Patient Services Associate - Orthopedics

Independence Health System Careers•Irwin, PA

About The Position

The Patient Services Associate performs administrative and secretarial functions in support of the Orthopedics physician practice. The role involves direct contact with patients to collect accurate demographic and insurance information, schedule appointments and procedures, facilitate referrals and authorizations, and support patient flow. The associate communicates with internal and external customers and contributes to customer service, financial objectives, regulatory readiness, performance improvement, and a clean and safe care environment. Local travel between system locations may be expected. Work schedules are based on operational needs and may involve rotating shifts, standby, or on-call assignments. A $2,500 sign-on bonus is offered. The position requires the ability to concentrate and perform essential and specialty functions accurately throughout a shift. When lifting requirements exceed 50 pounds, assistance from a second person and/or a transfer device is required. Effective March 2020 or during a pandemic, goggles, a face shield, and a mask are required according to CDC guidelines.

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 is strongly preferred.
Medical terminology experience.
Experience with third-party health care coverage.
Experience in a healthcare setting.

Responsibilities

Maintain a positive customer-service atmosphere and interact professionally and respectfully with coworkers and internal customers.
Process telephone calls and messages promptly, accurately, courteously, and efficiently.
Follow department guidelines for patient triage and scheduling.
Interview and pre-register patients at or before their visit, process patient information, and enter information into the billing system according to established procedures.
Code visits based on diagnoses, identify coding discrepancies, seek clarification, and accurately enter charges and codes into the billing system.
Support financial objectives by making every effort to collect payment at the time of the visit, completing cash sheets accurately, and delivering cash and cash sheets daily to the appropriate place.
Assist in maintaining or decreasing organizational and departmental costs.
Schedule patients with the appropriate provider and at appropriate intervals according to protocols.
Help patients access specialty care and testing when applicable, and provide instructions and directions based on protocols and physician orders.
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/or students.
Solve problems and seek assistance from the immediate supervisor when appropriate.
Help the department prepare for annual surveys and other regulatory reviews, and participate in continuous survey readiness.
Support performance improvement initiatives, assist with data collection as directed by the manager or physician, and incorporate implemented initiatives into practice.
Replenish supplies daily and consistently maintain a clean, safe environment.
Perform other duties as assigned.