Patient Access Specialist

Lake Charles Memorial Health System; Lake Charles (LA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Lake Charles Memorial Health System in Lake Charles, LA seeks a Patient Access Specialist to support scheduling, insurance processing, and medical records coordination in our clinic.

You will verify patient information in the EMR, handle referrals and precertifications, and assist with billing questions while delivering courteous service.

Strong communication and basic computer skills are preferred, including familiarity with medical terminology and Microsoft Office.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Knowledge of medical terminology preferred.
• Basic skills in Microsoft Office preferred.
• Experience in scheduling preferred.
• Broad range of administrative and technical skills in healthcare context.

Responsibilities

• Greet patients warmly and handle front-desk tasks.
• Verify patient information, demographics, and insurance coverage in EMR.
• Process referrals and precertifications in EMR following protocol.
• Schedule testing and procedures after physician orders and precertification.
• Enter and attach documentation into EMR and maintain records.
• Answer phones with proper salutations and take messages.
• Communicate insurance details including deductibles, co-insurance, and co-pays.
• Perform related administrative duties as assigned.

Skills

Scheduling

Medical terminology

Insurance processing

Customer service

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

EMR system

Microsoft Office

Job description

• The patient access specialist performs administrative duties including, but not limited to: referrals, maintain provider schedules, prior authorizations for procedures/tests/medications, schedule outside procedures/testing, and performs related processing duties for all patients being served by respective clinic. Duties are performed in the EMR system as appropriate. The patient access specialist is trained in performing a wide range of skilled administrative and clerical duties. Reports to the Manager.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Knowledge of CPT coding and Medical Necessity of testing. Ensures criteria met prior to scheduling testing and/or procedures, including surgery.
• Greets each patient warmly and cheerfully.
• Knowledgeable about insurance processing and able to explain deductibles, co-insurance, co-payments, and how processing occurs.
• Answers phone with correct salutation. Takes messages when appropriate.
• Records all messages into electronic EMR.
• Verifies patient information, demographics and insurance coverage is correct. If changes are required, changes the information in the EMR.
• Updates and scans updated information and forms into appropriate EMR system.
• Scan and attach all paperwork received into EMR system and attach and send appropriately.
• Schedules all testing after obtaining precertification per physician checkout orders.
• Completes and sends medical records request per physician orders.
• Completes all referrals through the EMR following correct protocol.
• Verification of insurance should be performed when necessary.
• Performs other job duties as assigned.

The above statements are only meant to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those stated in this description.

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Knowledge and training in medical terminology, keyboarding, and computer skills preferred.
• Basic skills in Microsoft Office preferred.
• Previous experience preferred in the areas of scheduling.
• Broad range of administrative and technical skills in the context of the healthcare environment.
• Impacts activities in other work areas on a frequent basis and contributes in multiple work areas.
• Make decisions based on departmental policy.
• Demonstrates critical thought process and can work independently.
• Provides feedback to assist with decision making process.
• Works well with others.
• Documents detailed information in patient chart.
• Requires listening skills to maintain cooperative associations.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• Work requires a variety of physical activities, including moving about within and outside of all hospital properties for long periods of time.
• Must be able to respond quickly and effectively to emergency and non-emergent situations.
• May be required to assist in controlling disorderly conduct or combative patients.
• Must be able to exchange accurate information with patient, family, peers and medical personnel.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.