What are the responsibilities and job description for the Patient Access Representative - Optometry position at ASCENSION DEPAUL SERVICES?
GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION
Ascension DePaul Services of New Orleans (DCSNO) affiliates with DCHC which manages multiple Federally Qualified Health Center locations in the Greater New Orleans area. DCSNO is committed to improving the health status of communities and continues a long tradition of health ministry. DCSNO is seeking a full-time Patient Access Representative.
Under the supervision of the Optometry Supervisor, the Patient Access Representative is responsible for patient reception, clinic appointment schedules, comprehensive handling of patient financial and demographic information, and the accurate completion of the appointment and entry charges and payments.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITES
- Answers the phone in a prompt, courteous and professional manner. Records messages when needed and relays them to the appropriate party. Reviews messages on the answering queue daily, returning calls as warranted.
- Schedules patients appropriately and accurately following guidelines as outlines in the standard operating procedures, collecting appropriate information needed.
- Telephones all patients scheduled two days ahead, review and confirms the appointment time, location, funding, and eligibility. Documents in detail completion of the confirmation call. Advises the patient of co-pays, deductibles, and self-pay responsibilities. Prepares any/all paperwork needed for the visit.
- Maintains a short-call system as outlined in the standard operating procedures to assist those patients who wish to get in earlier.
- Greets patients upon arrival. Collects identification and insurance information, verifies and collects appropriate payments and co-payments. Assists patients with the completion of forms. Records all payments following department-approved guidelines and issues a receipt to the patient. Scans all documents into patient file and electronically notifies back office staff when patient is available for treatment. Informs emergency walk-in patients of departmental policies and informs appropriate staff of emergency patients waiting.
- Reviews proposed treatment, insurance coverage and additional costs with the patient. Scans signed treatment plan into patient files.
- Collaborates with the clinical team, submits request for pre-authorization for all procedures as needed, to include copies of needed information. Follows up each request in a timely manner and insures that all responses are scanned into the patient chart.
- Follows up with the patient for further treatment.
- Travels to all optometry clinics as needed to assist during planned or unplanned staffing shortages.
- Performs general office assistance as requested.
- Maintains a professional ad courteous demeanor at all times.
- Attends mandatory training, staff, and safety meetings and participates appropriately.
- Performs other duties as assigned or requested.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Lifting, twisting, bending and prolonged sitting may be required. Travel between clinic sites will be required. Work under stressful conditions as well as extended hours may be required.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is normally performed indoors but travel between sites may be in varying temperatures.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- High School or GED certificate
- Customer Service experience
- Verbal and written communication skills
- High degree of confidentiality integrity and professionalism
- Ability to multi-task and set priorities in an ever-changing environment while maintaining a calm, professional environment
- Demonstrate initiative and judgment in problem solving
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Previous Optometry Office Experience
