Patient Access Associate - Family Practice

Patient Access Associate - Family Practice

Working Conditions

Orientation will be conducted remotely. Training will be conducted onsite.

Working Hours

• Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Job Summary

The Patient Access Associate demonstrates a high level of customer service while verifying and preparing all patient accounts for inpatient and outpatient billing to maximize payment for hospital and clinic services from all sources. They review and verify all payment methods, verify patient/insurance information, work with patients to set up payment arrangements and assist with assistance programs, collect copayments and deductibles, and resolve basic billing inquiries.

Essential Functions of the Role

• Obtain, confirm, and enter/update demographic and insurance information for all patients.
• Secure and explain copies of insurance cards, , and required signatures.
• Complete Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) questionnaires when applicable.
• Verify insurance to determine coordination of benefits and obtain authorization/referrals as required.
• Accurately update patient information in the registration system and emergency department tracking systems.
• Apply patient identification bracelets and register patients during downtime Ongoing procedures.
• Verify insurance coverage, screen for potential funding sources, and set reimbursement expectations.
• Verify financial information for coordination of benefits and pre-certification or prior authorization.
• Inform self-pay patients of prepayment requirements and screen for funding sources.
• Prepare estimates of procedures, calculate advance payment requirements, and inform patients of acceptable payment arrangements.
• Refer eligible patients to contracted eligibility vendors for funding reimbursement.
• Maintain departmental and individual reports as required.
• Coordinate with clinical areas to establish financial expectations and resolve revenue cycle issues.
• Provide an escalation pathway for account issues that cannot be resolved.
• Explain and answer patient billing inquiries and interpret data to resolve accounts.
• Explain alternative medical financing options, assist in completing applications and contracts to meet patient needs while ensuring maximum reimbursement.
• Plan, organize, and prioritize tasks to meet departmental and patient needs efficiently.
• Collect, post, and reconcile all patient payments accurately.
• Document patient account notes and reconcile receipts with cash collected.
• Image documents as defined by leadership.
• Perform other position-appropriate duties in a competent, professional, and courteous manner.

Key Success Factors

• Computer proficient.
• Excellent verbal communication skills.
• Ability to handle difficult situations and customers.
• Previous office, medical practice, hospital registration, or customer service experience.
• Ability to determine patients' primary, secondary, and tertiary payer sources and knowledge of major governmental and non-governmental payer sources.

Benefits

• Immediate eligibility for health and welfare benefits.
• 401(k) savings plan with dollar‑for‑dollar match up to 5%.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• PTO accrual beginning Day 1.

Qualifications

• Education:
  
  High School Diploma or GED Equivalent.
• Experience:
  
  Minimum 1 year of relevant experience.

Seniority Level

• Entry level

Employment Type

• Full‑time

Job Function

• Health Care Provider

Industries

• Hospitals and Health Care