PATIENT ACCESS ASSOCIATE - B NOMC ADMISSIONS

North Oaks Health System - Hammond, LA

Full-time - Entry Level

Hammond, LA

Ambulatory Health Care Services

About the position

The Patient Access Associate (PAA) plays a crucial role in providing excellent customer service during the patient access and intake process at North Oaks Health System. This position is responsible for executing patient access through the continuum of the revenue cycle, ensuring patient safety, efficiency, cost reduction, and service improvement. The PAA handles patient registration, insurance verification, scheduling, and pre-service collections in compliance with payer and facility regulations, contributing to a seamless patient experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist patients and visitors to ensure timely access to medical services.
• Complete patient scheduling, insurance verification, and registration processes efficiently and accurately.
• Support the Patient Access Department's role in the revenue cycle by scheduling according to physician orders and verifying insurance coverage.
• Ensure legal compliance and patient safety by performing necessary verifications on providers.
• Communicate the purpose of documents and secure patient signatures during registration.
• Contact patients and provider offices to obtain necessary demographic and insurance information.
• Perform insurance verification and authorization/pre-certification processes according to department guidelines.
• Demonstrate knowledge of payer types and insurance terminology to facilitate scheduling and registration.
• Ensure compliance with the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) when required.
• Document issues related to scheduling, insurance verification, or registration in appointment/account notes.
• Interact with relevant departments to problem-solve and coordinate concerns related to patient identification and billing issues.
• Assist in patient conflict resolution to ensure timely access to care and a positive patient experience.
• Resolve hospital account errors and claim edits to support the facility's financial goals.
• Comply with safety, environmental, and infection control policies and procedures.
• Participate in education programs and department meetings for professional growth.
• Provide backup to the Patient Access Assistant as needed.
• Maintain personal appearance and the appearance of the waiting/lobby area.
• Establish effective relationships with co-workers and assist others as a team player.
• Respond to inquiries from patients, relatives, and insurance companies efficiently.

Requirements

• High School Diploma is required.
• One year of previous experience in healthcare or customer service is required.
• Bachelor's degree can substitute for one year of experience.
• Experience in healthcare patient access, billing, or other healthcare revenue cycle fields is preferred.
• Experience in healthcare admissions, registration, or billing is preferred.
• Medical Terminology knowledge is desired.
• Ability to communicate effectively over the telephone.
• Excellent customer service skills are essential.
• Ability to interpret complex documents related to insurance benefits.
• Ability to read and understand required components of physician's orders.
• Intermediate computer skills required; proficiency in Word, Excel, email, fax machines, printers, and copiers.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in healthcare admissions, registration, or billing preferred.
• Medical Terminology knowledge is desired.

Benefits

• Full-time employment status with varying shifts.
• Opportunities for professional development and education programs.