Patient Access Representative

The Patient Access (PA) representative is responsible for greeting and registration of patients that enter the Gila Regional Medical Center (GRMC). The PA representative is responsible for gathering the correct demographic information, necessary billing information, and distributing the required regulatory information for all patients seeking treatment or testing in all departments. S/he registers patients, verifies insurance, seeks authorizations when needed, and operates the central phone and alarm systems. Also expected to perform a number of clerical duties to assist the other departments in the day to day operations of GRMC. Ability to perform said duties in a responsible and professional manner utilizing individual knowledge and skills as well as the knowledge of hospital and departmental policies and procedures. All duties must be performed in compliance with approved standards of care and practice as defined by GRMC.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Registers patients in a precise, accurate, timely and courteous manner, maintaining 95% data entry accuracy.
• Updates patient demographics
• Verifies eligibility of insurance and obtains prior authorizations when required
• Processes paperwork, ensuring complete and accurate documentation
• Collects copayments and deductibles, and offers discounts for SP/GCHP according to hospital policy
• Answers phones and transfers calls
• Operates the central alarm system
• Maintains strict standards of confidentiality as required by HIPAA standards
• Provides front-line customer services; meets and greets visitors and directs patients through hospital areas
• Processes orders, such as transfers and discharges, from the floor as directed
• Communicates with other departments, such as Radiology, regarding pending authorizations, rescheduling, and denials
• Participates in staff meeting and in-service programs
• Participates in department on-call program as assigned
• Operates the switchboard and intercom to relay incoming, outgoing and interoffice calls and messages.
• Furnishes information/ phone numbers to callers as requested or makes sufficient inquiries necessary to refer the caller to the appropriate hospital personnel.
• Additional duties as assigned

EDUCATION & TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum High School Diploma or GED
•  1 – 2 years college preferred

WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Customer service experience required, with insurance billing preferred
• Familiar with medical terminology
• Basic computer skills
• Familiar with and/or able to use Microsoft Outlook
• Bilingual in Spanish preferred