Patient Services Specialist I - Ob/Gyn, Sugarland (Bilingual)

UTMB Health•Sugar Land, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Services Specialist I creates a positive patient experience by exceeding expectations in customer service and patient care. The role coordinates clerical and medical activities of a healthcare team, handles patient registration, and facilitates access to UTMB services for new and returning patients. This position is based in an on-site hospital, clinical, and/or office environment and works Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Requirements

Associate’s degree and no experience; an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be considered.
For departments reporting under Health System Ambulatory Operations, obtain a valid Basic Life Support (BLS) certification within 90 days of hire and maintain it throughout employment.
Proficiency with a PC, including experience with Excel, Word, and database management packages.
Analytical ability and ability to collect and trend data.
Knowledge of patient care and patient problems.
Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
Ability to problem-solve.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

Provide professional, knowledgeable, and high-quality service to patients, physicians, referral sources, treatment teams, and other internal and external customers.
Answer calls accurately, address callers’ needs, obtain accurate information, document and triage calls appropriately, and complete telephone encounters when appropriate.
Advocate for patients and liaise with other departments; address patient concerns, provide service recovery, and escalate issues when needed.
Maintain confidentiality of patient and clinical information.
Schedule appointments according to clinical entity policies, coordinate financial counseling for day surgery, and make appointment reminder calls.
Educate patients or responsible parties about billing and financial responsibilities, including third-party benefits; provide out-of-pocket cost estimates and counsel patients about unpaid bills.
Arrange future clinic follow-up, referral, and ancillary-service appointments at the time of service.
Arrive patients and prepare paperwork or charts for visits; receipt collected monies, distribute tokens, and authorize deferments appropriately.
Verify eligibility, pre-register patients, obtain demographics and third-party coverage at each encounter, and document information needed for third-party reimbursement.
Ensure compliance with Medicare and third-party coverage requirements and communicate access or authorization obstacles to patients, referral sources, UTMB physicians, and clinical staff.
Disposition each patient within the designated timeline and follow departmental internal controls.
Complete annual competency-based training and testing; read relevant announcements and communications; prioritize and complete work accurately, effectively, and efficiently.
Secure files and money, properly dispose of printed patient information, log off computers, and keep passwords confidential.
Participate in team meetings and activities and support the philosophy and goals of the team or department.
Perform related duties as required.