Patient Access Associate (Full-Time) - Willowbrook

Houston Methodist

Houston (TX)

On-site

USD 16,740 - 42,408

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

A healthcare organization in Houston is seeking a Patient Access Associate to manage patient registrations and insurance verifications. You will need strong customer service skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently. This full-time position requires a high school diploma and relevant experience, offering an opportunity for those looking to contribute to a dynamic healthcare team.

Qualifications

Two years of experience in a strong customer service environment.
One year of registration experience in a hospital environment preferred.
Proficiency in English necessary for job functions.

Responsibilities

Collect accurate demographic and insurance information.
Provide excellent customer service in person and over the phone.
Verify insurance and collect payments.

Skills

Excellent customer service

Communication skills

Problem-solving ability

Multi-tasking

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Electronic Health Record (EHR)

Patient management software

Job description

Patient Access Associate (Full-Time) - Willowbrook

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Patient Access Associate (Full-Time) - Willowbrook

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Come lead with us at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital

At Houston Methodist, the Patient Access Associate position is responsible for obtaining and entering accurate demographic and insurance information in the electronic health record (EHR) on patients presenting at the various entry points of the facility. This position performs cashiering functions, ensuring that all hospital accounts are secure, through the collection of the required co-pay, deductibles and co-insurance. This position also performs the medical necessity check, to ensure compliance with Medicare guidelines. The Patient Access Associate position employs effective communication skills, promoting excellent customer service in every interaction. This position is also required to adhere to all departments, hospital, governmental and/or any other healthcare licensing agency requirements related to the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

People Essential Functions

Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic team focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal departmental and organizational results.
Communicates openly in a non-judgmental manner and in a professional demeanor during all interactions with customers and co-workers.

Service Essential Functions

Obtains and records accurate demographic and insurance information on patients by interviewing patients, family members and physicians. Ensures that the correct insurance plan codes are utilized for the billing process.
Explains the consent forms, obtains signatures on the forms and responds to any questions in a professional manner.
Contributes to departmental and hospital patient experience. Proactively seeks solutions to address patient issues and concerns. Alerts management in a timely manner to any unusual and/or difficult situations impacting the level of service.

Quality/Safety Essential Functions

Consistently takes the necessary steps to ensure that protected health information remains private and confidential, according to established HIPAA guidelines. Uses patient identifiers consistently to properly identify patients and the correct medical records. Refrains from issuing new medical record numbers to patients with existing accounts.
Meets goals set by the department (e.g., registration error rate, productivity/activities per hour, etc.).

Finance Essential Functions

Ensures that ordered services meet established medical necessity criteria when applicable.
Collects payments based on pre-determined information. Performs insurance verification to determine patient out of pocket expenses for services. If applicable, offers payment options after the minimum required payment has been received. Fulfills monthly goals for cash collection.
Accurately posts and receipts patient payments. Balances cash drawer on a daily basis; follows the department policy related to cash drawers and cash receipting.
Organizes time effectively, minimizing incidental overtime and sets priorities. Utilizes time between heavy workloads efficiently and helps other team members.

Growth/Innovation Essential Functions

Displays initiative to improve job functions. Demonstrates adaptability and flexibility during changing demands. Offers suggestions to streamline process for efficient patient flow.
Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

EDUCATION

High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)

Work Experience

Two years of experience in a strong customer service environment
One year of registration experience in a hospital environment preferred

Licenses And Certifications - Required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
Ability to multi-task and flexibility to meet the requirements of the patients and the department
Knowledge of basic registration/access functions and insurance procedures
Ability to problem solve
Ability to remain calm in stressful situations with patience and understanding
Excellent customer service and professional communication skills
Proficient computer skills and ability to learn and navigate multiple software programs
Ability to handle detail work accurately and rapidly

Supplemental Requirements

WORK ATTIRE

Uniform Yes
Scrubs No
Business professional Yes
Other (department approved) Yes

ON-CALL*

Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.
On Call* No

TRAVEL**