"Patient Services Associate"

Job Summary

Check in and check out patients, schedule patients for appointments, tests, and consults. Ensure all pertinent information is available for patient visits. Prepare, maintain and update forms/records. Provide general information to staff and patients. Verify, update patient information, obtain referrals and/or authorizations. Manage incoming telephone calls, confirm patient appointments and other pre-arrival requirements. Process patient charges, collect payments and reconcile cash collections.

Basic Function and Responsibilities

Fully functioning staff member. Could be promoted to this level after proven ability to fully function as a Patient Services Assistant. May also perform some telephone triage and administrative support.

• Accurately and efficiently schedule patient appointments utilizing Cadence. Management of pre-arrival functions to assure all necessary information has been obtained for clinic visits.
• Serve as a resource for physicians and other staff, patients, and outside third parties for insurance authorizations and other managed care related issues.
• Respond to patient inquiries related to special requirements of insurance plans, directing patient to insurance carrier as needed to address coverage and benefit questions.
• Assist patients with payment questions on the phone or in person. Collect payments, copays and past due balances at patient check out using established department guidelines.
• Reconcile clinic cash collections and credit card transactions daily according to specified clinic standards.
• Ensure completeness of visit information including type of visit, reason for service, charge for service and diagnostic codes for processing professional and facility charges. Participate in creating efficient patient flow coordinating with nursing/medical assistant staff and faculty.

Related Duties

Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 2 -3 years of experience.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to work well within a team setting.
• Communicates effectively.
• Demonstrates active listening, written, verbal and information technology skills.

Physical Requirements

This position requires sitting, some standing and walking lifting of less than 51bs.

• Knowledge of basic medical terminology.
• Experience working within a large, complex health care setting.
• Familiarity with UMHS electronic medical record systems.
• Knowledge of University policies and procedures.