Patient Access Representative

At Houston Methodist, the Patient Access Representative position is responsible for performing multiple patient access functions on a daily basis to include any combination of the following: scheduling, insurance verification, and registration. This position serves as the liaison between groups such as patients, staff, physicians/physician offices, insurance providers, and others for routine matters as the primary point of contact for resolving questions and issues as they relate to the scope of the department. This position is also responsible for obtaining and entering accurate scheduling, insurance, and registration data into the various operational systems to initiate financial clearance activities. Other duties may include transcribing orders or verifying referrals as pertinent to the scope of the department.

Requirements:

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic team focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal departmental and organizational results.

• Serves as a liaison between patients, staff, physicians/physician offices, insurance providers, and others for routine matters as the primary point of contact for resolving questions and issues as they relate to the scope of the department.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs multiple patient access functions on a daily basis to include any combination of the following: scheduling, insurance verification, and registration. May assist with obtaining clinical information, medical records, valid and complete orders or referrals, or other related tasks, resolving issues as needed.

• Contributes to patient flow as directed with consistency, timeliness, and skill while meeting appropriate priority standards. Provides appropriate notification of issues that may result in service delays or denials.

• Contributes to patient, employee, and physician satisfaction as well as effective revenue cycle process.

• Generates reports, assists with department correspondence, and provides other administrative assistance as directed.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Enters and updates patient and operational data into various database systems with a high level of thoroughness, accuracy and timeliness.

• Communicates to resolve patient access and quality service matters. Keeps open channels of communication with physician, patient, and service areas regarding action taken and outcome.

• Ensures patient information is conveyed to others appropriately while complying with patient confidentiality and HIPAA regulations.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Accurately records information when performing functions such as registration, scheduling, and insurance verification/coordination to ensure financial objectives are met. Conducts front end revenue cycle duties such as collecting payments as needed. Educates patients and others regarding billing processes and potential financial responsibilities as necessary.

• Organizes time effectively, minimizing incidental overtime, and sets priorities. Utilizes time between heavy workloads efficiently and helps other team members.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Displays initiative to improve job functions; offers suggestions to streamline process for efficient patient flow and other quality or service matters.

• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

Qualifications:

EDUCATION

• High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Three years of experience in a healthcare environment, to include experience in registration, scheduling, insurance verification, and/or business office

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• N/A

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations

• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security

• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

• Ability to analyze and solve problems

• Ability to multi-task and flexibility to meet the needs of patients, physicians, and department

• Knowledge of basic registration/access functions and insurance procedures

• Basic understanding of medical terminology and diagnosis/procedural codes

• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations with patience and understanding

• Excellent customer service and professional communication skills

• Proficient computer skills and ability to learn and navigate multiple software programs

• Ability to handle detail work accurately and rapidly

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform Yes
• Scrubs No
• Business professional Yes
• Other (department approved) Yes

ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* No

TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No