Discharge Planner Assistant

Pay

According to the Union Contract $24.42 - $39.29 BOE

Benefits - Medical, Dental, Vision, & 403b Retirement

Schedule

Monday - Friday 6:30 AM 0 3:00 PM, possible weekends & holidays

Description

The Discharge planner assistant will assist with arranging required services for appropriate care of patient on discharge.  She/he assists patients and their families with appropriate social service referrals to promote continuity of care and a timely discharge. This position is also responsible for assisting in assuring timely authorizations from insurance carriers to optimize Willapa Harbor Hospital revenue. This position is responsible for entering charges into the charging system to include ED services, IV therapy, and Observation charges. She/he will need to be able to problem solve and interpret data from other departments following WHH policies. The discharge planner assistant documents all interactions to promote communication and continuity of patient care. 

Responsibilities

• Participates in morning rounds with physician, nursing staff, & discharge planner for information if discharge services will be needed.
• At the request of the discharge planner, the assistant can help coordinate referrals and resources to physicians, nursing staff, patients, and their families.
• Demonstrates knowledge of referral resources within our service area.
• Obtains written authorizations for release of information in the interest of discharge planning referrals.
• Obtains insurance authorizations for all healthcare plans for all inpatients, outpatients, and observation patients.
• Call/navigate insurance websites for authorization requirements.
• Provides relevant patient health information to insurance carriers required to facilitate authorization of requested exams/procedures.
• Follows up on insurance denial of coverage determinations, notifying provider and patient, when appropriate with DP RN assistance.
• Communicates timely with insurance carriers, internal and external customers and patients via phone and electronically.
• Assists in daily faxing & calling hospitals to promote swing bed and get referrals.
• Submits last minute requests for add-on or urgent procedures to appropriate insurance carriers for all observation patients.
• Coordinates with Discharge planner on plans, referrals, and other related information for patients, families nursing staff, physicians, and others with a need to know.
• Includes family/significant others in planning activities with patient’s permission.
• Maintains good working relationships with referral agencies and others.
• Maintains the dignity and confidentiality of the patient; serves as a patient advocate.
• Assists with keeping the Allevant dashboard and task matrix updated.
• Responds to crisis and emergency situations with emotional support for patients, family and staff within scope of practice.
• Enters all patient charges to include ED services, IV Therapy, and Observation charges.
• Demonstrates flexibility as patient needs change.
• Demonstrates appropriate judgment and decision-making skills.
• Participates in community committees, meetings, or groups related to patient health and welfare.

• High School graduate or equivalent
• Must be Washington State Nursing Assistant Certified.
• Experience in healthcare field and medical terminology preferred
• Must have a current BLS certification
• Experience as a discharge planner or in mental health/social service field preferred

Salary : $24 - $39