Patient Access Associate - Emergency Department

Patient Access Associate - Emergency Department

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Position Summary: The Patient Access Associate for the Emergency Department is responsible for entering the patient into the system and determining the urgency for medical triage as well as validating and verifying the accuracy of medical record selection, working closely with clinical staff to ensure quality patient care and patient safety. This position requires the ability to complete emergency room, outpatient and inpatient registrations obtaining accurate demographic and financial data in order to ensure proper reimbursement, as well as the appropriate compliant signatures for documentation. Decision making requirements are needed for correct account management. The position supports policies and procedures pertaining to financial assistance for the uninsured, completing Attestations with the patients. Identifies and collects time of service dollars.

Qualifications

Education/Certification: A High School degree or GED equivalent is required. Experience: Should have a basic familiarity with the use of personal computers and keyboards, some basic skill in Microsoft Word and Outlook is desirable but not required. Knowledge of medical insurance is helpful. Registration experience preferred. Competencies: Exemplary customer service and English communication skills are a must. Able to multitask. Decision making skills.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Disclaimer: Job descriptions are not intended, nor should they be construed to be, exhaustive lists of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with the job. They are intended to be accurate reflections of the principal duties and responsibilities of this position. These responsibilities and competencies listed below may change from time to time. Job-Specific Competency Accurately establishes patient account in a timely fashion, eliminating duplication of medical record numbers by linking the correct patient and Unit number. Completes demographic and financial information accurately in conjunction with Patient Access Department expectations while accurately determining the appropriate flow type in the Admissions registration system. Obtains signature on authorization form for all types of registrations including Observations and Inpatients and explains all components of the form to the person signing. Working knowledge of systems outside of ADT that are required to complete tasks. Directs patients and visitors to appropriate locations within the hospital. Completes registration process by producing registration form, admission plate and bracelet for registrant based on registration type. Completes registration by assigning the correct physician(s), admit source and admit priority, as well as HIPAA specific information as evaluated through the auditing process. Operates department specific equipment such as fax, copier, printer, and credit/debit machine. Pre-registers patients for scheduled appointments by responding to pre-registration phone promptly, returning messages in a timely fashion, printing scheduled lists and initiating phone calls as evidenced by weekly audits. Accurately performs the discharge function by entering an accurate diagnosis, disposition, referring out physician, discharge time, including time seen by triage, time placed in room, and time see by physician. Reconciles charges for the ED professional and facility component provided to Hartford HealthCare by the coding vendor and closes out month without delay. Reports discrepancies and/or issues immediately to the Manager of Patient Access such as accumulative missing records as evidenced by the weekly suspend report and works collaboratively with the Vendor, HIM, ED/PC physicians and nursing to resolve.