Patient Services Assistant - Inpatient

Schedule: Hours 11p - 7a, every other weekend and holiday

General Summary

Performs a variety of functions related to the coordination of care to emergency department patients. Acts as receptionist for patients and visitors and serves as central contact person for telephone calls and distribution point for communication. Registers all Emergency Department Patients. Performs a variety of functions which impact the emergency department coding and billing process.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions

• Conducts patient interview to collect accurate financial, biographic and demographic information for emergency department admissions and/or registrations. Records insurance co-payments and treatment consent and authorization documentation. Scans insurance cards and photo identification into patients’ medical record.
• Collects patient insurance copayments and/or liabilities at time of service.
• Greets, directs and assists patients, visitors, physicians and ancillary department staff.
• Answers telephones using personable etiquette. Answers inquiries by providing accurate information or forwarding callers to the appropriate resource. Identifies emergency messages, directs information to the appropriate personnel and maintains confidentiality.
• Enters and/or retrieves data from established computer files using knowledge of various computer applications designed for functions such as patient management, patient census, registration, billing, bed tracking, etc. Serve as a knowledgeable resource for multiple applications such as EPIC, Promise, etc. Keeps current with system/application upgrades and changes. Offers/provides assistance to others in navigation.
• Performs a variety of duties related to the creation and maintenance of the patient medical record in a manner which expedites registration, admission, discharge, transfer, etc. Performs data entry, filing and photocopying in accordance with the appropriate policies.
• Communicates delays/difficulties in providing services or alteration of routine. Acknowledges and responds to patient alarms and notifies appropriate care provider.
• Consults with the appropriate clinical and non-clinical staff to resolve issues and concerns from patient medical records, ancillary department results and patient family inquiries.
• Orders and stocks supplies, and department as needed on an ongoing basis, if applicable.
• Monitors security cameras and facilitates flow of patients and visitors through the department via the doorbells into the Emergency Department, if applicable.
• Assists with care and maintenance of department equipment, hardware and supplies.

Common Expectations

• Demonstrates a commitment to patients, visitors, the Emergency Department and staff by: complying with all applicable safety regulations; learning the impact of duplication errors and methodology that will lead to a reduction of errors; reporting actual and potential errors as well as hazardous conditions; identifying opportunities to standardize processes and “error proof” systems that will lead to increased safety and participating in safety and compliance education and root cause analyses as required.
• Maintains established policies and procedures, objectives, quality assessment, safety, environmental and infection control standards.
• Demonstrates interpersonal communication to enhance/maintain good relationships. Takes a proactive approach to solving problems or behaviors. Displays a positive attitude as demonstrated through verbal and non-verbal communication.
• Demonstrates behavior consistent with System mission, vision, goals, objectives and patient care philosophy.
• Maintains effective communication and good relationships with other disciplines within the facility for the patient’s benefit.
• Treats all individuals with respect, courtesy and empathy. Willingly assists others with questions. Introduces self to visitors and offers assistance. Verbal and non-verbal responses are courteous, friendly and caring.
• Participates in educational programs and in-service meetings.
• Provides outstanding service to all customers; fosters teamwork; and practices fiscal responsibility through improvement and innovation.
• Communicates professionally and effectively, displays leadership and interpersonal skills, adheres to all policies and procedures, attends a minimum of 75% of the monthly department staff meetings and keeps current with the required educational modules at all times.

Qualifications

Minimum Education

• High School Diploma or GED Required

Work Experience

• Less than 1 year 3 - 6 months. Required

Courses and Training

• Completion of EPIC Registration Classes Upon Hire Required and
• 3-4 weeks hands-on training in the department Upon Hire Required
• Medical Terminology Upon Hire Preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent communication/interpersonal skills;
• Excellent computer skills and the ability to use various software applications at once.
• Annual Hospital Account Verification of 90% or greater.