POSITION SUMMARY:   The Dental Patient Access Representative (Dental PAR) is responsible for scheduling patient appointments, ensuring accurate patient demographic information, and processing payments for timely filing. The Dental PAR is also responsible for performing patient reminder calls, pre-registration, discussing registration options such as sliding fee etc., filling schedules to capacity, and discussing/reviewing dental treatment plans with the patient as well as obtaining authorization for all dental procedures that require authorization. Other tasks include scanning of patient records and a wide range of clerical support.     

POSITION-SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

•  Schedule patient appointments to maximize provider schedule capacity while considering timely patient flow.
• Collect mandatory patient information to ensure accurate demographic entry.
• Coordinate patient information collection related to the Sliding Scale Fee Program.
• Verify insurance eligibility, referral, and/or authorization for services at least 48 hours before the patient's scheduled appointment to ensure accurate and timely insurance remittance.
• Collect and reconcile patient payments and/or co-pays.
• Ensure accurate and timely information exchange with clinical staff and follow up as needed.
• Facilitate patient communication and correspondence, staying abreast of Provider schedule changes.
• Collects data for routine reporting and auditing.
• Accomplish projects in accordance with departmental standards and expectations.
• Provide weekly and as-needed updates to the Provider regarding authorization status and answer questions regarding patient referral appointments and status.
• Assists patients with navigating various services available within the organization and schedules.
• Educate the patient on the policies concerning covered services and what to do in an emergency.
• Helps arrange an initial visit with the referred specialist and documents necessary information.
• Follow up with specialists to ensure that the organization receives the report for the referred service.
• Ensures that the report is scanned into the EHR and the referring provider is notified using the EHR.
• Conduct outreach activities for patients lost to care using organizational reports and reports provided by various payers and ACO organizations.
• Prepares weekly/monthly departmental reports as needed and when requested.
• Provides input for the development and/or revision of departmental policies and procedures.
• Maintains compliance with departmental and other MHSI policies and procedures.
• Attend seminars, training sessions, and meetings to stay informed about changes related to job duties and the department.
• Perform other job-related duties as may be assigned.

  KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Knowledge of patient scheduling and healthcare workflows.
• Knowledge of commercial and state insurance (i.e., HMO, Medicaid, Medicare)
• Knowledge of basic billing concepts in relation to the healthcare revenue cycle.
• Excellent data entry skills with accuracy and other computer applications (Word and Excel).
• Excellent customer orientation skills, including patient satisfaction, telephone/email etiquette, and service recovery.
• Excellent time management skills: ability to organize and manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal oral and written communication.
• Willing to be a part of a team unit and cooperate in accomplishing departmental goals and objectives.
• Attention to detail, accuracy, and ownership in all professional transactions.
• Ability to maximize Provider schedule capacity utilizing strategic thought and organization skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate with diverse groups, including patients, Providers, peers, departmental medical/dental staff, external insurance vendors, and customers.
• Ability to collect patient data for routine and follow-up appointments.
• Ability to use good judgment to establish and maintain a positive patient experience; initiative to assume admirative responsibility and articulate Provider/Patient instruction and follow-up.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Must have a High School Diploma or equivalent.

Experience: Background experience in insurance regulations, dental procedure/surgery scheduling, and dental triaging is helpful but unnecessary.

Expertise: Knowledge of dental/medical terminology is helpful but unnecessary. Knowledge and proficiency in Microsoft Office.  Requires excellent customer service and organizational skills.  Must exhibit the ability to respect the individuality of others and work effectively with a range of customers.  Must be a self-starter, willing to take initiative.     

Language: Comprehend and use basic written or spoken language to communicate information and ideals.

Hours of Work: May vary based on Organizational need.

Travel: May vary based on Organizational need.