Admissions Assistant

SUMMARY

Conducts patient assessments at the hospital or other referral sources to ensure patient meets the admission criteria. Identifies information needed from the referring hospital to finalize the admission. Coordinates and plans the daily operation for all pre-admission activities. Coordinates admissions with other departments by collecting and distributing the appropriate information. Admits patients to healthcare facility by maintaining admitting guidelines; marketing programs. Completes admissions process; resolves patient dissatisfactions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Perform clinical pre-admission assessments and evaluations of patient needs i.e. at hospital, home or via phone.
2. Pre-admission planning with patients and their families.
3. Recognize barriers to admission, respond appropriately, and follow up on admissions variables.
4. Identify payer sources.
5. Assist in providing in-services and professional presentations for referral sources, community groups, and other organizations regarding SNF services, programs, and outcomes. 
6. Provide support for referring facilities and PHC by assisting with the responsibilities of the Admissions phone during flexible hours. 
7. Coordinate the patient admission functions in keeping with the mission and vision of PHC.
8. Coordinate and facilitate the admission of patients from the referral sources.
9. Identify medical record information needed from the referring facility.
10. Assist in completing the pre-admission clinical evaluation forms to assist in evaluating appropriateness of admissions.
11. Apply appropriate clinical guidelines to pre-admission data.
12. Assist with notifying referring facility of admission decision within 1 hour.
13. Collect and distribute admission information to all clinical services and the business office.
14. Identify specific patient needs for equipment, supplies, and consult services.
15. Provide  interdisciplinary team with needed information on pending/new admissions.
16. Develop the necessary admission and patient day forecast.
17. Develop appropriate analyses, using established reporting mechanisms, and provide data and statistics as required within established timeframes.
18. Maintain a close working relationship with medical staff, interdisciplinary health team, and external professional groups and agencies.
19. Explain the pre-admission and admission policies to families and referral sources as necessary.
20. Conduct in-house tours for families and outside agencies as needed.
21. Maintain all information in a manner that ensures confidentiality and meets all regulatory requirements.
22. Consistently demonstrate high standards of professionalism through appearance, conduct, and compliance with policies/procedures and legal requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS

Clinical expertise; critical thinking/problem solving abilities; verbal and written communications skills; must understand Medicare, Medicaid, and other insurances.

Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle.

Must pass a criminal background check with the office of Inspection General.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Healthcare experience, preferred

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical

1. Will need to be able to stand and sit for extended periods of time, bend, twist and reach to the floor.  
2. Must be able to clearly speak at a volume adaptable to the hearing impaired.  
3. Lifts and carries equipment weighing 25 pounds.

Sensory

1. Must be able to hear normal volume sounds and voice patterns with constant background noise.  
2. Must be able to receive and follow verbal and written instruction.  
3. Must be able to respond to audible emergency signals, alarms, and telephones.  
4. Must be able to read regular/small size print in multiple colors. 

Cognitive

1. Must be able to remember multiple assignments over an extended period of time.  
2. Be able to remember data derived from documents, review, specific requests, ideas and concepts and relate them as necessary.  
3. Must be able to concentrate on details during constant interruptions.