Patient Access Rep - Lafayette Region

ochsner; Louisiana; On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Ochsner seeks a patient access professional to greet patients, schedule and register them, and verify insurance. You will collect copays and explain benefits, ensuring accurate data for the medical record and reimbursement. The role emphasizes professional interaction and confidentiality.

Requirements include a high school diploma (associate degree preferred) and at least 1 year in a hospital/clinic or related customer service setting. Strong communication and Excel-like skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Must have computer skills and dexterity for data entry and retrieval.
• Effective verbal and written communication with patients and staff.
• Proficient with Windows-style applications and role-specific software.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of healthcare insurance benefits and billing guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent customer service to patients and guests.
• Create, activate, and complete scheduling, registration, or admission.
• Collect and verify demographic and financial information; explain benefits.
• Perform financial analysis of cases and inform patients of responsibility.
• Balance cash drawer and complete end-of-shift cash processes.
• Collaborate with departments and maintain patient confidentiality.

Skills

Data entry

Verbal communication

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Clerical skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate's degree preferred

Tools

Windows applications

Billing software

Electronic health records (EHR)

Job description

Exceptional care starts with exceptional people.

For us, this is more than a job- it's a calling. It's waking up each day, looking for ways to make a difference with a compassionate, inclusive and talented team. Ochsner empowers you to discover your passion, reach your potential, and Pursue Your Purpose. Exceptional care starts with exceptional people and teams. Together we are leading the way.

This job greets patients and guest in a courteous manner whether via telephone contact or in person; initiates scheduling an appointment or completing the check-in process/admission for patients; obtains and verifies accurate identification and demographical data for the patient's permanent medical record which assist in accurate reimbursement while recognizing the necessity of maintaining the confidentiality of all patient information. Responsible for point-of-service collections, face-to-face patient interactions related to completing the patient registration and admission process; responsible for the verification of insurance via electronic verification, telephone, or web application; improves patient satisfaction through consistently representing the company professionally and cross trained to support multiple functions across all patient and payer types. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

Education

• Required - High school diploma or equivalent
• Preferred - Associate's degree

Work Experience

• Required - Minimum of 1 year of experience in a hospital, clinic, medical office, business services/revenue cycle, or other customer service-related environment. Experience may include front line registration, financial counseling, banking, retail, or similar roles involving direct customer or patient interaction.

Certifications

• Preferred - Certification in Healthcare Access Manager (CHAM), Certification in Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA), Certification as a Medical Assistant (or other medical specialty-based certification)

Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Must have computer skills and dexterity required for data entry and retrieval of information.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present information clearly and professionally.
• Must be proficient with Windows-style applications, various software packages specific to role and keyboard.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Must have clerical skills and exhibit technical knowledge of healthcare insurance benefits, various payor guidelines on referral and authorization processes as well as have current knowledge of Federal, State and Local billing regulations.
• Skills to effectively present information and respond to questions from patients and customers, with proficiency.
• Skills to solve practical problems and deal with high stress situations while maintaining a high quality of professionalism.
• Good organizational, time management, and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent decision making skills; good analytical skills with a strong attention to detail are necessary.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other departments.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in handling/escalating difficult situations.

Job Duties

• Provide excellent customer service to all patients, guests, and family members.
• Create, activate, and complete the patient scheduling, clinic registration, or hospital admission process.
• Ensures all required forms are completed and other paperwork/documents are gathered and accurate.
• Efficiently and accurately gathers and inputs patient/guarantor demographic and financial information; explains insurance benefits and collects co-pays, deductibles and self-pay portions due.
• Performs financial analysis of each case and informs patient of financial responsibility
• Balances Cash drawer daily, prepares deposit slips and follow closing cash drawer process at the end of each shift.
• Demonstrates respect and cooperation in all staff relationships, and a genuine willingness to prevent or resolve inter-personal conflicts.
• Adapts behavior to the specific patient population, including but not limited to: respect for privacy, method of introduction to the patient, adapting explanation of services or procedures to be performed, requesting permissions and communication style.
• Other related duties as required.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. They are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. Other duties may be added, or this descrip