Patient Services Associate - Family Medicine

Independence Health System Careers•Latrobe, PA

About The Position

Performs administrative and secretarial functions in direct support of a physician practice. The role involves direct customer contact to collect accurate demographic and insurance information, facilitate appointment and procedure scheduling, and communicate with internal and external customers. The associate facilitates referrals, authorizations, scheduling, and patient flow; supports billing and financial processes; and helps patients access care. The position also supports professional development, compliance and survey readiness, performance improvement, and maintenance of a clean, safe environment. Travel may be expected locally between system locations. Scheduling is based on operational need and may involve rotating shifts, standby, or on-call work.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or higher level of education.
Strong leadership ability and organizational skills.
Independent and critical-thinking skills and sound judgment.
Knowledge of legal aspects and liability of nursing practice.
Ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.
Act 34 Pennsylvania State Police criminal record check.

Nice To Haves

Previous outpatient office experience.
Two years of experience in a medical, billing, fiscal, or customer-service function.
Knowledge of medical terminology.
Experience with third-party health care coverage.
Experience in a healthcare setting.

Responsibilities

Provide a positive customer-service experience in the reception area and interact respectfully and professionally with coworkers and internal customers.
Process telephone calls and messages promptly, accurately, courteously, and efficiently; follow department guidelines for patient triage and scheduling.
Process patient information, interview and pre-register patients, enter information into the billing system, code visits based on diagnoses, identify coding discrepancies, and enter charges and codes accurately.
Support financial objectives by collecting payments at the time of the visit when possible, completing cash sheets accurately, and delivering cash and cash sheets daily to the appropriate location.
Assist in maintaining or reducing organizational and departmental costs.
Schedule patients with the appropriate provider and at appropriate intervals, following protocols; assist with access to specialty care and testing when applicable.
Provide instructions and directions based on protocols and physician orders, and help patients meet insurance requirements for continued care.
Process referrals promptly and coordinate and submit information needed to obtain timely authorizations.
Act as a patient advocate and demonstrate accountability for professional development; serve effectively as a preceptor or mentor to new hires and students.
Solve problems and seek assistance from the immediate supervisor when appropriate.
Assist the department with preparation for annual surveys and regulatory inspections, and participate in continuous survey readiness.
Support performance-improvement initiatives, assist with data collection as directed, and incorporate implemented initiatives into practice.
Replenish supplies daily and consistently maintain a clean, safe environment.
Perform other duties as assigned.