Patient Access Rep (PRN) - Northlake Pulmonary

St. Tammany Health System; Covington (LA); Hybrid; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A local healthcare provider in Covington seeks a Patient Access Specialist responsible for efficient registration and insurance verification for patients. Ideal candidates should have at least 1 year of customer service experience, strong communication skills, and the ability to work in a hybrid office/remote setting. Responsibilities include verifying insurance, scheduling appointments, and providing support to patients and staff. This role offers a chance to thrive in a community-oriented healthcare system.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of customer service experience in a medical office environment.
• Ability to operate office equipment and maintain composure under stress.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.

Responsibilities

• Complete registration processes for inpatients/outpatients.
• Verify insurance coverage and schedules appointments.
• Maintain positive relationships with patients and healthcare team.

Skills

Customer service

Communication skills

Patience

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Some college preferred

Tools

Computer

Copier

Fax machine

Job description

Overview

At St. Tammany Health System, delivering world-class healthcare close to home is our goal. That means we are committed to attracting and retaining the very best professionals for every position in our health system. We believe the pristine beauty of St. Tammany Parish adds to our attractive compensation package. The health system is nestled in the heart of Covington on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain. It is a peaceful, scenic, community-oriented area with an abundance of amenities to suit every taste.

Job Description and Position Requirements

Scheduled Weekly Hours: TBD

Job Summary: The Patient Access Specialist is responsible for completing efficient and organized processes in the areas of registration, insurance initiation and verification and benefit research for inpatients/outpatients and scheduling of appointments. Excellent customer service skills are crucial in these roles as well as flexibility in work shifts. The Patient Access Specialist must ensure that accurate patient demographic information is collected, that they are always sensitive to the confidentiality of this information, and that patients are aware of their rights as determined by HIPAA regulations and company policy, and that they are a consistent proponent of patient throughput and volume growth.

The Patient Access Specialist responsibilities include duties such as verifying insurance coverage, benefits, obtaining and initiating authorizations, completing registration pathways in the HIS systems, receiving, maintaining, clarifying, entering and/or validating physician orders, scheduling appointments, determining third party payer liability for organizational billing, and checking medical necessity, and collecting copayments and patient balances, scanning or filing all documents into the Medical Record as needed. Communication with patients, families, staff, and providers via phone, in person or electronic communications. Maintains a positive relationship with healthcare team and is a resource to physicians, staff and patients for information regarding orders, insurance and referrals, as well as any other issues that might impact the relationship/experience of these stakeholders. This position will also assist with training/cross training and mentoring other Patient Access Representatives and Specialists in the more technical aspects of job. Demonstrates professional responsibilities dedicated to providing safe and high-quality patient care.

This position will be Office/Remote Hybrid.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent. Some college preferred.
• At least 1 year of previous customer service experience in an office / medical office environment including scheduling, admitting, and/or financial counseling.
• Must be able to operate a computer, copier and fax machine.
• Must possess good communication skills and a great deal of patience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills demonstrating the ability to communicate effectively and courteously with physician office staff, patients, and/or insurance carriers.
• Must be able to maintain composure under difficult and stressful conditions.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality and be able to work independently with little supervision.
• Displays tact and diplomacy in inter-personal skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced professional environment. The ability to work flexible hours and different locations (i.e. provider clinics, specialty clinics, etc)
• Ability to understand and solve complex problems dealing with governmental entitlement programs, commercial insurance requirements, contractual obligations, and reporting requirements.
• Ability to apply the use and terminology associated with CPT and ICD-10 coding, as well as basic anatomy/physiology, and out-patient diagnostic testing medical terminology, Medicare guidelines, and other insurance billing processes.
• Excellent organizational skills and maintains a professional and neat work environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA) through the National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM)
• Previous medical terminology or completion of a medical terminology course.
• Bilingual - preferably Spanish.

Physical Demands

Must possess good physical health. Some requirements include but are not limited to standing, sitting or walking for long periods of time. Lifting at least 10 pounds is required. Must be able to work with a moderate level of noise.

Employment and EEO

Each St. Tammany Health System staff member is expected to conduct himself or herself according to our mission, vision and values. Please take time to review those expectations, which can be found by clicking here, before applying for employment. If you feel you are unable to demonstrate those characteristics, we respectfully request that you do not proceed with the application process.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

St. Tammany Health System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. St. Tammany Health System is committed to equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability status, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.