Practice Associate I

Top Healthcare Provider Network

The 61st Street Service Corporation, provides administrative and clinical support staff for ColumbiaDoctors . This position will support ColumbiaDoctors, one of the largest multi-specialty practices in the Northeast. ColumbiaDoctors’ practices comprise an experienced group of more than 2,800 physicians, surgeons, dentists, and nurses, offering more than 240 specialties and subspecialties.

Opportunity to grow as part of the Practice Associate Career Ladder!

Job Summary:

The Practice Associate is responsible for ensuring an exceptional patient experience during patient arrival/departure as it relates to registration and appointment scheduling as well as other administrative inquiries ensuring timely services to the patients, their families, and providers. The Practice Associate is part of a team that delivers an exceptional patient experience through Service-Oriented, Trust, Empathy, Safety, Inclusion, and Communication.

Job Responsibilities:

• Greet patients and visitors and answer telephone calls.
• Review the daily and weekly schedule frequently to ensure the accuracy of the visit provider, appointment duration, patient insurance participation status with the visit provider, visit reason, and visit type.
• Obtain all required registration and intake information from patients necessary for an efficient check-in process; verify and/or update any new insurance eligibility, benefits, or other information prior to the start of the patient appointment in the electronic health record (EHR); accurately indicate arrivals, cancellations, and no-shows in the EHR.
• Respond to financial information inquiries such as explanation of charges, out-of-network benefits, out-of-pocket expenses, and related activities.
• Coordinate and schedule office visits and procedures. Schedule ancillary services on behalf of the patient and prepare requisitions.
• Schedule follow-up appointments, referrals, and other related tests as requested by the provider in a timely and accurate manner. Obtain prior authorizations and referrals for follow-up care as needed by the insurance plan.
• Collect all time-of-service and past-due payments prior to the start of the appointment. Settle cash drawer in the EHR on a daily basis.
• Communicate insurance participation, financial responsibility (if applicable), and time of service policy to the patient population.
• Perform real-time insurance verification. Inform the patient of insurance requirements for services provided. Escalate cases for resolution as appropriate.
• Schedule follow-up appointments during the check-out process as needed.
• Initiate registration of new patients in EPIC as needed; all demographics, insurance information, referral/copay requirements, and physician care team information. Conduct follow-ups as needed.
• Provide cross coverage as directed by Supervisor/Manager.
• Provide general administrative support to physicians and Supervisor/Manager.
• Assist with training and onboarding of new staff as directed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalency is required.
• A minimum of 6 months of relevant experience.
• Working knowledge/proficiency in medical terminology.
• Proficiency and/or understanding of medical billing and up-to-date insurance eligibility.
• Good organizational and problem-solving skills and the ability to set priorities among multiple competing objectives, tasks, and initiatives are required.
• Strong customer service orientation and the ability to deliver consistently exceptional service.
• Excellent relationship management skills including, but not limited to, emotional intelligence, interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to handle situations with respect, tact, and sensitivity.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Working proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word and Excel) or similar software is required, as an ability and willingness to learn new systems and programs.
• Prior experience in a customer service environment is preferred.
• Bilingual in Spanish is a plus.