PATIENT ACCESS REPRESENTATIVE - PRN

Evans Memorial Hospital; Claxton (GA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Evans Memorial Hospital in Claxton, GA is seeking a Patient Access Representative responsible for registering patients, ensuring the collection of all necessary information in compliance with regulations. This role requires excellent customer service skills and clerical experience in a healthcare environment.

The successful candidate should demonstrate a positive attitude, proficiency in handling sensitive information, and the ability to manage a range of tasks under supervision, bolstered by knowledge in medical terminology and patient access certification.

Qualifications

• Must possess excellent customer service skills and a positive attitude.
• Basic computer skills with a typing speed of 28 words per minute.
• Registration experience in a healthcare setting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Register all patients accurately and efficiently.
• Communicate effectively with staff and patients.
• Verify and collect required patient information and insurance details.

Skills

Excellent customer service skills

Detail-oriented

Basic computer skills

Clerical experience

Education

Completion of four years of high school

Patient Access Certification

Completion of a medical terminology course

Tools

CPSI (computer system)

Job description

Position Description

Under the supervision of the Patient Access Supervisor, registers all patients, in a timely and efficient manner in accordance with regulatory agencies, federal and state regulations, organizational and departmental policies and procedures. Performs all switchboard and PBX functions in a clear, concise and professional manner in accordance with organizational and departmental policies and procedures. Communicates with medical staff, office personnel, other departments, patients, visitors and outside agencies while maintaining confidentiality. Must possess excellent customer service skills and a positive attitude.

Essential Position Responsibilities

The essential position responsibilities are the basis for the 90‑day and annual evaluation. This list is intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties required of personnel.

1. Registers and documents discharge information for all patients in a timely and efficient manner in accordance with HIPAA, federal and state regulatory agencies, organizational and departmental policies and procedures.

All Patients

1. Acknowledge all patients promptly and professionally when they arrive at the registration desk.
2. Appropriately greet all patients, family members, visitors, personnel, physicians and the general public with a positive attitude, smile, eye contact, tact and proper body language.
3. Display consistent ability to prioritize and complete registrations in an accurate and timely manner.
4. Pull up patient by date of birth to verify accurate patient identification; if date of birth is not known, use patient name.
5. Ensure each patient is assigned a medical record number in the computer system. Select appropriate patient type and service code at the time of registration.
6. Obtain and input complete and accurate patient demographic information, including verification of existing personal and employer information.
7. Obtain and input complete and accurate guarantor information, including verification of existing personal and employer information.
8. Enter all required information related to an accident when appropriate.
9. Obtain required and proper consent for treatment.
10. Discharge patients in accordance with established procedures.
11. Obtain and enter correct insurance information when applicable in accordance with established policies and procedures.
12. Scan front and back of insurance card and another source of identification.
13. Obtain appropriate signatures on all documents requiring signatures.
14. Ensure correct armband is placed on each patient.
15. Ensure a copy of "Patient Rights" and EMH Privacy Practices are given to each patient at the time of registration.
16. Place all unused paperwork containing patient information in the appropriate shred bin.
17. Gather information regarding complaints and forward to the appropriate department and personnel.
18. Verify insurance and collect co‑pays, co‑insurance or a deposit towards services.

In Patients (Including 23‑Hour Observation Admits)

1. Obtain room assignment from the appropriate nursing station.
2. Enter accurate room accommodation code at the time of registration.
3. Record and secure patient valuables.
4. Scan appropriate documents in accordance with procedures. For direct admits, scan the physician order.
5. Ensure the name of the admitting physician is entered correctly.
6. Give a copy of Medicare Rights to the appropriate patient(s) and place original in medical record.
7. Give a copy of Advanced Directives to the appropriate patient(s) and place original in medical record.

Out Patients

1. Verify pre‑certification number is on the order form prior to registering patient.
2. When a pre‑certification number is not on the order, contact centralized scheduling for a pre‑certification number and document comments and name of person in CPSI.
3. Verify pre‑certification number is entered into the system for out‑patient visits requiring pre‑certification.
4. On all non‑staff physicians, verify credentials per organizational policies and procedures. If verification cannot be done, notify the Director.
5. Verify completion of the Home Health Drop Off Form and notify Laboratory of Home Health specimen drop‑off.
6. Perform Advanced Beneficiary Notice procedures in accordance with departmental policy.
7. Verify a diagnosis is indicated on each order for Medical Record documentation.
8. Scan appropriate documents in accordance with procedures.
9. Notify the appropriate department(s) of patient arrival and provide appropriate documents. Utilize the "pink form" when more than one department is to be visited.

Emergency

1. Notify emergency department staff immediately of individuals requesting to be seen and needing patient triage.
2. Ensure that the date, time, place and event are documented for each registration related to an accident.
3. Obtain information from patients taken straight back to the emergency department.
4. Scan appropriate documents in accordance with procedures.
5. For all Workers’ Compensation related claims, obtain verification from employer that it is an approved workers’ compensation visit and enter appropriate code in CPSI for Allgood third‑party biller to pick up claims.
6. For all Workers’ Compensation related claims, document whether a drug screen is required and record the name of the follow‑up physician on the face sheet.
7. Obtain completed chart from the emergency department to secure them for pick‑up by HIM personnel.
8. Ensure all patients are correctly documented in the emergency log in accordance with state regulations.
9. Document the name of the PCP, when applicable, on the fact sheet.

Pre‑registrations

1. Call patient the day before to remind them of their procedure, inform of appointment time, document insurance & photo ID and co‑pays due at time of service.
2. Assist centralized scheduling with notifying patients of required information needed at time of arrival.
3. Place chart containing all required pre‑certification information in the designated area for retrieval on the day of service.
4. Upon patient arrival on the day of service, obtain paperwork, complete registration in the computer system, note arrival time and date and obtain signatures.
5. Scan appropriate documents in accordance with procedures.
6. Collect and post payments at the time of registration to the account. Review prior accounts for any outstanding balances and request payment.
7. Reconcile cash drawer.
8. Verify and ensure daily census is run and completed by midnight.
9. Operate the telephone system efficiently and courteously to process telephone communications for patients, physicians, personnel and the general public.
10. Acknowledge all external and internal calls as soon as possible. Switchboard calls shall be prioritized in the order of operator level calls then outside calls.
11. Utilize overhead paging system in a clear and concise manner.
12. Taken and forward messages to appropriate personnel as needed.
13. Participate in departmental and organizational Quality Improvement projects and is held accountable for accurate entry and updates to required patient demographics (full name, date of birth, SSN, address, phone number and email address), pay source (insurance name, group number, subscriber number), mandatory questionnaires, physician’s name, etc., during every patient encounter to register for services.
14. Maintain a low error rate on data entry during registration process. Be detail‑oriented, correct past errors and learn from them. Rarely make repetitive errors.
15. Adhere to organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
16. Perform all other related assignments and special projects as requested while working independently.
17. Participate in continuing education and attend all departmental staff meetings.
18. Adhere to the policies and procedures regarding surveillance, prevention and control of infections.
19. Perform all other related assignments and special projects as requested.
20. Arrive to work on time, on scheduled days, during scheduled hours. Abide by EMH dress code. Wear EMH Identification badge while on duty. Maintain flexibility with work schedules in meeting the needs of the department.
21. Organize and prioritize work in a manner consistent with safe, efficient and cost‑effective resource utilization.
22. Display a team‑player attitude (cooperative, positive, supportive) and take every opportunity to work well with others. Effectively communicate verbally and in writing. Display a willingness to help at all times and in all areas to meet the needs of the organization.
23. Demonstrate support for the mission/vision of the organization.

Qualifications

• Education level equivalent to completion of four (4) years of high school.
• Patient Access Certification required.
• Completion of a medical terminology course and familiarity with insurance company reimbursement, co‑pays and deductibles preferred.
• Basic computer skills with typing speed of 28 words per minute.
• Clerical experience required.
• Registration experience in a healthcare setting preferred.

Physical / Mental Demands

Ability to think and work effectively with frequent interruptions; to move, sit, stand, walk, and bend intermittently throughout the work day. Lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

Must possess sight/hearing senses or use prosthetics that will enable the applicant to adequately fulfill the requirements of this position.

Use of mechanical and technical equipment required for the responsibilities assigned.

External and internal applicants who are/become disabled must be able to perform the essential position responsibilities with unaided or with assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined on a case‑by‑case basis.

Occupational Exposure to Blood‑borne Pathogens

Category II – Tasks involving no exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues but employment may require performing unplanned Category I tasks.

Orientation Period

Up to 90 days to perform proficiently all essential position responsibilities. The first ninety (90) days the position is assumed is considered the probationary/introductory period, for which the employee is subject to continuous review.