Pre-Registration Specialist

PLEASE BE ADVISED that this position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement between Cook County and the AFSCM Union. Pursuant to the collective bargaining agreement, Cook County will exhaust internal eligible applicants prior to considering external applicants. Cook County is assembling a list of qualified candidates for this position that will be considered should the position not be filled with internal eligible applicants.

LOCATION: 600 HOLIIDAY PLAZA DR MATTESON, IL

DEPARTMENT: FINANCE REGISTRAITON

SHIFT: 8:00AM - 4:00PM

PAY RANGE: $23.019

Salary is commensurate with years of experience indicated at time of application submittal. Experience not disclosed or documented at the time of application will not be considered for initial step placement.

Under the direction of the System Manager of Patient Access, Pre-Processing, collects information to preregister patients, verifies insurance and/or other payment sources for all outpatient-related services, including same day procedures and other ambulatory and hospital-based outpatient services. Identifies and determines order of priority for coordination of benefits (COB). Responds to customer concerns and reports status to Supervisor or Manager.

The pre-registration specialist's role helps to avoid implications of incomplete preregistration/insufficient staffing. Such implications include, but are not limited to, inability to locate the patient file in the system and/or submit a request for pre-certification, non-submission of claims for processing, and payment discounts and/or timely filing denials.

• Utilizes electronic reports and/or schedules to identify patients needing to be preregistered for admission and same day surgery, in addition to any outpatient and/or ancillary services.
• Contacts patients via telephone to preregister at least 5-7 days prior to schedule appointments.
• Completes initial screening of self-pay patients to determine eligibility for financial assistance of hospital-based outpatient services.
• Acquires all essential demographic and insurance information needed for processing and pre-registration purposes.
• Identifies procedures that require pre-certification and subsequently notifies the appropriate department.
• Utilizes eligibility vendor, or other electronic communication media to verify benefits.
• Identifies and determines order of priority for coordination of benefits (COB).
• Updates Patient Management System with all insurance coverage updates; classifies the patient account with the appropriate coverage.
• Makes appropriate notes documenting the reason patient information may be missing from the file.
• Responds to customer concerns in a timely and professional manner and reports all developments or outcomes to System Manager of Patient Access, Pre-Processing.
• Answers all incoming phone calls in an efficient and courteous manner.
• Adhere to HIPAA standards and complies with patient confidentiality policies for the retention of patient information, handling, distribution or disposal of patient health information.
• Adheres to key performance indicators (KPI’s) to meet departmental and organizational pre-registration goals.
• Communicates with supervisors, managers, and patients daily; physicians, administrative and clinical staff members occasionally.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the department System Manager of Patient Access, Pre-Processing.

• High School diploma or GED equivalent is required. (Must provide proof at time of interview)
• Three (3) years of experience in patient access or patient registration in a health care setting is required.
• One (1) year of data entry experience is required.

• Prior call center experience is preferred.

• Knowledge and understanding of Federal, State and local healthcare regulations.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, registration and eligibility system.
• Strong customer service and empathy skills.
• Demonstrates good computer and typing skills.
• Demonstrate good phone and email etiquette skills with strong response times.
• Excellent verbal and written communication…