Patient Services Representative

Columbia Eye Center and the Columbia Eye Surgery Clinic has operated in the Midlands of South Carolina for nearly 100 years. Our vision is to provide the most advanced treatment options to generations of patients. With a team of 15 American Academy of Ophthalmology certified physicians and more than 100 expertly trained staff in three locations, Columbia Eye Clinic is the largest medical and surgical ophthalmology practice in the Midlands and one of the largest in South Carolina.

Competitive Benefit Package: medical, dental, Health Savings Plan, employer paid Vision, employer paid Life & AD&D, 401k, pension plan, voluntary Term Life, short-term disability, employer paid long-term disability, shoe reimbursement, employer paid scrubs, 7 holidays, day off for your birthday, and PTO, bereavement, continuing education reimbursement.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Patient Services Representative is responsible for checking in current and new patients within the practice and ensures that they are carried out with accuracy, timeliness and confidentiality. The position will travel when needed between the Lexington and Northeast offices. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Checks in all patients properly and in a timely fashion as to maintain an efficient patient flow throughout the facility.
2. Registers new patients and updates necessary records, including patient demographics and insurance coverage.
3. Reviews accounts for completeness of insurance information, for the necessity of referrals, pre-certifications, and prior authorizations to ensure reimbursement at the highest level possible.
4. Verifies, updates and enters insurance information into the system including policy information, benefit coverage, and referrals.
5. Identifies any potential non-coverage issues and effectively communicates the information to the patient.
6. Communicates with scheduling staff and clinical staff regarding insurance authorizations.
7. Answers patient questions and provide assistance and directions when necessary.
8. Upholds the positive reputation of CEC by always treating visitors in a friendly, welcoming, and compassionate manner.
9. Utilizes medical record software to schedule new and follow-up appointments.
10. Maintains up to date reference guides and payer requirements.
11. Maintains confidentiality at all times while checking in patients.
12. Enters all demographic information into patient medical record properly, in order to ensure proper billing for procedures.
13. Must comply with all HIPAA and safety policies, procedures, and regulations.
14. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. To meet the business needs of the company duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

1. High School Diploma or GED and 1 to 2 years’ previous experience, preferably in ophthalmology or optometry.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

1. Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
2. Exceptional organizational, problem-solving skills, and customer service skills.
3. Proficient in Microsoft Office products.
4. Proficient in reporting software
5. Must have exceptional attention to detail.
6. Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and commitment.
7. Flexible and able to multi-task; work within a fast-moving environment.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL EFFORT:

• Full-time position with a work schedule of Monday through Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm. Hours may vary based on clinic and staff needs.
• Position operates in a professional office environment requiring minimal physical activity.
• Building meets required ADA standards and we will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Physical demands include but are not limited to:

• The ability to sit, stand, walk, and use hand and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and telephone to talk and hear.
• The ability to frequently sit and reach with hands and arms.
• The ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.

• Must be able to utilize office equipment such as desktop/laptop computers, copiers, printers, scanners, telephones and calculators.