PATIENT SERVICES ASSOCIATE - ORTHOPEDICS

Independence Health System•North Huntingdon Township, PA

About The Position

The Patient Services Associate performs administrative and secretarial functions in direct support of the Orthopedics physician practice. The position has direct customer contact to collect accurate demographic and insurance information and facilitate appointment and procedure scheduling. The associate communicates with internal and external customers and supports referrals, authorizations, scheduling, and patient flow. The role also supports billing and financial objectives, patient access to care, regulatory readiness, performance improvement, and maintenance of a clean and safe environment. Scheduling is based on operational needs and may involve rotating shifts, standby, or on-call assignments. Local travel between system locations may be expected.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or higher level of education.
Strong leadership ability, organizational skills, independent and critical-thinking skills, sound judgment, and 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 Criminal Record Check through the Pennsylvania State Police system.

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 knowledge and experience with third-party health-care coverage are preferred.
Experience in a healthcare setting.

Responsibilities

Maintain a positive customer-service atmosphere in the reception area and interact 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 and interview and pre-register patients at or before their visit.
Enter patient information, charges, and codes accurately into the billing system in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Code visits based on the diagnosis provided, identify coding discrepancies, and seek clarification to support reimbursement and minimize rejections.
Support financial objectives, make efforts to collect payment at the time of the visit, complete cash sheets accurately, and deliver cash and cash sheets daily to the appropriate location.
Help maintain or reduce organizational and departmental costs.
Facilitate patient access to care by scheduling patients with appropriate providers and at appropriate intervals according to protocols.
Assist patients in accessing specialty care and testing as ordered, 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 solve problems, seeking assistance from the immediate supervisor when appropriate.
Demonstrate accountability for professional development and serve effectively as a preceptor or mentor to new hires and students.
Assist with annual survey and regulatory-agency preparation and maintain continuous readiness for inspections and surveys.
Support performance-improvement initiatives, assist with data collection as directed, and incorporate implemented initiatives into practice.
Maintain the environment of care by replenishing supplies daily and consistently keeping the environment clean and safe.
Perform other duties as assigned.