Overview
At Houston Methodist the Patient Access Associate position is responsible for obtaining and entering accurate demographic and insurance information in the electronic health record (EHR) on patients presenting at the various entry points of the facility. This position performs cashiering functions ensuring that all hospital accounts are secure through the collection of the required co-pay deductibles and co-insurance. This position also performs the medical necessity check to ensure compliance with Medicare guidelines. The Patient Access Associate position employs effective communication skills promoting excellent customer service in every interaction. This position is also required to adhere to all departments hospital governmental and / or any other healthcare licensing agency requirements related to the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Houston Methodist Standard
PATIENT AGE GROUP(S) AND POPULATION(S) SERVED
Refer to departmental Scope of Service and Provision of Care plans as applicable for description of primary age groups and populations served by this job for the respective HM entity.
HOUSTON METHODIST EXPERIENCE EXPECTATIONS
- Provide personalized care and service by consistently demonstrating our I CARE values :
INTEGRITY : We are honest and ethical in all we say and do.
COMPASSION : We embrace the whole person including emotional ethical physical and spiritual needs.ACCOUNTABILITY : We hold ourselves accountable for all our actions.RESPECT : We treat every individual as a person of worth dignity and value.EXCELLENCE : We strive to be the best at what we do and a model for others to emulate.Practices the Caring and Serving ModelDelivers personalized service using HM Service StandardsProvides for exceptional patient / customer experiences by following our Standards of Practice of always using Positive Language (AIDET Managing Up Key Words)Intentionally collaborates with other healthcare professionals involved in patients / customers or employees experiential journeys to ensure strong communication ease of access to information and a seamless experienceInvolves patients (customers) in shift / handoff reports by enabling their participation in their plan of care as applicable to the given jobActively supports the organizations vision fulfills the mission and abides by the I CARE valuesResponsibilities
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.Communicates openly in a non-judgmental manner and in a professional demeanor during all interactions with customers and co-workers.SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Obtains and records accurate demographic and insurance information on patients by interviewing patients family members and physicians. Ensures that the correct insurance plan codes are utilized for the billing process.Explains the consent forms obtains signatures on the forms and responds to any questions in a professional manner.Contributes to departmental and hospital patient experience. Proactively seeks solutions to address patient issues and concerns. Alerts management in a timely manner to any unusual and / or difficult situations impacting the level of service.QUALITY / SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Consistently takes the necessary steps to ensure that protected health information remains private and confidential according to established HIPAA guidelines. Uses patient identifiers consistently to properly identify patients and the correct medical records. Refrains from issuing new medical record numbers to patients with existing accounts.Meets goals set by the department (e.g. registration error rate productivity / activities per hour etc.).FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Ensures that ordered services meet established medical necessity criteria when applicable.Collects payments based on pre-determined information. Performs insurance verification to determine patient out of pocket expenses for services. If applicable offers payment options after the minimum required payment has been received. Fulfills monthly goals for cash collection.Accurately posts and receipts patient payments. Balances cash drawer on a daily basis; follows the department policy related to cash drawers and cash receipting.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. Demonstrates adaptability and flexibility during changing demands. Offers suggestions to streamline process for efficient patient flow.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
Two years of experience in a strong customer service environmentOne year of registration experience in a hospital environment preferredLicense / Certification
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED
N / AKSA / Supplemental Data
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 evaluationsSufficient 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 securityAbility 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 principlesAbility to multi-task and flexibility to meet the requirements of the patients and the departmentKnowledge of basic registration / access functions and insurance proceduresAbility to problem solveAbility to remain calm in stressful situations with patience and understandingExcellent customer service and professional communication skillsProficient computer skills and ability to learn and navigate multiple software programsAbility to handle detail work accurately and rapidlySUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
WORK ATTIRE
Uniform YesScrubs NoBusiness professional YesOther (department approved) YesON-CALL
Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster Severe Weather Events etc) regardless of selection below.On CallNoTRAVEL
Travel specifications may vary by departmentMay require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area NoMay require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area NoCompany Profile
Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital opened in December 2000 to serve the comprehensive health care needs of the growing community in Northwest Houston. The 310 bed hospital has 23 operating rooms and more than 2100 employees. Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital has been named a Magnet recognized health care facility by the American Nurses Credentialing Centers (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program. Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital is Northwest Houstons regional leader in robotic minimally-invasive surgeries and specializes in cardiology and cardiovascular services neurology neurosurgery orthopedics and sports medicine and comprehensive cancer services. Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital has a Breast Care Center Cancer Center Imaging Center Infusion Center Sleep Center Surgical Weight Loss Center and operates the largest Childbirth Center in the greater Northwest Houston area.
Required Experience :
IC
Key Skills
Bidding,Apps,Benefits,Corporate Recruitment,Android Development
Employment Type : Part-Time
Experience : years
Vacancy : 1
