Patient Services Specialist I - UHC 4th Floor Medicine Specialties (Galveston)

UTMB Health•Galveston, TX

9d•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 for a healthcare team, supports patient registration, and facilitates access to UTMB services for new and returning patients. The position is on-site at UHC 4th Floor Medicine Specialties in Galveston, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Salary is commensurate with experience.

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 in the position.
Proficiency using a PC, including experience with Excel, Word, and database management packages.
Ability to collect and trend data; analytical skills.
Knowledge of patient care and patient problems.
Excellent human relations and written and oral communication skills.
Ability to problem-solve.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in patient scheduling.
Previous experience working in a clinic or medical office front desk setting.

Responsibilities

Provide professional, knowledgeable customer service to patients, physicians, referral sources, treatment teams, and internal and external customers.
Answer calls accurately, identify caller needs, obtain accurate information, document and triage calls appropriately, and complete telephone encounter processes when applicable.
Advocate for patients and coordinate with departments to meet shared goals; address concerns, provide service recovery, and escalate issues as needed.
Maintain confidentiality of patient and clinical information accessed or communicated through email, computer, fax, and mail.
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 processes, financial responsibilities, and 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 and charts for visits.
Receipt collected monies, distribute tokens, and authorize deferments appropriately.
Verify eligibility, pre-register patients, and obtain patient demographics and third-party coverage at every encounter.
Obtain and document information required for third-party reimbursement and ensure compliance with Medicare and third-party coverage requirements.
Communicate access or authorization obstacles to patients, referral sources, UTMB physicians, and clinical staff.
Disposition each patient within the designated timeline and adhere to department internal controls.
Read relevant announcements and communications, complete annual competency-based training and testing, and prioritize work accurately and efficiently.
Secure offices and confidential or monetary files; properly dispose of printed patient information, log off computers when away from the workstation, and keep passwords confidential.
Participate in team meetings and activities and support team and department goals.
Perform related duties as required.