Intake Clerk

POSITION SUMMARY: Intake Registration Clerk interviews incoming patients or their representatives and prepares registration forms for signature, verifies insurance eligibility, benefits, authorization for services, and other information pertinent to registration, and processes charges into the computer system for services rendered. This position also includes functions of cashier, telephone operator, and health information clerk. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Obtains and verifies accurate registration data

• Social, financial, and personal data from the patient or representatives
• Insurance forms, copies of insurance cards and/or patient identification 

1. Responsible for registration process 

• Determines type of services needed for registering (Pre-registration) or whatever is needed prior to         patients being seen for services.  
• Obtains necessary signatures on registration forms.  
• Explains clinic policies regarding registration and third party payers.
• Obtains MSP forms signed and completed properly and explains this form to Medicare patients.
• Must obtain proper authorizations prior to services being rendered and take appropriate action as necessary
• Documents account activity and financial status as necessary in notes 

1. Performs basic Health Information functions (when paper charts are in use): 

• Assembles chart in proper order
• Creates filing chart using correct terminal digit stickers on manila folders
• Creates medical record deficiency slips for any required elements specific to provider
• Maintains the filing system in the designated area

1. Confidentiality and security of patient health information 

• Provides feedback as to the quality, accuracy, and timeliness of other departments related to the admission and billing process
• Obtains authorization for release of records and verifies the validity of requestor
• Assembles nightly documentation for transportation to HIM department for coding 
• Timely responses to requests and inquiries by department coordinators or manager

1. Performs general clerical functions

• answers telephones calls efficiently, politely, and as quickly as possible
• types, compiles necessary reports 

1. Responsible for filing/scanning: 

• Lab and ancillary reports into medical record 
• Completed charts in the permanent file system in correct terminal digit order 
• Incomplete charts into the incomplete chart area 
• Maintains filing systems to ensure accuracy and completeness of work within the department.

1. Responsible for financial functions such as 

• Balances cash drawers
• Accepts payments
• Generates receipts for patients & guarantors

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:   

1. Promotes a positive patient/interfacility relation and a caring environment. 
2. Maintains confidentiality of patients, services rendered, and financial or demographic information. 
3. Performs similar job related duties as assigned.
4. Performs similar job related duties as assigned. Cross train to perform the above mentioned functions in other outpatient departments. 
5. Performs similar job duties as assigned in multiple outpatient departments.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS:

1. High school education or equivalent.   Experience of three years in a patient registration environment, (preferably hospital) and knowledge of medical terminology is preferred.
2. Mathematical ability required to review statistical data on various financial records.
3. 10 key adding machine, typing experience, and computer friendliness is required.  Accuracy is more important than speed.  Knowledge of filing systems and copy machines.
4. Bilingual preferred (Spanish/English).

AGE OF POPULATION SERVED: 

Newborn  Infant/Pediatric  Adolescent  Adult  Geriatric  All  No Patient Care X

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Sits, stands, bends, lifts, and moves intermittently during working hours.
2. Visual and hearing acuity pertinent to communicating with customers.