Diagnostic Imaging Patient Specialist

Diagnostic Imaging Patient Specialist

The Diagnostic Imaging Patient Specialist plays a vital role in the patient care as the first individual the patient interacts with in Diagnostic Imaging. The specialist interviews patients and providers to obtain accurate data to schedule and register. They instruct patients and providers in patient preparation for imaging exams, verify insurance, register patients following medical necessity guidelines, and verify provider orders for all patient exams to ensure appropriate exam for diagnosis according to practice guidelines.

The specialist serves as a navigator for patients and providers, assisting them with all concerns and questions or by connecting them with appropriate resources. The specialist manages patient flow in and out of the department and maintains a professional, positive demeanor at all times. They strive for superior performance by consistently providing a product or service to leadership and staff that is recognized as ultimately contributing to the patient and family experience and demonstrates understanding of patient and family centered care.

• Personally screen all patients for Covid and all other infectious diseases through screening questions and temperature checks.
• Provide PPE to patients when necessary.
• Create a positive experience for patients and their family members with personalized customer service.
• Apply excellent customer service skills when answering the phone to answer questions, direct the call to the proper person or take a complete message as needed.
• Interview patients, family members, physicians, or office staff to obtain accurate data to schedule, register, and obtain insurance verification.
• Instruct patients, family members, physicians, and office staff on the approved exam order and patient exam preparation.
• Accurately document and disburse contrast to patients.
• Review daily schedule for patients needing labs prior to exam. Promptly direct patients to the lab for testing to ensure a timely start to their exam.
• Verify patient insurance eligibility for services at the time of service or prior to, if services are pre-scheduled and require pre-certification or verification.
• Register patients and follow medical necessity guidelines for Medicare’s advance beneficiary notices and other payer requirements.
• Greet, receive and process patients to multiple departments.
• Accurately register the patient into the hospital information system.
• Verify the physician order for all patient exams to ensure accuracy and medical appropriateness, obtaining a new order if necessary, per departmental imaging protocols. Accurately enter this exam into the radiology information system to generate a request.
• Verify, obtain, and update any needed insurance authorization making sure that patients are not seen without an authorization when appropriate.
• Schedule patients when necessary to ensure a positive patient experience.
• Maintain cleanliness of waiting room(s) and work area.
• Provide direct assistance to patients and families in the waiting room. Monitor patients to avoid excessive wait times as well as adherence to Memorial’s PPE policy.
• Facilitate all daily office mail. Check in/out medical information from other facilities.
• Perform tasks relating to transcription including but not limited to: solving exam discrepancies, deciphering radiologist interpretation of multiple dictations, monitoring and follow up on all released unread films.
• Educate team as needed in front office or file room workflow.
• Ensure the timely completion of all diagnostic imaging exam reports.
• Maintain confidentiality of all information.
• Involve patients and their families in the care process by keeping them apprised of any wait or delay in procedures.
• Assist the patient and family by directing them for financial assistance.
• Remain well versed in all computer applications as pertains to job responsibilities.
• Provide creative problem solving when situations arise. Be proactive in potential difficult situations.
• Demonstrate knowledge of and support hospital mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality…