Patient Access Associate - PRN

Houston Methodist

Houston (TX)

On-site

USD 25,000 - 33,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Uniform

Business professional attire

Other department approved

Job summary

Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital is seeking a Patient Access Associate to gather accurate patient demographic and insurance information, perform cashiering duties, and ensure compliance with EMTALA and HIPAA guidelines. The role emphasizes effective communication and customer service across entry points of the facility.

The position requires strong English communication, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks while maintaining patient privacy and accurate billing

Qualifications

Two years of customer service experience.
Registration experience in a hospital environment preferred.
Strong verbal and written English communication.
Ability to handle cash, collect payments, and balance a cash drawer.
Knowledge of HIPAA and EMTALA basics.

Responsibilities

Obtains and records accurate demographic and insurance information on patients, ensuring correct plan codes for billing.
Explains consent forms, obtains signatures, and responds to questions professionally.
Collects payments based on pre-determined information and performs insurance verification for out-of-pocket estimates.
Balances cash drawer daily and follows department policy for cash receipting.
Maintains patient privacy and confidentiality per HIPAA guidelines and uses patient identifiers correctly.

Skills

Customer service

Cash handling

Communication

Multi-tasking

Attention to detail

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital - PRN (As needed)

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).

FLSA STATUS

Non-exempt

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

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

EXPERIENCE

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

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

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

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.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE