Patient Access Representative

Patient Access Representative

Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America's heartland.

Two major functions of the Patient Access Representative (PAR) are patient registration and scheduling. Depending on setting, the PAR may only perform registration or scheduling duties, while in other settings, the PAR may perform both registration and scheduling duties. In all settings, the PAR performs additional duties, as assigned. Duties vary by location/setting.

In a registration role, the Patient Access Representative greets patients/residents, verifies patient/resident demographics to accurately register and/or schedule patients/residents, and takes care of related paperwork. Creates electronic files; provides, scans, and routes necessary forms and documents. Educates patients/residents and captures their signatures on necessary paperwork. Establishes and assigns financial responsibility and/or assists with arrangements while adhering to appropriate policies and procedures. Collects co-payments, pre-payments, and/or payments on account balances. May also work through the registration work queue to address and resolve issues specific to registration, including work queue errors, denied insurance claims, and maintenance of the registration database.

In a scheduling role, the Patient Access Representative schedules patient/resident appointments and procedures, obtains and coordinates referrals, conducts pre-authorization, arranges interpreter services, checks patients/residents in/out, and offers enrollment to additional resources. Collaborates with nursing team and providers to coordinate appointments to meet patients'/residents' needs. May coordinate provider schedule, resolve work queue issues and manage recall and waitlists. Operates multi-line telephones and depending on location, may serve as a switchboard operator calling codes and paging providers. Based on setting, additional duties may include preparation and coordination of charts; organizing supporting provider documents; discussing pre-payment responsibilities; initiation and collaboration of patient/resident financial assistance; prior authorization; track patient/resident visits; health information management on patient/resident accounts; work on weekly and monthly reports; compiling, distributing, administering and scoring of assessments; coordination of Telemed appointments; provider and schedule maintenance; charge entry/billing and charge verification; reminder calls for appointments; hospital admission; make copies, send faxes, and order supplies.

In all settings, the Patient Access Representative serves as a mentor for new Patient Access Representatives and other staff. Displays professionalism and promotes an atmosphere of mutual respect and cooperation. Must be able to work as part of a team and also work independently. Frequently takes direction from nursing team. Must always maintain confidentiality of sensitive information. Requires excellent customer service and the ability to empathize with patients and their situations. Working knowledge of medical terminology and use of professional written communication when making notes.

High school diploma or equivalent preferred. Post-secondary education helpful. One year of work experience, preferably in a medical office setting. Medical terminology helpful; customer service skills essential. Six months' customer service experience desired. May require BLS for certain locations and/or settings.

Sanford offers an attractive benefits package for qualifying full-time and part-time employees. Depending on eligibility, a variety of benefits include health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, work/life balance benefits, and a generous time off package to maintain a healthy home-work balance.