Patient Access Clerk

Job Summary

The Patient Access Clerk is responsible for the pre‑admission, admission and registration of all patients into the hospital in a courteous and professional manner. This position is responsible for interviewing and gathering of complete and accurate data to complete the admission/registration process accurately, efficiently, and expeditiously. The Patient Access Clerk is responsible for assisting in assigning appropriate units for inpatients, census reporting, and registration of Same Day Surgical patients, outpatients, and emergency patients.

Also registers routine outpatient procedures upon request from physician offices and patients. Collects appropriate monies, escorts patients to their appropriate destinations, when applicable. Obtains appropriate signatures, notifies patients/guests of hospital regulations, policies and services. Determines medical necessity on each physician order by assuring all essential elements are present on each order. Strives 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.

Recognizes and demonstrates understanding of patient and family centered care.

• Interviews patients courteously to obtain accurate data to admit and register patients.
• Receives admission information from physicians and their offices, the Emergency Room and patients boarded for surgery.
• Maintains an updated daily census, available room accommodations, and any patients assigned to those rooms.
• Maintains logs regarding admissions, discharges, expirations, Emergency room patients etc.
• Monitors pre‑admission requirements and notifies insurance companies who require pre‑certification. Assures patients are not admitted without appropriate and necessary referrals, authorizations and/or pre‑certifications.
• Uses a computer system to register all patients. Uses verification system, scanning system and understands all processes.
• Directs all outpatients to proper ancillary department
• Receives discharges, transfers and other changes from Patient Care Staff via hospital computer system.
• Maintains reports in order to keep an updated patient census.
• Maintains confidentiality of all information.
• Demonstrates knowledge of, and supports, hospital mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, corporate compliance plan, customer service standards and the code of ethical behavior.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the Advanced Directive Procedure. Is able to explain verbally general concept of Advanced Directive process. Assures a copy of the Advanced Directive is placed on the patient's chart. If patient does not have an Advanced Directive, assure the patient has the appropriate information and answers any questions the patient may have pertaining to the Advanced Directive.
• Represents Memorial Healthcare as the welcoming official to all patients and/or visitors in Admitting/Patient Registration, the Emergency Department, and Communications.
• Maintains a well‑organized and clean environment to work at maximum efficiency and prevent transmission of infection and disease.
• Cross‑trains within the department to effectively handle the functions of pre‑admission, admission, outpatient registration, emergency registration, scheduling, cashier, verification and communications. (Switchboard)
• Determines medical necessity on all physician orders. Assures all elements are present. If an element is missing, is responsible for obtaining and notifying physician and/or physician's staff, of element that is required.
• Determines if Medicare will pay for those procedures that Medicare has determined to be…