Patient Access Associate I

AtlantiCare; Absecon (NJ); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in healthcare is seeking a Patient Access Associate I to join their dynamic team. This role is pivotal in delivering exceptional customer service at every entry point of the health system. You will be responsible for patient registration, verifying insurance information, and ensuring a smooth billing process. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills and a commitment to excellence. If you are looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a fast-paced environment, this position offers a chance to grow within the healthcare sector while supporting patients and their families.

Qualifications

• 0-1 year experience in healthcare registration or customer service required.
• Experience in a physician's office or hospital is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for patient pre-registration, registration, and financial assistance processing.
• Ensure all demographic and insurance information is obtained and accurate.

Skills

Effective communication skills

Customer service skills

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Bilingual skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Computer and data entry functions

Job description

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Position Summary
The Patient Access Associate I will perform duties after an eight week training program under the supervision of the Patient Access Leadership Team and Revenue Cycle Quality & Assurance Training Team. This position is a customer service champion responsible for delivering excellent customer service at each entry point throughout the health system.

This role supports organizational goals by providing high-quality customer service, participating in performance improvement efforts, and verifying and preparing all patient accounts for inpatient and outpatient billing to maximize payment for hospital and clinic services from all sources.

Principal Duties And Job Responsibilities

• Responsible for patient pre-registration, registration, general admissions, and financial assistance processing.
• Knowledge of state and federal government funding programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE/CHAMPUS, Workers' Compensation, No Fault Auto, and commercial insurance payers.
• Knowledge of billing and reimbursement guidelines for payers; insurance terminology; basic medical terminology, EMTALA, HIPAA privacy, and compliance practices.
• Ensure all demographic and insurance information is obtained and accurate; scan IDs and insurance cards as needed; validate insurance eligibility; and inform patients of their insurance status.
• Verify insurance information through payor contact via telephone, online resources, or electronic verification systems.
• Verify diagnosis codes and complete medical necessity checks for Medicare, with basic ICD-10 knowledge.
• Identify and obtain payor authorizations, pre-certifications, and referrals; communicate deficiencies; and notify service lines of authorization issues.
• For inpatient accounts, notify payers of patient admissions promptly.
• Identify patient financial responsibilities, calculate estimates, collect payments, post transactions, and perform daily reconciliation.
• Set payment arrangements, document collection attempts, and seek assistance to improve collections.
• Address patient questions regarding bills, refer to financial counseling when needed, and document account activities.
• Manage patient throughput, wait times, and contribute to customer service scores.
• Maintain knowledge of system tools and manual reports during downtime.
• Collaborate with team members and other departments; attend trainings and pass competency tests.
• Perform additional duties as assigned within the scope of Patient Access.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 0-1 year experience in healthcare registration or customer service required.
• Experience in a physician's office or hospital is preferred.

Knowledge and Skills

• Effective communication skills; ability to read and understand policies; obtain information from various sources.
• Proficiency in computer and data entry functions.
• Excellent customer service, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Ability to prioritize, manage multiple tasks, and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Maintain professionalism, courtesy, and respect, reflecting AtlantiCare's values.
• Reliable transportation required.
• Bilingual skills preferred.

Performance Expectations

• Demonstrate competencies per assessment tools.
• Pass annual recertification with a score of 95% or higher.
• Maintain high accuracy (98% or higher) and productivity standards.
• Achieve an annual performance evaluation rating of Valued Contributor or above.
• Complete required coursework and certifications for career advancement.

Work Environment

• Potential exposure to hospital hazards, infectious diseases, and hazardous substances.
• Requires reaching, stooping, kneeling, and lifting up to 50-100 pounds with assistance.
• Fast-paced environment with high volume.

Reporting Relationship

• Reports to department leadership.