Office Associate

Office AssociateChildrens Clinics - Tucson, AZ 85712OverviewPosition Type Per Diem Job Shift Day Education Level High School Category Health CareDescriptionThis position is responsible for fostering and maintaining excellent customer service. Check in and check out patients, schedule appointments, create and update patient records and insurance information. Answer and route phone calls accurately and in a professional manner. Complete insurance verification timely, submit self-pay requests and reconcile payment collection daily.Essential FunctionsGreets internal and external customers in a professional manner. Answer and screens telephone calls, takes messages and communicates urgent matters with clinical staffEnsures timely patient check-in and check-out, schedules patient appointments. Handles cash, patient payments, copays, and daily cash outsCommunicates and addresses delays with patient appointments. Assists and/or escalates difficult patient concerns and issuesUpdates all required patient information in the electronic health record to include patient demographics, insurance and PCPPerforms clerical and data entry duties with varying degrees of complexity, respective to the needs of the department (Behavioral Health, Primary Care, Rehab and Specialty). This includes forms and basic letters. Prioritizes daily tasks and research pertinent data information needed to complete daily work assignmentsKnowledge of insurance plans, ability to obtain insurance verifications using various methods and initiate prior authorizations as neededProcess internal and external referralsPerform other duties as required and assignedKnowledge, Skills and AbilitiesProficiency in touch-typing with minimal errors: Ability to perform basic computer competency skills in various software applicationsProficiency in Practice Management System; Ability to enter or retrieve data from electronic health recordProficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and relevant software skillsKnowledge of scheduling (i.e., understand schedule parameters, required time intervals and patient needs)Knowledge of health insurance and insurance verification processAbility to multitask and prioritize in a busy office environment with multiple interruptions and prioritize multiple assignments and tasks. Must be detailed orientedAbility to communicate effectively in person, telephonically and in writing with patients, families and all levels of clinical staffAbility to maintain confidentiality of patient, personnel, and corporate dataAbility to handle large volume of telephone calls, including the ability to take messages, provide accurate information and route calls appropriatelySkills in customer service and conflict managementAbility to maintain confidentiality of patient data consistent with HIPPA requirementsAbility to effectively manage time with a proven ability to meet deadlines; organization and attention to detailQualificationsMinimum QualificationsEducation: High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) requiredExperience :Customer service experience and/or related medical office experience preferredBilingual English/Spanish is requiredLicenses and Certificates :None requiredAge of Patients Attended by Employee in This PositionCheck all that apply:_X_ N/A ___ Neonatal (newborn) ___ Pediatric (birth-13) ___ Young Adult (14-21) ___ Adult (21-65)Fingerprint ClearanceEmployees are required to maintain a current Arizona Department of Public Safety Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card. Evidence of a current and valid fingerprint clearance card must be received to begin and maintain employment.Physical Demands and Work EnvironmentThe physical demands and work environment described here are representative of that which 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.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, risk of electrical shock, and risk of radiation. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may potentially be exposed to infectious organisms during routine and emergency situations. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.Bloodborne Pathogen Category: 3