Patient Access Rep - OLG Therapy and Wellness

ochsner; Lafayette (LA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Ochsner Health seeks a patient access professional to greet patients, schedule appointments, and manage the registration/admission process. You will verify demographics, explain insurance benefits, and collect co-pays in a courteous, confidential manner.

The role requires data entry skills, knowledge of billing regulations, and the ability to handle high-stress situations while maintaining accuracy and professionalism. Prior healthcare experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 1 year of experience in hospital/clinic or customer-service environment.
• Preference for an associate's degree in a related field or healthcare access/certifications.

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent customer service to patients, guests, and family members.
• Create, activate, and complete patient scheduling, clinic registration, or hospital admission process.
• Gather and input demographic and financial information; explain insurance benefits and collect co-pays and self-pay portions.
• Perform financial analysis of each case and inform patient of financial responsibility.
• Balance cash drawer daily and prepare deposits; follow closing procedures.
• Collaborate with other departments and maintain professionalism in all interactions.

Skills

Customer service

Verbal & written comm.

Data entry

Healthcare billing knowledge

Attention to detail

Confidentiality

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate's degree preferred

Tools

Windows applications

Billing systems

EMR/EHR systems

Job description

We've made a lot of progress since opening the doors in 1942, but one thing has never changed - our commitment to serve, heal, lead, educate, and innovate. We believe that every award earned, every record broken and every patient helped is because of the dedicated employees who fill our hallways.

At Ochsner, whether you work with patients every day or support those who do, you are making a difference and that matters. Come make a difference at Ochsner Health and discover your future today!

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.

This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at the company's discretion.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. They are not an exhaustive list

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.