Patient Advocate

UCS Healthcare; West Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 24,796 - 33,062; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance premium coverage

Competitive hourly wage

Family-friendly policies

Job summary

A healthcare organization in West Des Moines is seeking a dedicated Patient Advocate to assist patients in understanding their financial responsibilities regarding services covered by insurance. Ideal candidates will possess strong organizational and communication skills, with an understanding of patient-centered care. This full-time role includes working Monday to Friday from 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM, focusing on financial discussions and ensuring a supportive environment for patients. Join us in making a significant impact in our community.

Qualifications

• Must have the ability to understand and apply guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are required.

Responsibilities

• Help patients understand their financial responsibility regarding services.
• Assist in the auditing of intake processes for accuracy.
• Discuss and establish payment plans with patients.

Skills

Strong organizational and time management skills

Excellent communication skills

Detail-oriented

Ability to handle confidential work

Ability to work with minimal supervision

Strong leadership skills

Education

Associate's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

We have a full-time position available for a Patient Advocate in our West Des Moines, IA clinic. We offer a competitive hourly wage and benefits package. “UCS Healthcare values me as an employee.” “I’m given the latitude to do my job.” “UCS Healthcare is making a difference in our community.” “My supervisor is caring and understanding and is rooting for my success!” These are just a few quotes from a recent employee survey. Many employers promise competitive salaries and benefits, but more than that is required to provide a fulfilling career. What will? How about an organizational culture of mutual respect? Or maybe a career that is not ‘corporate,’ where profits come before people? As an integrated healthcare non-profit, we put people first. We pay for a vast majority of your health insurance premium as part of our robust benefits package. We provide real opportunities for advancement and growth while doing work that makes a difference in our communities. We are inclusive and firmly believe that bringing your authentic self to work improves teams and helps our clients thrive. If you're seeking a workplace that aligns with your values, where your contributions are appreciated, and where you can make a tangible impact, consider joining our team. Rather than waiting for others to catch up with UCS Healthcare, apply with us. Our team members tell us that they are grateful they did. Join us in our mission to create hope for healing and lifelong well-being. We have a commitment to supporting working parents through our family-friendly policies and practices. We’re seeking to create a workplace that supports employees at work and in life. These practices reflect our belief that when people feel supported as whole individuals, they do their best work and thrive.

Reports to: Grants/Outreach supervisor

Job Summary

To discuss financial responsibility with patients about their services that are covered/not covered under their insurance plan and/or if they qualify for other assistance.

Essential Functions (80%)

• Help patients understand their financial responsibility.
• Check insurance eligibility through clearinghouse.
• Follow complete check-in process for each patient.
• Assist in auditing intakes for accuracy.
• Collect payments for services rendered.
• Reconcile/close cash sheet daily.
• Eligibility batches – start/delegate/follow up with staff.
• Assist staff with grant/insurance questions.
• Assist patients in applying for grants.
• Review income/hardships for Grant eligibility.
• Create/Monitor/Follow up Grant exceptions.
• Complete Grant follow-up paperwork as needed.
• Investigating/resolving issues related to patient accounts.
• Discuss/Establish payment plan with patients.
• Audit POIs for accuracy.
• Assist/review patients' financial concerns regarding take homes.
• Provide staff coverage at the front desk as needed.
• Primary and secondary insurance knowledge – EOBs.
• Review MATPP/SUPTRS Grant payor monthly, any updates/changes with patients.

Other Functions (20%)

• Regularly meet with Billing Manager to discuss & resolve billing obstacles.
• Assist in auditing providers' schedules.
• Regularly attend weekly/monthly staff meetings.
• Complete required training in a timely manner.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Required Knowledge, Education, Experience, Skills, and Abilities

• Ensure accuracy and accountability in providing patient-centered care.
• Ability to handle confidential work with tact and discretion.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Detail-oriented.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and work well in both individual and group environments.
• Ability to understand and apply guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to perform in stressful situations.
• Ability to use resources with good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Fast learner and able to adapt to change quickly.

Preferred Knowledge, Education, Experience, Skills, and Abilities

• General office experience preferred.
• Medical Billing knowledge preferred.
• Experience working with state and federal Grants preferred.
• Associate's degree is preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Proficient in TEAMS environment.
• Highly Analytical.

Physical Requirements

• Must be accessible by phone or email regularly to address operational needs.
• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• Ability to sit for extended periods and work on a computer.
• A valid driver's license is required and liability insurance or an equivalent means of reliable personal transportation and coverage as travel within the state of Iowa may be necessary.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Full-time, Monday- Friday 6:00 AM-3:00 PM