PRE-REGISTRATION SPECIALIST

PLEASE BE ADVISED that this position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement between Cook County and the AFSCM Union. Pursuant to the collective bargaining agreement, Cook County will exhaust internal eligible applicants prior to considering external applicants. Cook County is assembling a list of qualified candidates for this position that will be considered should the position not be filled with internal eligible applicants. LOCATION: 600 HOLIIDAY PLAZA DR MATTESON, IL DEPARTMENT: FINANCE REGISTRAITON SHIFT: 8:00AM - 4:00PM PAY RANGE: $23.019 JOB SUMMARY (UNION AFSCME 1178) Under the direction of the System Manager of Patient Access, Pre‑Processing, collects information to preregister patients, verifies insurance and/or other payment sources for all outpatient‑related services, including same‑day procedures and other ambulatory and hospital‑based outpatient services. Identifies and determines order of priority for coordination of benefits (COB). Responds to customer concerns and reports status to Supervisor or Manager. The pre‑registration specialist’s role helps to avoid implications of incomplete preregistration/insufficient staffing. Such implications include, but are not limited to, inability to locate the patient file in the system and/or submit a request for pre‑certification, non‑submission of claims for processing, and payment discounts and/or timely filing denials. Typical Duties Utilizes electronic reports and/or schedules to identify patients needing to be preregistered for admission and same day surgery, in addition to any outpatient and/or ancillary services Contacts patients via telephone to preregister at least 5‑7 days prior to scheduled appointments Completes initial screening of self‑pay patients to determine eligibility for financial assistance of hospital‑based outpatient services Acquires all essential demographic and insurance information needed for processing and pre‑registration purposes Identifies procedures that require pre‑certification and subsequently notifies the appropriate department Utilizes eligibility vendor, or other electronic communication media to verify benefits Identifies and determines order of priority for coordination of benefits (COB) Updates Patient Management System with all insurance coverage updates; classifies the patient account with the appropriate coverage Makes appropriate notes documenting the reason patient information may be missing from the file Responds to customer concerns in a timely and professional manner and reports all developments or outcomes to System Manager of Patient Access, Pre‑Processing Answers all incoming phone calls in an efficient and courteous manner Adheres to HIPAA standards and complies with patient confidentiality policies for the retention of patient information, handling, distribution or disposal of patient health information Adheres to key performance indicators (KPIs) to meet departmental and organizational pre‑registration goals Communicates with supervisors, managers, and patients daily; physicians, administrative and clinical staff members occasionally Performs other duties as assigned by the department System Manager of Patient Access, Pre‑Processing Minimum Qualifications High School diploma or GED equivalent is required. (Must provide proof at time of interview) Three (3) years of experience in patient access or patient registration in a health care setting is required. One (1) year of data entry experience is required. Preferred Qualifications Prior call center experience is preferred. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics Knowledge and understanding of Federal, State and local healthcare regulations Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, registration and eligibility system Strong customer service and empathy skills Demonstrates good computer and typing skills Demonstrate good phone and email etiquette skills with strong response times Excellent verbal and written communication skills necessary to communicate with all levels of staff and a patient population composed of diverse cultures and age groups Strong mathematical skills Ability to follow HIPAA standards and comply with patient confidentiality policies Ability to prioritize, plan, and organize projects and tasks Ability to multi‑task and meet quotas and deadlines in a fast‑paced and stressful environment Ability to adhere to department policies and standards utilizing best practices Ability to make competent professional judgments and decisions Understanding of the formal and informal organization structure Demonstrates a desire and willingness to maintain and upgrade professional skills and education Demonstrate analytical and organizational, problem‑solving, critical thinking, and conflict management/resolution skills Demonstrate attention to detail, accuracy, and precision This position requires various types of physical exertion with the use of hands, legs, and fingers including but not limited to lifting, twisting, turning, reach above shoulder, reach outward, standing, walking, bending, prolonged sitting, operating office equipment and other devices or carrying light weight Benefits Package Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage Basic Term Life Insurance Pension Plan and Deferred Compensation Program Employee Assistance Program Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time You may also qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) MUST MEET ALL REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF APPLICATION FILING. COOK COUNTY HEALTH AND HOSPITALS SYSTEM IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. #J-18808-Ljbffr