Patient Access Representative

Job description

Performs receptionist, registration, and clerical duties associated with direct and scheduled patient admissions. Interviews patients for all pertinent account information and verifies insurance coverage.
Education: High school diploma or equivalent Required or 3 years of directly related experience may be substituted for the required education.
Billing or collection experience preferred. Computer experience required.
Essential Functions
Ensures that all necessary demographic, billing, and clinical information is obtained and entered in the registration system with timeliness and accuracy, assigning medical record number if appropriate.
Distributes and explains forms, documents, and educational handouts to patients or family members, ensures all necessary signatures are obtained for treatment.
Meets with patient or patient's caregiver before or after admission to exchange necessary information and documentation. Provides explanation of process and addresses concerns and questions.
Communicates with admitting physician's office, nursing unit staff, and/or other appropriate personnel regarding admission to exchange necessary information and determine placement.
Verifies insurance benefits and obtains precertification/authorization as necessary. Determines and accepts required payments, including co-pays and deductibles, or refers to financial counselors for follow up.
Researches the patients visit history to ensure compliance with third party payer requirements, completing appropriate documentation as applicable.
Collects co-pays and other funds from patients based upon established criteria.
Non-Essential Functions
Checks supplies and stocks supplies as needed.
Serves as back-up for other functional areas.