Discharge Planning Assistant

Hospital Discharge Planning Assistant

The Hospital Discharge Planning Assistant supports the discharge planning process by coordinating and facilitating the transition of patients from the hospital to their next level of care. This role involves working closely with the healthcare team, patients, and families to ensure that discharge plans are effectively implemented, and patients receive the necessary post-discharge care and resources. This is a patient facing role with a strong focus on patient experience.

Essential duties and responsibilities include:

• Assists the RN and SW Case Managers in the coordination of discharge and transition plans, as well as performing clerical functions to ensure the effective functioning of the Case Management department.
• Assists RN and SW Care Managers with the referral process by collecting and distributing information that enhances patient/family choice of providers, agencies, and other professional health care services.
• Assists with the coordination post discharge placement and services by making referrals, confirming specific placement and service arrangements, processing, organizing, and obtaining insurance verification and/or prior authorization from insurance companies for discharge arrangements.
• Assists with contacting community resources to coordinate discharge transition plans.
• Collaborates with the utilization management team to ensure that appropriate CMS regulatory notifications are delivered timely including the Important Message from Medicare (IMM) and Medicare Outpatient Observation Notice (MOON), Condition Code 44 notifications, and Hospital Issued Notices of Non-coverage letters.
• Communicates pertinent documentation to nursing and homecare facilities to expedite patient discharges.
• Attends meetings and prepares agendas and minutes.
• Meets with patients, families, and caregivers to identify and address non-clinical barriers to discharge, such as arranging follow up appointments and transportation.
• Documents interventions timely and thoroughly into EPIC.
• Explores availability and maintains resource list and community resources.
• Handles incoming and outgoing office correspondence; answers and directs department phone calls as needed. Performs general office duties including faxing, copying, scanning, and filing.
• Orders department supplies as needed.

Education, experience, and qualifications:

• Minimum of High School/GED required.
• Hospital experience preferred.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office.
• Strong communication skills with diverse populations.
• Highly detailed oriented.