Patient Access Representative (PAR)

Patient Access Representative (PAR) Thayer County Health Services, Thayer County, NE POSITION SUMMARY: This position contributes to the fulfillment of Thayer County Health Services vision and mission by scheduling and registering patients for clinic, hospital, lab, radiology, rehab and specialty services accurately, completely, and timely by following established standards and procedures.

The Patient Access Representative is responsible for maximizing hospital reimbursement by utilizing sound knowledge of insurance requirements, upholds patient confidentiality and rights, and recognizes patients’ immediate needs and acts appropriately to meet their needs. SHIFT: Full Time, Non-Exempt, Days, 40 hours/week SUPERVISION: Reports to the Patient Accounts & Patient Financial Services Director JOB QUALIFICATIONS: High School Diploma or equivalent is required Knowledge of medical terminology is preferred.

Prior experience with registration functions for a Rural Health Clinic is preferred. Computer and keyboarding skills required. PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Conduct prescreening questions and duties as directed during the events or periods that require screening upon entering the facility. Maintains excellent phone skills emphasizing customer service excellence.

Greets patients in prompt fashion, inquiring about their needs and assisting when needed. Directs calls to the appropriate department or staff member. Screens incoming calls determine the urgency of the call, eliminating unnecessary interruptions of staff and providing quality care for patients. Schedules, reschedules and coordinates multiple appointments, diagnostic procedures and tests, including but not limited to clinic, lab, radiology, rehab and specialty.

Schedules appointments at appropriate locations. Give patients appropriate instructions. Understands and uses medical terminology for completions. Communicate with other departments as needed. Schedules and registers current and future patients for clinic, hospital, lab, radiology, rehab and specialty appointments and procedures according to departmental guidelines.

Obtains data required to initiate and/or complete patient records including verification of all demographics, employment, retirement, accident and insurance information to ensure accuracy. Ensures insurance precertification, referral, and authorization requirements have been met for commercial, government and worker’s compensation payers.

Obtains authorization signatures for consent to treatment, release of information, financial responsibility, and any other necessary forms. Scans insurance cards, referrals, consents and patient identification documents into document imaging software. Determines and collects patient co-pays, deductibles and applicable co-insurance amounts required by insurance guidelines and internal policies and procedures.

Refers patients to the Financial Counselor as needed. Follow up on obtaining any required information that is unavailable at the time of registration. Counts and balances cash drawer, completes deposit and follows department process for all monies collected. General secretarial duties as needed. Works flexible work schedule hours as required.

Works in software systems required for performing required job duties. Assumes responsibility for personal and professional growth through participation in department meetings, in-service programs, continuing education programs, and fulfills yearly requirements as stated by policy. Assists in orientation of new staff.

Participates in achieving organizational goals. Maintains effective working relationships with patients, visitors, physicians, office staff, hospital personnel, and the public. Assures confidentiality of patient and hospital information, maintaining compliance with policies and procedures. Any other duties assigned by supervisor.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS: Maintains and promotes good health practices. Will conform to TCHS procedures and policies. Will perform all duties as described by the job description. Does not discuss patient matters such as medical treatment, diagnosis or history outside of the clinical setting in, keeping in compliance of HIPAA.

Understand and comply with the requirements of Thayer County Health Services’ Compliance Program, including, but not limited to, the Code of Conduct, the Compliance Manual. All supporting policies for compliance and compliance plans. Participate in all education and training programs regarding compliance as required by organizational policy and as requested by supervisor.

Demonstrates formal greetings with patients, visitors and TCHS staff. Willingly accepts new responsibilities and cooperates with implementation of change. Dresses in a neat, clean uniform for patient care; maintain high personal hygiene standards. Demonstrates respect, integrity, compassion, and excellence through a “We Care” philosophy with all patients, visitors, and TCHS staff.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Normal office environment. Routine periods of sitting, walking, and standing required.