Patient Access Specialist-Patient Access-ED

Kaweah Health is a publicly owned, community healthcare organization that provides comprehensive health services to the greater Visalia area in central California. With more than 5,000 employees, Kaweah Health provides state-of-the-art medicine and high-quality preventive services in our acute care hospital, specialized health centers and clinics. Our eight-campus healthcare district has 613 beds and offers comprehensive health services across a broad continuum of care.   

It takes a special person to work for Kaweah Health. We serve a region where the needs are great, which makes the rewards even greater. Every day, we care for people facing unique challenges and in need of healing. Throughout it all, our focus is to make a difference, and we do — in the health of our patients, our loved ones, and our community.

Benefits Eligible

Work Shift

Department

QUALIFICATIONS

License /Certification
Required: Kaweah Health approved crisis intervention training within 60 days of hire/transfer.

Education
Required: High school diploma
Preferred: College courses

Experience
Preferred: Prior patient access, registration, insurance benefit and medical terminology experience.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Excellent communication, customer service and data input skills.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential

Maintains confidentiality and protects sensitive data at all times.

Adheres to organizational and department specific safety standards and guidelines.

Addendum (essential for specific dept)

REGISTRATION OR CUSTOMER SERVICE:

Accurately completes the admission, registration or pre-registration of a patient presenting for services. Obtains Advance Directive for Medical Record. Provides patient with written material as required by State and Federal law. Provides patient with Privacy Notice for HIPAA requirements. Obtains appropriate signature and documents accurately in Patient Management system as required for compliance. Must be accountable for the QA of own work. Utilizes all computer programs and procedures to ensure accuracy. Properly identifies correct patient and affixes an armband for positive identification of patient. Inventories patient belongings. Answers department phones, timely, and professionally. Assists customers timely with patient access concerns. Routes call as appropriate to other staff or location. Provides support for various floors as needed, in the absence of a unit secretary. Is productive during slow times. Ensures that all efforts provide value to and meet the needs of departmental customers. Responsible for securing patient belongings in accordance to the patient belongings policy. Works with physicians’ office to obtain orders and assist in obtaining authorization. Understands Medicare coding, diagnosis codes, CPT codes to assure proper billing and use of ABN in order to provide as necessary to patient. Proficiency in the applicable programs. Thoroughly documents activity. Ensures patient has directions to facility/place of service. Answers all inquiries from all customers, both internal and external, in a timely manner whether the inquiries are via telephone, email, fax and in person. Informs patient of necessary requirements, financial obligations, financial discounts and pertinent information regarding their exam. Works closely with Financial Counselors to evaluate patient’s financial needs, making appropriate determinations and referral to appropriate agencies for assistance to ensure reimbursement to the Kaweah Health. Obtains any signatures necessary including but not limited to HIPAA, COA, etc. Collects any applicable copayment or deductible and enters it into the patient payment system for a receipt. Answers questions regarding patient accounts. Properly identifies correct patient, correct exam and correct physician to ensure exam accuracy and patient confidentiality before services are provided to the patient. Obtains contact information for patients brought by ambulance or other transportation.

PRE-ARRIVAL:

Accurately completes pre-registration for patient presenting for services. Contacts patient when necessary to obtain any additional information needed to complete pre-registration prior to scheduled services. Contacts patient one business day prior to scheduled service to confirm appointment. Explains to patient any special preparations required for service being performed. Collects copayment or patient responsibility over the phone. If unable to collect it, informs patient of any copayments or financial responsibility due at the time of service. Pre-registers patients for their procedures as needed and verify their insurance coverage either online or by phone.

CENTRALIZED SCHEDULING:

Schedules all procedures for patients in a timely manner and following office policy. Accurately enters information about each procedure into the scheduling system including any special information about the patient i.e., allergies, wheelchair, translator etc. Obtains all information from physician's office necessary to schedule and provide services to the patient. Information needed includes but not limited to patient chart information, labs and proper reason for exam. Demographic information for patient as well as insurance information must also be obtained.

Additional

If assigned to Evening shift, may be assigned to distribute the surgery schedule following procedure.

If assigned to Night shift, may be assigned to complete the nightly census audit following procedure.

Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care and services appropriate to the population served on the assigned unit or work area.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Pay Range

If you want to use your talents alongside people who face each day with courage and purpose, in an environment that empowers you to do your absolute best, this is where you belong.