Patient Access Specialist: Demographics & Billing

Houston Methodist; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Houston Methodist is seeking a Patient Access Associate to collect accurate demographic and insurance information from patients at intake points, and to verify information in the EHR.

The role includes cashiering duties, ensuring secure accounts through co-pay collection, and confirming medical necessity per Medicare guidelines, while delivering courteous, compliant service and protecting patient privacy.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Two years of experience in a strong customer service environment.
• One year of registration experience in a hospital environment preferred.
• Excellent customer service and professional communication skills.
• Ability to handle detail work accurately and rapidly.
• Proficient computer skills and ability to learn and navigate multiple software programs.

Responsibilities

• Obtains and records accurate demographic and insurance information on patients by interviewing patients, family members and physicians. Ensures that the correct insurance plan codes are utilized for the billing process.
• Explains the consent forms, obtains signatures on the forms and responds to any questions in a professional manner.
• Contributes to departmental and hospital patient experience. Proactively seeks solutions to address patient issues and concerns. Alerts management in a timely manner to any unusual and/or difficult situations impacting the level of service.
• Balances cash drawer on a daily basis; follows the department policy related to cash drawers and cash receipting.
• Performs insurance verification to determine patient out of pocket expenses for services. If applicable, offers payment options after the minimum required payment has been received.
• Meets goals set by the department (e.g., registration error rate, productivity/activities per hour, etc.).
• Maintains HIPAA privacy and confidentiality in handling patient information.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Multitasking

Problem solving

Calm under pressure

Computer skills

Attention to detail

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

Houston Methodist is seeking a Patient Access Associate to collect accurate demographic and insurance information from patients at intake points, and to verify information in the EHR.

The role includes cashiering duties, ensuring secure accounts through co-pay collection, and confirming medical necessity per Medicare guidelines, while delivering courteous, compliant service and protecting patient privacy.