Patient Access Representative - ER Admissions

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY:

Patient Access is the starting point for all patient encounters into our facility. Patient Access Associates obtain and document patient demographic information to ensure patient identification and assignment of the medical record. Registration/Admissions consist of registration of all types of patients for a variety of services and locations. Patient Access includes scheduling, preadmission/preregistration, insurance verification, authorizations, and other regulatory requirements to ensure the accuracy of patient identification and registration data.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

To accurately and timely register patients that present to the facility for face-to-face encounters Telemedicine, via scheduling and for preregistration activities. Required to complete and verify demographic and insurance information gathered during the registration interview. Must scan copies of documents to the patient encounter and copies of ID and insurance information. Must obtain order, patient ID (when available), copies of insurance cards and other pertinent registration documents. Also responsible for the Express Check-in function and employee and patient temperature checks.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

ER Registration

• Greet patient as they arrive and perform a Quick Registration.
• Drop the patient into MedHost EDIS module for the clinic record to open for ER staff.
• Return to Registration screens and complete the quick registration into a full registration, completing demographics, insurance and regulatory required information.
• Print paperwork, review documents with the patient and obtain signatures.
• Check insurance eligibility and obtain ER copays or out of pocket expense due.
• Once paperwork is signed, scan all documents into Medhost.
  
  

Operator Functions:

• Answer incoming calls from inside and outside the organization.
• Forward calls to appropriate person
• Transfer calls to patient rooms
• Transfer calls to clinics
• Contact “ON-Call” personnel when needed to be called in.
• Maintain the “ON CALL” record with updates.
  
  

Scheduling and pre-registration:

• Answer calls to the department and at times perform operator duties, transferring calls to appropriate departments.
• Answer scheduling phone lines and set up appointments for patients and physician offices in Medhost Patient Logic.
• Preregister scheduled appointments in Medhost completing all required fields.
• Demographic information on patients and guarantor
• Visit information – selection of the hospital service and location.
• Select appointment date and time and complete patient information to reserve the appointment.
• Verify patient insurance eligibility.
• Contact payers for verification and authorizations – document finding in account.
• Provide the patient with an estimate of charges and patient responsibility.
• Outstanding deductible
• Copays and Coinsurance
• Verify coverage for the service to be performed.
• Obtain order and any pertinent information from ordering physician.
• Print preregistration forms.
• ANY OTHER DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS AS ASSIGNED OR REQUIRED
  
  

Required Skills And Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• 2 years hospital/clinic or healthcare billing and/or collection experience
• Must have clear understanding of billing regulations.
• Detail orientated and ability to recognize inaccuracies and critical thinking skills to determine solutions.
• Self-starter with ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize and complete tasks timely.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
• Proficient with computer/typing skills and 10 keys adding by touch.
  
  

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSING REQUIREMENTS:

High school diploma or equivalent.

At least two years’ billing, collections or healthcare related experience required.





PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

SAFETY PRACTICES:

• Double check to ensure that all pages are scanned and are legible.
• Place originals in HIPAA box if scanning confirmed.
• Place a patient label on the audit sheet, signifying that signed forms were scanned.
• Place copies in the file drawer for random auditing.
• Place armband on the patient for identification prior to patient entering the clinical area of ER.
• Take label sheets for the Clinical staff in Emergency Room.
• Pick up any discharged paperwork from earlier patients, sort and scan items, place labels on any form/paper without imprinted patient data.
• Labeled forms are to be placed in appropriate boxes for coding/HIM.
  
  

Ambulance patients

• Register ambulance patients.
• Using face sheet information from Pafford or other Ambulance companies perform a quick registration to get the patient into MedHost.
• Register patient in MedHost EDIS for the clinical record to open.
• Return to MedHost and complete the registration.
• Obtain all demographic and insurance information if compliant with EMTALA regulations.
• Obtain signatures and scan in paperwork as with any registration.
  
  

Patient status changes all locations

At times during the encounter, patient status may change.

• ER to OP
• ER to IP
• ER to OBV
• OP to OBV
• OBV to IP
• OP to IP
• Status changes originate with Case Management. Admissions is to only make status changes based on the recommendations from Case Management.
  
  

Registration And Admission Responsibilities

• Welcome and greet patients, employees, and visitors to Morehouse General Hospital
• Check temperatures and screen for symptoms of illness.
• Document employee temperatures and symptoms
• Perform Express check in functions on scheduled-fully pre-registered patients.
• Obtain signatures on documents.
• Sort forms for patients to deliver to department.
• Scan documents to patient account
• Communicate with departments of the patient arrival.
• Direct or escort patient to the department
• Give unscheduled or walk in patients a number.
• Unscheduled, walk ins, or partially pre-registered patients are called to the registration desk by calling the next number in line.
• Identify the patient by a picture ID (when available)
• Obtain the order from the patient for services.
• Interview the patient to obtain demographics, insurance information, visit reason and other necessary information for documentation within Medhost.
• Verify benefits and obtain authorization information.
• Complete the Medicare Secondary Payer questionnaire on all Medicare patients.
• Provide the Medicare Notice to any Medicare Inpatients.
• Check for Medical Necessity and complete ABN if appropriate.
• Provide patient with an estimate of the patient responsibility.
• Collection deductibles, copays, coinsurance from patient prior to service
• Pre-register/preadmit Surgical and Procedural Services
• Pre-register ENDO, Dental, OSS and Surgery patients for future services
• Complete the pre-registration requirements stated above.
• Print out Admission packets and discuss documents with patient while obtaining signatures.
• Scan in signed packets, ID, Insurance cards and verification, orders, MN/ABN forms plus any other pertinent documents.
• Escort or direct the patient to the department.
• Consistently follows all established Safety procedures, incident/accident protocol and precautions or universal precautions when performing duties relating to work area.
• Follows good infection control practices at all times and is familiar with Infection control policies, procedures PPE guidelines and guidance relevant to area of work.
• Practices proper body mechanics and ergonomics at all times.
• Follows established plans, policies and procedures during emergencies, such as fire evacuation, fire drills and actively participates in emergency exercises/disasters etc.
• Reports on all Life Safety maintenance issues, defective equipment, etc. through the Environmental Services work order system.
  
  

DISCLAIMER STATEMENTS:

• PHI access
• Equipment Utilized
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities
  
  

Company Description

About Morehouse General Hospital

Founded in 1930, Morehouse General Hospital is a 49-bed community hospital dedicated to delivering high-quality, compassionate care to residents of Northeast Louisiana and Southeast Arkansas. MGH offers a broad range of inpatient and outpatient services and is deeply committed to serving its community through strong clinical programs, advanced technology, and personalized care

About Morehouse General Hospital Founded in 1930, Morehouse General Hospital is a 49-bed community hospital dedicated to delivering high-quality, compassionate care to residents of Northeast Louisiana and Southeast Arkansas. MGH offers a broad range of inpatient and outpatient services and is deeply committed to serving its community through strong clinical programs, advanced technology, and personalized care