financial documentation at the time of registration. Actively participates with other Departments and specialized protocol teams (trauma, stroke, cardiac, morgue, and blood draw station) to ensure a cohesive, efficient work environment. Processes a variety of In-patient bookings (direct admission, surgery, maternity etc.). This would include but not limited to escorting patients to their treatment location. Maintains the visitor volume with the distribution of passes at all hospital access points. In conjunction with the Emergency Preparedness guidelines, maintains proficiency in both incident planning and downtime procedures.

Responsibilities

• Obtains and accurately records all patient demographic fields within the patient's Electronic Medical Record (EMR) for both clinical and financial use.
• Adheres to the Patient Identity/Red Flag procedures when performing the arrival and interview processes.
• Obtains a digital photo image for the patient's EMR and provides the patient with information or an activation code to the MyChart application.
• Ensures accurate billing information is obtained and verified at the point of service.
• Initiates financial documentation for all 'true' self-pay accounts.
• Presents and obtains signatures for applicable financial documents as it relates to the visit.
• Collects co-payments and/or deductibles due, along with providing explanation of benefits.
• Demonstrates a solid understanding of the various third party payers, and accurately completes insurance entry in order to satisfy billing requirements.
• Manages the ED Track Board as it relates to prioritizing the patient flow for the registration process within the Emergency Department setting.
• Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the ED Track Board in order to manage patient flow through the Emergency Department.
• Proficiently processes the various types of In-patient bookings (direct admits, maternity, etc.) in accordance with the established admitting procedures.
• Provides directions for scheduled appointments at each access point.
• Escorts patients (walking or wheelchair) to treatment areas when applicable.
• Maintains the visitor volume and accurately produces visitation passes, while adhering to visitor pass restrictions protocol.
• Provides excellent customer service to the patient and their families.
• Maintains all required system and web application login codes to ensure they are active for utilization at all times.
• Follows Customer Service guidelines in accordance with YNHH department protocol.
• Ensures smooth functioning of all processes in order to guarantee a positive patient experience.
• Exhibits proficiency in the processing of Cath Lab arrivals.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Two (2) to three (3) years' work experience in a customer service environment preferably in any medical office environment or hospital setting with emphasis on registration and/or scheduling, third party insurance verification and financial clearance dealing with all aspects of medical insurance and eligibility requirements preferred.

Nice-to-haves

• Associate degree preferred.