Patient Access Specialist - AZ - Eye Institute

Patient Access Specialist

The Patient Access Specialist will provide assistance to faculty members, clinical staff, students, and patients within the Eye Institute as part of the Arizona College of Optometry. The position will primarily assist the Ophthalmology department in the scheduling of appointments and surgical procedures, organize the patient schedule, and communicate with patients regarding appointments, insurance benefits, pre-and post-operative care, and patient financial responsibilities. Each position within the College is expected to educate students where appropriate. This position will coordinate with the Ophthalmic Medical Technician, Assistant Manager of Patient Accounts, and Clinic Manager to provide information necessary to assure smooth patient flow and coordination of care. This position reports to the Assistant Manager of Patient Accounts.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Schedule in-office appointments and procedures in Ophthalmology and Optometry services.
• Coordinate with scheduling of surgical patients with ambulatory surgical centers.
• Obtain insurance authorizations/referrals for in-office and outpatient procedures.
• Assist Ophthalmic Medical Technician in providing patients with appropriate information regarding procedures and obtain all necessary information including but not limited to informed consent, pre-and post-operative instructions, and surgical clearance.
• Monitor the Ophthalmology schedule and backfill any cancellation of appointments as appropriate.
• Dispense over-the-counter products.
• Effectively communicate with patients in multiple modalities including, but not limited to, in-person, telephone, and patient portal.
• Guide and advise students on professional conduct and ethical behavior. Train students in different areas within the College as assigned.
• Follow appropriate professional standards of care and clinical protocols.
• Patient registration including collection of demographic and insurance information.
• Answer phones.
• Collect payments.
• Assist with organization of office and clinical procedures.
• Assisting in proper documentation of treatment records.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. This individual must be able to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner and have regular, predictable, in-person attendance. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Other Qualifications

This position requires a significant amount of interaction with the public and many internal customers and therefore, the individual must be able to develop positive rapport effectively. The ability to maintain a professional demeanor, be detail-oriented and promote a welcoming atmosphere is essential. The individual must have the ability to become familiar with electronic health system (EHR).

Education and/or Experience

High school diploma or GED required, Associate Degree preferred. A minimum of 5-7 years of experience working in a healthcare setting or medical office environment required. Knowledge of ICD-10, CPT, HCPCS and medical terminology required. Experience working with Medicare, Medicaid, Third Party Payers is also required. Experience working with minimal supervision, in a customer service oriented environment. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Computer Skills

Computer proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook). Experience working in electronic health record system (EHR).

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and sit. The employee must frequently lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Midwestern University is a private, not-for-profit organization that provides graduate and post-graduate education in the health sciences. The University has two campuses, one in Downers Grove, Illinois and the other in Glendale, Arizona. More than 6,000 full-time students are enrolled in graduate programs in osteopathic medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nurse anesthesia, cardiovascular perfusion, podiatry, optometry, clinical psychology, speech language pathology, biomedical sciences and veterinary medicine. Over 500 full-time faculty members and 400 staff members are dedicated to the education and development of our students in an environment that encourages learning, respect for all members of the health care team, service, interdisciplinary scholarly activity, and personal growth.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance plans as well as life insurance, short/long term disability and pet insurance. We offer flexible spending accounts including healthcare reimbursement and child/dependent care account. We offer a work life balance with competitive time off package including paid holiday's, sick/flex days, personal days and vacation days. We offer a 403(b) retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, child care subsidy reimbursement program, identity theft protection and an employee assistance program. Wellness is important to us and we offer a wellness facility on-site with a fully equipped fitness facility.

Midwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not discriminate against an employee or applicant based upon race; color; religion; creed; national origin or ancestry; ethnicity; sex (including pregnancy); gender (including gender expressions, gender identity; and sexual orientation); marital status; age; disability; citizenship; past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services; genetic information; or any other protected class, in accord with all federal, state and local laws, and regulation. Midwestern University complies with the Smoke-Free Arizona Act (A.R.S. 36-601.01) and the Smoke Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82/). Midwestern University complies with the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 and Arizona Equal Pay Acts.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.