Patient Access Specialist-FT, Nights-NMMC-West Point

North Mississippi Health Services - Tupelo, MS

Full-time

Tupelo, MS

5,001-10,000 employees

Ambulatory Health Care Services

About the position

At North Mississippi Health Services, our mission is to continuously improve the health of the people of our region. The Patient Access Specialist plays a crucial role in this mission by providing exceptional customer service at all points of entry and via telephone. This position is responsible for ensuring successful financial outcomes for all patient services, which is vital for the organization's financial health. The Patient Access Specialist facilitates financial clearance prior to or at the time of service, ensuring that patient demographic and insurance information is accurate, which leads to clean claims and efficient processing. In this role, the Patient Access Specialist greets patients in a positive and courteous manner, utilizing the AIDET (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, Thank You) framework to enhance the patient experience. They are responsible for answering telephone calls and other incoming communications promptly and in a customer-service-oriented manner. The specialist addresses inquiries and patient needs for information clearly and timely, following up with the responsible party when necessary to ensure that all information is communicated effectively. The position also involves registration and admission duties, where the specialist explains necessary paperwork, collects and verifies demographic and payer information, and utilizes electronic systems to determine eligibility and benefits prior to scheduled appointments. Financial counseling is a key component of this role, as the specialist assists patients in managing their balances owed and performs cashiering duties, including collecting copays and preparing deposits. Additionally, the Patient Access Specialist is responsible for record-keeping, processing, maintaining, and scanning records accurately and confidentially. They update patient records in multiple systems and ensure timely submission of patient information to the appropriate departments. This position may include other tasks as assigned, contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the patient access process.

Responsibilities

• Greets patients in a positive, helpful, and courteous manner utilizing AIDET.
• Answers telephone and other incoming communications in a timely and customer-service oriented manner.
• Replies to inquiries and patient needs for information clearly and in a timely manner.
• Promotes good intra and inter departmental and public relations.
• Explains paperwork such as general consent form, patient's financial clearance, charity application, Medicaid screening, insurance benefits, estimates, etc.
• Collects and verifies all demographic and payer information utilizing electronic edits and supporting paperwork.
• Utilizes online systems, phone communication, and other resources to determine eligibility and benefits prior to scheduled appointments.
• Gathers required signatures on patient paperwork and prints/apply armbands to patients if applicable.
• Provides financial counseling to patients and/or patient representatives to manage balances owed.
• Performs cashiering duties such as collecting copays and preparing deposits.
• Assists patients in completing the Charity Application for financial assistance and/or Medicaid Screening form.
• Responsible for systems reconciliation of patient discharges and room charges.
• Processes, maintains, and scans records in a timely, accurate, and confidential manner.
• Electronically updates patients records in multiple systems and submits patient information/documentation to the appropriate department.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Associates Degree in Business or related field preferred.
• Two years of clerical and collection experience in a medical office preferred.
• Must possess mathematical skills and problem solving abilities.
• Must possess strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Working knowledge of basic medical terminology preferred; completion of medical terminology course required within 6 months of employment.
• Proficient computer and keying skills; Microsoft Excel & Microsoft Word experience preferred.
• Must complete all PAS training curriculum/certification requirements within six months of hire date.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in a healthcare setting.
• Knowledge of insurance verification processes.
• Familiarity with electronic health record systems.