PCR (Patient Care Representative)

About The Role

The Patient Care Representative (PCR) at Beacon Behavioral Hospital supporting the New Orleans region plays a critical role in ensuring a seamless and compassionate experience for patients and their families throughout their care journey. This position serves as the primary point of contact for patients, providing essential information, coordinating admissions, and facilitating communication between patients, families, and clinical staff. Ultimately, this role contributes significantly to the hospital’s mission of delivering high-quality behavioral health services with dignity and respect for every individual served.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s degree in healthcare administration or related field preferred.
• Previous experience in a healthcare setting, preferably in patient registration or customer service roles.
• Basic knowledge of medical terminology and healthcare insurance processes.
• Proficiency with electronic health record (EHR) systems and standard office software.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to handle sensitive situations professionally.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in behavioral health or mental health care environments.
• Familiarity with Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance billing procedures.
• Bilingual abilities, particularly in English and Spanish, to better serve the diverse patient population.
• Training in conflict resolution and crisis intervention techniques.
  
  

Responsibilities

• Coordinate patient admissions, including collecting necessary documentation prior to presenting to hospital.
• Maintain accurate and confidential patient records in compliance with healthcare regulations and hospital policies.
• Serve as a liaison between patients, families, and clinical staff to facilitate clear and timely communication.
• Schedule patient appointments and follow-up visits, managing calendars to optimize resource utilization.
• Respond promptly to patient inquiries and concerns, providing information or directing them to appropriate hospital departments.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to support patient care plans and discharge processes.
• Ensure compliance with HIPAA and other relevant privacy and security standards in all patient interactions.
  
  

Skills

The Patient Care Representative utilizes strong communication skills daily to interact effectively with patients, families, and healthcare professionals, ensuring clarity and empathy in all exchanges. Organizational skills are essential for managing patient records, scheduling appointments, and coordinating admissions efficiently to support hospital operations. Proficiency with electronic health record systems and office software enables accurate data entry and retrieval, which is critical for maintaining compliance and facilitating care continuity. Problem-solving abilities help the PCR address patient concerns and resolve scheduling or insurance issues promptly. Additionally, cultural competence and sensitivity are applied consistently to provide respectful and inclusive care to a diverse patient population.