What are the responsibilities and job description for the Pre-Registration Specialist position at Samaritan Healthcare?
Our Mission
All of us, for each of you, every time.
Our Vision
Together, serving as the trusted regional healthcare partner.
Our Values
Listen~Love~Respect~Excel~Innovate
At Samaritan Healthcare we are dedicated to providing healthcare services to the community that we serve. We are committed to providing the very best work environment for our professionals and the very best care to our patients. The Pre-Registration Specialist serves the organization by pre-registering scheduled patients for Hospital and Clinic services. This includes contacting patients, guarantors, provider offices, and insurance companies by phone or electronically to provide high quality customer service, obtain key data elements such as demographics, insurance coverage and benefits, and aid in the completion of other functions to ensure a seamless future check-in process. The Pre-Registration Specialist will be responsible for addressing inquiries or concerns that may arise during the pre-registration process, ensuring that all patient information is accurate and up-to-date, along with directly assisting in the enrollment and activation process for MyChart, which enables patients to communicate with their health care provider(s) and connect directly to patient’s electronic medical record. The pre-registration process contributes to reduced patient wait times, improved patient satisfaction, and reduced denials stemming from front-end activities. This position is vital in creating a positive first impression for patients and their families, setting the tone for their overall experience at Samaritan Healthcare. This professional works collaboratively with scheduling, Hospital and Clinic Patient Service departments, physician offices and Financial Access Specialists to ensure patient wait times are minimized on the day of service.
This is a full-time position working Monday-Friday from 8:00am-5:00pm.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The professional in this position reports to the Patient Access Manager. This position works closely with scheduling, Hospital and Clinic Patient Services departments, physician offices and Financial Access Specialists to ensure accounts are fully complete directly after scheduling. Pre-Registration hours of operation are 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday through Friday with varying shifts. A remote work program is offered to professionals who successfully complete the training program along with meeting performance metrics and expectations.
SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES (not limited to):
- Access assignments via work queue(s)
- Contacts scheduled patients by phone to obtain key data elements (e.g. name, employer, email address, phone, mailing/physical address, guarantor, provider(s), etc.).
- Ensures accuracy and completeness of patient information, including insurance name, plan subscriber details, identification and group numbers.
- Clearly documents missing key data elements to be collected at the time of service (e.g. Photo ID, PCP Change Form, insurance card(s), email address, etc.)
- Provides patient contact via out bound and inbound calls.
- Directly assist with the enrollment and activation process for MyChart, which enables patients to communicate via secure online portal with their health care provider(s) and connect directly to patient’s electronic medical record.
- Contacts insurance carrier and/or reimbursement sources via telephone and/or electronic tools to verify eligibility and obtain all applicable benefits pertaining to scheduled services.
- Uploads and scans documents to support pre-registration accuracy (e.g., insurance verification).
- Assists with retrieval of prior authorization numbers from ordering providers office(s) and/or insurance payor websites and documents, as necessary.
- Collaborates with patients, revenue cycle professionals, clinical departments, and referring provider offices to ensure that all necessary information is obtained prior to services
- Thoroughly documents all details obtained from insurance representatives, including benefits, authorization and call reference number(s), when applicable.
- Maintain general understanding of Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial healthcare plans.
- Participates and assists with training and mentoring staff members according to the organization's training programs.
- Refers uninsured, underinsured, and low-income patients to Financial Access Specialists or Financial Counselors to secure financial arrangements prior to services.
- Minimizes duplication of medical records by using problem-solving skills to verify patient identity through demographic details (e.g., name, spouse’s name, Social Security Number, date of birth, address).
- Completes Medicare Secondary Payer Questionnaire for Medicare beneficiaries when necessary.
- Ensures patients have logistical information necessary to receive their service (e.g., appointment place, date and time, directions to facility).
- Ensures no injuries to self or others by following safe work practices and policies. This includes, but is not limited to: security and safety, understanding of MSDS, equipment, infection control, fire, disaster, safe lifting and body mechanics.
- Ensures self-compliance with organization policies and procedures, as well as labor agreements.
- Ensures the interface with team members and other support groups is conducted in a courteous and efficient manner conducive with the organization’s values.
- Conducts self in a professional manner and ensures personal appearance meets the standards necessary to perform the job function while representing the organization.
- Ensures that additional accountabilities, as may be required by management, be handled in a manner necessary to meet organizational standards.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS (not limited to):
- Education:
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Experience:
- One (1) year work experience in a healthcare patient access setting preferred (e.g., admitting, scheduling, registration, billing, medical records).
- One year of customer service experience preferred; experience with general office equipment.
- Skills/Competencies:
- Working knowledge of medical terminology
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills required.
- Ability to adapt to multiple/various platforms, programs and systems.
- Demonstrates competency on equipment listed on department specific checklist.
- Critical thinking skills: Seeks resources for direction, when necessary. Performs independent problem solving. Decision-making is logical and deliberate.
- Performs actions that demonstrate accountability. Exercises safe judgment in decision-making. Practices within legal and ethical guidelines.
- Demonstrates competency in ability to care for customers/patients across the age continuum.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Occasional standing, walking, lifting, reaching, kneeling, bending, stooping, pushing and pulling. Light physical effort but mostly sedentary work. Prolonged periods of sitting.
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
- Good reading eyesight; color vision – ability to distinguish and identify different colors.
- Ability to communicate using verbal and/or written skills for accurate exchange of information with physicians, nurses, health care professionals, patients and/or family, and the public.
As a Samaritan Healthcare professional, you will be asked to carry out the Mission, Vision, Values, and Strategy of Samaritan Healthcare, personifying service and operational excellence including the creation and maintenance of the best patient, professional, physician, and student experience.
Education
Required- High School or better
