What are the responsibilities and job description for the Patient Advocate position at Med-Metrix?
**The scheduled shift is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM. Must have a valid driver's license and personal vehicle, as this position requires occasional travel to Hanover, PA.**
**Job Purpose**
The Patient Advocate supports uninsured and underinsured patients by helping them access financial assistance through state programs, hospital assistance programs, and federal benefits such as SSI/SSDI. The role involves completing applications, gathering documentation, and coordinating with government agencies to ensure patients receive the support they need.
**Duties and Responsibilities**
**Job Purpose**
The Patient Advocate supports uninsured and underinsured patients by helping them access financial assistance through state programs, hospital assistance programs, and federal benefits such as SSI/SSDI. The role involves completing applications, gathering documentation, and coordinating with government agencies to ensure patients receive the support they need.
**Duties and Responsibilities**
- Assist patients with applications for Medical Assistance (MA), hospital charity care, and SSI/SSDI
- Interview patients at the bedside and in the Emergency Room to assess eligibility and gather information
- Identify eligibility and collect required documentation
- Submit and track applications with the local assistance offices
- Provide support for Marketplace insurance when applicable
- Maintain accurate records and meet productivity goals
- Verify and update insurances
- Other duties as assigned
- Use, protect and disclose patients' protected health information (PHI) only in accordance with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) standards
- Understand and comply with Information Security and HIPAA policies and procedures at all times
- Limit viewing of PHI to the absolute minimum as necessary to perform assigned duties
- High school Diploma or equivalent is required, healthcare-related degree preferred
- 2-3 years of experience in a customer service preferred
- Bilingual in Spanish (spoken and written skills) a plus
- Ability to work at various client sites as needed
- Must possess reliable transportation to ensure consistent on-site attendance and punctuality
- Ability to use the internet and learn databases
- Ability to meet monthly productivity goals
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
- Strong interpersonal skills, ability to communicate well at all levels of the organization
- Strong problem solving and investigative skills and the ability to exercise sound judgment and make decisions based on accurate and timely analyses
- High level of integrity and dependability with a strong sense of urgency and results oriented
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills required
- Must possess a smart-phone or electronic device capable of downloading applications, for multifactor authentication and security purposes.
- Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to move around the work area; light lifting required; Sit; perform manual tasks; operate tools and other office equipment such as computer, computer peripherals and telephones; extend arms; kneel; talk and hear.
- Mental Demands: The employee must be able to follow directions, collaborate with others, and handle stress.
- Work Environment: The noise level in the work environment is usually minimal.