Patient Access Specialist I

The Patient Access Specialist I is responsible for administering the functions of the Centralized Admitting Office in giving patients prompt and quality access to patient care through the admissions and scheduling process. Also responsible for the accurate operation of the facility’s telephone multi-line phone system. All Patient Access Specialist staff are required to treat all patients fairly and courteously when carrying out the duties of the position.

ADMITTING DUTIES:

• Assists patients and visitors with questions or problems.
• Provides accurate directions to various departments.
• Provides accurate computer input of all patient demographic information and obtains all required signatures.
• Scans all necessary information into patient record, including but not limited to; insurance card(s), identification, patient rights, HIPAA and/or authorization/referral documentation.
• Collects co-pays and payments when applicable, discusses payment options and makes necessary arrangements with all patients/guarantors.
• Watches for needed referrals or PCP assignment and follows through with a signed ABN when necessary.
• Performs insurance verifications and corrects information in accounts as needed.
• Places follow-up calls to patients that may have missing demographic information.
• Sorts mail and distributes in mailboxes.
• Processes mail returns for new address information and corrects account information as needed and resends to patient when possible.
• Provides security and distribution of checks on pay days.
• Opens and closes the Admitting office and security of the same.
• Monitors Waiting Room area and tidies up, if needed.

CASH TRANSACTION DUTIES:

• Takes payments and writes up receipts.
• Reconcile daily credit card transactions and backup documentation.
• Accurately balances cash drawer daily

SCHEDULING DUTIES:

• Schedules patient appointments with Providers accurately and timely using established protocols and scripting.
• Simple screening of patients to ensure length of appointment times are appropriate.
• Has patient confirm their demographic information and verifies PCP assignment
• Verifies patient Insurance coverage and copays, PCP assignment and/or the need for ABN and /or payment at time of service.
• Looks for alerts and provides and/or obtains information as follow through at registration/check in time.
• Notifies CBFM Health Care Coordinator via email for any appointment scheduled for an ER or Hospital discharge follow-up with information including which facility, and service received,
  Prints no show letters for Lead to review prior to mailing.
• Assists in moving patients on the schedule when Provider has any changes to schedule.

• High school diploma or GED required.
• One-year experience in a business-related field with emphasis on customer service required.
• Experience within a hospital/clinic setting and understanding of medical terminology and medical insurances preferred.
• Must have working knowledge of routine office equipment and routine clerical processes, including the handling of cash transactions.
• Must have above average computer skills and retain admitting, billing and collection procedures.
• Must adhere to strict confidentiality and exceptional customer service skills.
• Be highly organized, self-motivated, multi-task oriented, handle large volumes of patients and high-stress situations calmly.
• Must be able to communicate with patients, co-workers, and customers in a caring, courteous, and professional manner.
• Must be able to speak, read, write, and follow oral/written instructions in English.
• Ability to support a positive work environment required.

Columbia Basin Hospital is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment (including application for employment) on any basis Including race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sex, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, and federal law.

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with disabilities act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the way things are normally done which will ensure an equal employment opportunity
without imposing undue hardship on Columbia Basin Hospital. Please contact Human Resources if you need assistance completing this application or to otherwise participate in the application process.

Columbia Basin Hospital offers a comprehensive benefit package with medical, dental, vision, voluntary life insurance, company paid life insurance and retirement including employer match.