PRE-REGISTRATION SPECIALIST

UNION AFSCME 1178

Under the direction of the System Manager of Patient Access, Pre-Processing, collects information to preregister patients, verifies insurance and/or other payment sources for all outpatient-related services, including same day procedures and other ambulatory and hospital-based outpatient services. Identifies and determines order of priority for coordination of benefits (COB). Responds to customer concerns and reports status to Supervisor or Manager.

The pre-registration specialist's role helps to avoid implications of incomplete preregistration/insufficient staffing. Such implications include, but are not limited to, inability to locate the patient file in the system and/or submit a request for pre-certification, non-submission of claims for processing, and payment discounts and/or timely filing denials.

Typical Duties

• Utilizes electronic reports and/or schedules to identify patients needing to be preregistered for admission and same day surgery, in addition to any outpatient and/or ancillary services

• Contacts patients via telephone to preregister at least 5-7 days prior to schedule appointments
• Completes initial screening of self-pay patients to determine eligibility for financial assistance of hospital-based outpatient services
• Acquires all essential demographic and insurance information needed for processing and pre-registration purposes
• Identifies procedures that require pre-certification and subsequently notifies the appropriate department.

• Utilizes eligibility vendor, or other electronic communication media to verify benefits

• Identifies and determines order of priority for coordination of benefits (COB)

• Updates Patient Management System with all insurance coverage updates; classifies the patient account with the appropriate coverage

• Makes appropriate notes documenting the reason patient information may be missing from the file

• Responds to customer concerns in a timely and professional manner and reports all developments or outcomes to System Manager of Patient Access, Pre-Processing

• Answers all incoming phone calls in an efficient and courteous manner

• Adhere to HIPAA standards and complies with patient confidentiality policies for the retention of patient information, handling, distribution or disposal of patient health information

• Adheres to key performance indicators (KPI’s) to meet departmental and organizational pre-registration goals

• Communicates with supervisors, managers, and patients daily; physicians, administrative and clinical staff members occasionally

• Performs other duties as assigned by the department System Manager of Patient Access, Pre-Processing

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED equivalent is required. (Must provide proof at time of interview)
• Three (3) years of experience in patient access or patient registration in a health care setting is required.
• One (1) year of data entry experience is required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Prior call center experience is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

• Knowledge and understanding of Federal, State and local healthcare regulations
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, registration and eligibility system
• Strong customer service and empathy skills
• Demonstrates good computer and typing skills
• Demonstrate good phone and email etiquette skills with strong response times
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills necessary to communicate with all levels of staff and a patient population composed of diverse cultures and age groups
• Strong mathematical skills
• Ability to follow HIPAA standards and comply with patient confidentiality policies
• Ability to prioritize, plan, and organize projects and tasks
• Ability to multi-task and meet quotas and deadlines in a fast paced and stressful environment
• Ability to adhere to department policies and standards utilizing best practices
• Ability to make competent professional judgments and decisions
• Understanding of the formal and informal organization structure
• Demonstrates a desire and willingness to maintain and upgrade professional skills and education
• Demonstrate analytical and organizational, problem-solving, critical thinking, and conflict management/resolution skills
• Demonstrate attention to detail, accuracy, and precision
• This position requires various types of physical exertion with the use of hands, legs, and fingers including but not limited to lifting, twisting, turning, reach above shoulder, reach outward, standing, walking, bending, prolonged sitting, operating office equipment and other devices or carrying light weight

Benefits Package

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Basic Term Life Insurance
• Pension Plan and Deferred Compensation Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
• You may also qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

For further information on our excellent benefits package, please click on the following link: http://www.cookcountyrisk.com/

Physical and Environmental Demands

This position is functioning within a healthcare environment. The incumbent is responsible for adherence to all hospital and department specific safety requirements. This includes but is not limited to the following policies and procedures: complying with Personal Protective Equipment requirements, hand washing and sanitizing practices, complying with department specific engineering and work practice controls and any other work area safety precautions as specified by hospital wide policy and departmental procedures

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the personnel so classified.

For purposes of the American with Disabilities Act, “Typical Duties” are essential job functions.

MUST MEET ALL REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF APPLICATION FILING.

VETERAN PREFERENCE

PLEASE READ

When applying for employment with the Cook County Health & Hospitals System, preference is given to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for not less than 6 months of continuous service

To take advantage of this preference a Veteran must:

Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.

Identify self as a Veteran on the employment application by answering yes to the question by answering yes to the question, “Are you a Military Veteran?”

Attach a copy of their DD 214, DD 215 or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation at time of application filing. Please note: If you have multiple DD214s, 215s, or NGB 22S, Please submit the one with the latest date. Coast Guard must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the Department of Transportation (Before 9/11) or the Department of Homeland Security (After 9/11). Discharge papers must list and Honorable Discharge Status. Discharge papers not listing an Honorable Discharge Status are not acceptable

OR

A copy of a valid State ID Card or Driver’s License which identifies the holder of the ID as a Veteran, may also be attached to the application at time of filing.

If items are not attached, you will not be eligible for Veteran Preference

VETERANS MUST PROVIDE ORIGINAL APPLICABLE DISCHARGE PAPERS OR APPLICABLE STATE ID CARD OR DRIVER’S LICENSE AT TIME OF INTERVIEW.

Benefits Package

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Basic Term Life Insurance
• Pension Plan and Deferred Compensation Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
• You may also qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

For further information on our excellent benefits package, please click on the following link: http://www.cookcountyrisk.com/

Degrees awarded outside of the United States with the exception of those awarded in one of the United States' territories and Canada must be credentialed by an approved U.S. credential evaluation service belonging to the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). Original credentialing documents must be presented at time of interview.

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  Please note all offers of Employment are contingent upon the following conditions: satisfactory professional & employment references, healthcare and criminal background checks, appropriate licensure/certifications and the successful completion of a physical and pre-employment drug screen.

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  CCHHS is strictly prohibited from conditioning, basing or knowingly prejudicing or affecting any term or aspect of County employment or hiring upon or because of any political reason or factor.

COOK COUNTY HEALTH AND HOSPITALS SYSTEM IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER