Patient Access Coordinator

The Patient Access Coordinator at North Mississippi Health Services is responsible for supporting the overall financial health of the organization by completing the daily activities of the collecting and input of Insurance Information, Point of Service Collections and Financial Arrangements, & Customer Service via Direct Contact with Patients and their family members. This role operates under the guidance of the Patient Access Manager and requires an experienced individual with excellent analytical, organizational, and communications skills to manage Demographic and Insurance Information. resolve real time edits & denials, and interface effectively wit h internal and externa l stakeholders to promote timely and accurate patient flow and collections. JOB FUNCTIONS Scheduling:

Responsible for scheduling/rescheduling, pre-certifying, checking medical necessity, and pre-registering patients for appointments, diagnostic tests, and outpatient procedures as ordered by referring providers

Obtains necessary information required for scheduling, pre-certification, and pre-registration

Obtains and/or verifies patient demographics, insurance information/eligibility, and benefits

Responsible for informing patients and/or clinical staff of the proper preparation and instructions for the tests ordered

Notifies patient of the location of the appointment date & time, test, and/or procedure Patient Experience:

Obtains crucial confidential patient identification information including patient records, signatures, and payment information repeatedly and ensures HIPAA guidelines are enforced

Effectively communicates NMHS’ organizational revenue cycle and financial policies including estimates, charity plans and payment options to patients and patient representatives

Provides bedside registration to obtain consent form signatures, collect insurance, and other confidential information pertinent information to ensure accurate medical record data entry that aligns with CMS and other regulatory agencies Collections & Financial Arrangements:

Ensures team members are providing estimates to guarantors for elective procedures and collection attempted at the point of pre-registration or point of service

Ensures team members are administering ABNs when necessary

Ensures accounts are financially secure prior to service

Ensures timely and accurate processing of accounts in accordance with best practices, defined workflow, procedures, and applicable legislation/regulations Denials Management:

Corrects front end errors real time to minimize denial throughput

Develops strategy for consistently obtaining accurate, timely, and beneficial patient demographic information

Review post service denials to assist in developing front end strategies to reduce denial inflow

Identifies trends and reports potential significant and recurring issues along with possible solutions to leadership

Takes proactive, corrective action through systematic and procedural development to reduce incoming denials Contract Management:

Maintains familiarity with payer methodologies to ensure accurate estimates are communicated with patients & system variances are communicated with leadership

Manages expected reimbursement to ensure appropriate patient portion is collected prior to service

Develops strategy for partnering with business office to ensure estimates & transparency are accurate

Analyzes estimate variances to understand where/why deviations occurred

Identifies trends and reports potential significant and recurring issues along with possible solutions to leadership Communication:

Effectively communicates information to staff, internal and external customers

Creates strong customer service orientation and collaboration

Provides excellent customer service to all internal and external customers Liaison:

Contacts insurance companies, patients, and providers regarding authorizations, medical necessity, and financial responsibility

Serves as liaison between payers and hospital departments/physician offices or patients in resolving front end errors which would result in denials Reporting:

Assists in preparation of monthly error reports and other error reports as requested

Assists in preparation of monthly collections reports and other collection reports as requested QUALIFICATIONS Education

High School Diploma or GED Equivalent . Licenses and Certifications Work Experience

1-3 years

1-3 years Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Working knowledge of Registration systems, Medicare/Medicaid/Third Party Liability/Workers Compensation requirements

Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook)

Knowledge of applicable state and federal regulations relating to registering accounts and collecting at point of service

Excellent negotiating and analytical skills

Strong verbal and written communication skills;

Excellent interpersonal skills;

Effectively and efficiently prioritizes and organizes tasks

Provides supervision to direct reports

Develops, implements/evaluates projects (timely & efficient manner)

Evaluates and provides coaching for all employees within the scope of responsibility

Ensures accurate and timely collection of all appropriate patient estimates

Ensures effective monetary management of Deposits

Ensures timely and accurate processing of accounts in accordance with best practices, defined workflow, procedures, and applicable legislature/ regulations

Gathers and relays information with knowledge, tact, and diplomacy

Experiences daily contact with co-workers, patients, payers, and other NMHS/NMMC staff members

Exhibits strong written and verbal communication skills

Reflects a positive, caring attitude toward clients, patients, staff, and the public we serve

Evaluates and coaches reporting employees to accomplish major goals and objectives

Develops, implements/evaluates projects in a timely & efficient manner Physical Demands A thorough completion of this section is needed for compliance with legal standards such as the Americans with Disabilities Act. The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Standing . Constantly

Walking . Frequently

Sitting . Rarely

Lifting/Carrying . Frequently 50 lbs

Pushing/Pulling . Frequently

Climbing . Occassionally

Balancing . Occassionally

Stooping/Kneeling/Bending . Frequently

Reaching/Over Head Work . Frequently

Grasping . Frequently

Speaking . Occassionally

Hearing . Constantly

Repetitive Motions . Constantly

Eye/Hand/Foot Coordinations . Frequently Benefits A****vailable

Continuing Education

403B Retirement Plan with Employer Match Contributions

Pet, Identity Theft and Legal Services Insurance

Wellness Programs and Incentives

Referral Bonuses

Employee Assistance Program

Medical Benefits

Dental Benefits

Vision Benefits

License + Certification Reimbursement

Life, Long-Term and Short-Term Disability, Group Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity Insurance

Employee Discount Program

Other:

Early Access to Earned Wages

Tuition Assistance

Relocation Assistance

Paid Time Away

Special Employee Rates at NMMC Wellness Centers