Discharge Planner

Job Description

The Discharge Planner, under the direction of the Social Workers, coordinates post-acute patient level of care needs to facilitate a safe discharge of hospital patients, including barrier patients, to the appropriate setting, assuring continuity of care. Notifies receiving facility of insurance information as needed. Responds effectively to questions and concerns expressed by patients and other staff and resolves identified problems. Refers complex psychosocial issues to social workers. Performs basic reception functions to ensure smooth department operations.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates discharge plans as directed by the Social Worker, i.e. placements, SNFs, Sub Acute, Home Healthcare, DME, LTACH. Coordinates the progress of the discharge services requested with case managers, patients, families, physicians, other care providers and vendors to facilitate discharge plan and find necessary resources.
• Conduct comprehensive evaluations of patients medical history, current condition, and support systems to determine appropriate discharge recommendations.
• Notifies designated facilities of need for admission and verifies bed availability.
• Notifies receiving facility of insurance information as needed, and processes referrals post-discharge. Effectively communicates on the progress of the discharge services requested. Appropriately schedules, reschedules, cancels or confirms patient appointments in a timely manner to maximize scheduling for patient volume and in accordance with established authorizations.
• Performs basic reception functions to ensure smooth office operations, including answering incoming calls, maintaining an accurate filing system, copying forms and documents, etc. Effectively uses computer programs to obtain demographic information and register patients, accurately verifies insurance coverage, including Medical Group eligibility. Accurately collects and documents all necessary and required information and activities.
• Effectively communicates with patients and physicians to assure continuity of care. Appropriately provides patients with written and verbal instructions of physicians orders and requirements for pre-operative diagnostic -testing and/or follow up appointments. Appropriately determines patient eligibility in relation to established program, insurance or contract standards.
• Responds effectively to questions and concerns expressed by patients and other staff and resolves identified problems (registration, eligibility, billing or financial) in a timely manner. Acts as Data Steward by following appropriate procedures regarding requests, access and disclosure of PHI in accordance with HIPAA regulations, and takes necessary precautions to prevent unauthorized access. Accurately prepares reports (volume and tracking) as needed or requested.
• Provides a continual system of communication through documentation and re-evaluation of the patient considering the anticipated needs at the present level of health care deliver and thereafter.
• Provides a consistent method of patient car management, which maximizes the hospital length of stay thereby decreasing the risk of readmissions related to noncompliance and inappropriate utilization of resource.
• Educate patients and families about post-discharge care instructions, medication management, and available community resources.
Stay updated on healthcare regulations, policies, and resources to provide accurate and relevant information to patients and families.

• High School Graduate/GED or Equivalent Work Experience (minimum 2 years) as a Patient Access Rep or Financial Counselor in a healthcare setting
• Associate Degree in a medical field preferred
• Previous Healthcare experience preferred
• Medical Terminology preferred
• Proficiency in using electronic medical records systems and other relevant software for documentation and communication purposes.
• Must demonstrate customer service skills appropriate to the job
• Computer literacy and proficiency
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within the organization
• Ability to multitask and maintain a work pace appropriate to workload