Patient Access Associate I

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

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Patient Access Associate I to join their dynamic team. This role is a great opportunity for individuals passionate about customer service and healthcare. You will be the first point of contact for patients, ensuring a smooth registration process while verifying insurance and handling financial inquiries. The position offers a supportive environment with comprehensive training to help you excel in your role. If you're looking to start your career in healthcare and make a difference in patients' lives, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• 0-1 year experience in healthcare registration or customer service required.
• Knowledge of billing and reimbursement guidelines for various payers.

Responsibilities

• Handle patient pre-registration, registration, and financial assistance processing.
• Verify insurance information and ensure accuracy of patient accounts.
• Address patient questions or concerns regarding bills.

Skills

Customer Service

Communication Skills

Data Entry

Organizational Skills

Analytical Skills

Bilingual Skills

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

Description

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, demonstrating teamwork and cooperation, and verifying and preparing all patient accounts for inpatient and outpatient billing to maximize payments from all sources.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

1. Handle patient pre-registration, registration, general admissions, and financial assistance processing.
2. Be knowledgeable of state and federal government funding programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE/CHAMPUS, Workers' Compensation, No Fault Auto, and commercial insurance payers.
3. Understand billing and reimbursement guidelines for various payers, insurance terminology, basic medical terminology, EMTALA, HIPAA privacy, and compliance practices.
4. Ensure all demographic and insurance information is accurate, scan IDs and insurance cards as needed, and validate insurance eligibility through queries, informing patients of their network status.
5. Verify insurance information via contact with payors or online systems.
6. Verify diagnosis codes and complete medical necessity checks for Medicare, with basic ICD-10 knowledge.
7. Identify and obtain necessary payor authorizations, pre-certifications, and referrals, and communicate deficiencies to relevant departments.
8. Notify payers of inpatient admissions promptly.
9. Identify patient financial responsibilities, calculate estimates, collect payments, post transactions, and perform daily reconciliations.
10. Set and document payment arrangements, and seek assistance to improve collections.
11. Address patient questions or concerns regarding bills, referring to financial counseling when appropriate.
12. Document activities on patient accounts accurately.
13. Manage patient throughput, wait times, and contribute to customer service goals.
14. Maintain knowledge of system tools and manual reports during downtime.
15. Collaborate with team members and other departments as needed.
16. Attend trainings and pass competency tests.
17. 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 preferred.

Knowledge and Skills

• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of 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.
• Professionalism, courtesy, and respect aligned with organizational values.
• Reliable transportation required.
• Bilingual skills preferred.

Performance Expectations

• Demonstrate competencies as per assessment tools.
• Maintain a 95% or higher score in annual recertification.
• Achieve a 98% or higher accuracy rate and meet productivity KPIs.
• Receive a Valued Contributor or higher rating annually to progress within the department.
• Complete coursework and certifications for career advancement.

Work Environment

• Potential exposure to hospital hazards, infectious diseases, and hazardous substances.
• Physical demands include reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching, lifting (up to 50-100 pounds with assistance), pushing, and pulling equipment.
• Fast-paced, high-volume environment.

Reporting Relationship

• Reports to department leadership.

This description reflects the essential functions and may not include all work requirements.