DISCHARGE FACILITATOR

Overview

Discharge Facilitator, Continuum of Care

Full Time, 80 Hours Per Pay Period, Day Shift

Covenant Health Overview:

Covenant Health is the region’s top-performing healthcare network with 10 hospitals, outpatient and specialty services, and Covenant Medical Group, our area’s fastest-growing physician practice division. Headquartered in Knoxville, Covenant Health is a community-owned integrated healthcare delivery system and the area’s largest employer. Our more than 11,000 employees, volunteers, and 1,500 affiliated physicians are dedicated to improving the quality of life for the more than two million patients and families we serve every year. Covenant Health is the only healthcare system in East Tennessee to be named a Forbes “Best Employer” seven times

Position Summary:

Functions as a liaison between hospital referral source and home health agency, nursing home, durable medical equipment company and/or insurance company to facilitate coordination of care; collects needed information to arrange discharge and associated services and communicates with hospital facilities, patients/families, physicians, and other appropriate staff about discharge plan. Primarily works remotely from acute care hospital facilities using electronic and telephonic communication means to expedite discharge from facilities.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates with patient/family and patient care team to ensure a comprehensive plan of care is developed prior to discharge.
• Processes referrals for home care, hospice, durable medical equipment, skilled nursing facility, long term care facility or other discharge need from the physician, or other health care professionals.
• Communicates effectively with the physician and patient care team,
• Maintains contact with the facility/ agency to determine their ability to meet the patient’s needs and to provide quality care.
• Counsels patients and families regarding discharge planning needs.
• Serves as an educational resource for patient care team, physician, patient and family regarding discharge questions, obstacles, medication assistance.
• Assists in arranging appropriate transportation, if indicated by facility assessment.
• Documents actions, communications, and results in the patient’s medical record.
• Communicates with private insurance agencies regarding eligibility and preferred providers for home care services, as indicated.
• Evaluates necessary medical services, understands requirements for payer approval, authorization and cost containment
• Records data and produces reports as requested for job role.
• Stays abreast of best practices and changes in practice patterns in area of expertise.
• Works independently and efficiently while conducting self with the highest ethical standards.
• Serves as a patient advocate in performing duties while maintaining the patient’s right to privacy and confidentiality adhering to Covent Health’s HIPPA policies.
• Identifies process barriers to discharges and engages others to assist in discharge disposition and overcoming discharge barriers.
• Communicates effectively with Care Management team and Allied Health professionals including effective handoff of functions at end of shift.
• Has the ability to work independently and be able to multi-task using appropriate prioritization while demonstrating efficient organizational skills.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Local travel may be required.

Qualifications

Minimum Education:

None specified; however, must be sufficient to meet the standards for achievement of the below indicated license and/or certification as required by the issuing authority.

Minimum Experience:

Minimum of three (3) years of experience in care management / discharge planning. Thorough knowledge of services provided by home health, durable equipment, skilled nursing facilities, and long term acute facilities; knowledge of reimbursement methods such as Medicare and private pay. Experience in care management or discharge planning using electronic medical record and electronic referral process.

Licensure Requirement:

Must have current RN license in the State of Tennessee. Employee must have a valid Tennessee driver’s license Class D and state mandated minimum insurance coverage. Driving record must meet Covenant Health minimum standards at the date of hire and throughout employment tenure.