ED ADMITTING OFFICER / 32 HR 10am-6:30p DAY SHIFT / BWH PATIENT ACCESS

Under the direction of the Manager and Supervisor, for Patient Access Services, the ED Admitting Officer is responsible for greeting patients and initiating on-line visit and the efficient and timely admission/registration of all patients, utilizing tact, diplomacy and always a courteous manner. Checks eligibility with insurance companies, managed care plans and other agencies to verify coverage and benefits. Initiates notifications mandated by third party payors, obtains appropriate approvals and collects co-pay, if applicable. Identifies patients with unresolved financial issues and refers them to Patient Accounts. Ensures data integrity, in order to expedite the billing and reimbursement process, and to minimize financial risk to the institution.

• Conducts a detailed admission/registration interview with patient/family in a timely, efficient and courteous manner. Actively uses voice tone to convey professionalism, empathy and to build customer confidence and trust.

• Responds immediately when patient arrives at front desk, greeting patient, listening to them carefully and maintaining a professional appearance and attitude at all times. Collects information necessary to start process and keeps patients and families informed of possible delays.

• Updates, obtains and/or verifies all pertinent data necessary to complete required registration, admission, demographic and financial information ensuring both timely access and accurate billing.

• Ensures that all patients receive and complete medicine reconciliation form.

• Checks eligibility with insurance companies, managed care plans and other agencies to verify coverage and benefits. Determines if any visit requirements exist.

• Initiates notifications mandated by third party payors, obtains appropriate approvals, collects co-pay for Emergency Department visits and processes cash-out in accordance with Department and Hospital policy.

• Identifies patients who are uninsured or underinsured and may be eligible for financial assistance and refers them to Inpatient Accounts, in order to apply for available programs, including screening for Medicaid eligibility, other government programs and uncompensated services.

• Refers patients with complex or unresolved financial issues to Patient Accounts.

• Obtains and witnesses necessary forms: Consent for Treatment and Admission, HIPAA, Medicare Rights, ATO etc.

• Ensures that EMAR bracelets are placed on all patients admitted from the Emergency Department, to inpatient units.

• Ensures that mandates are met for Advanced Care Directives, entering information on-line and adhering to compliance policies regarding documentation.

• Provides patient with pertinent information regarding hospital policies.

• Arranges for medical record and routes to appropriate Nursing Unit.

• Maintains patient confidentiality and privacy by accessing patient information only to the extent necessary to fulfill assigned duties. Executes departmental policy in regards to HIPAA requirements. Ensures that all patient information is kept private, confidential and secure. Properly secures and stores all lists, reports, files and documents. Ensures that interviews and examinations are conducted in such a manner as to afford the patient reasonable audio and visual privacy.

• Adheres to Customer Service Standards by demonstrating professionalism, alertness, helpfulness and receptiveness to all patients, visitors and other staff members.

• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with all levels of hospital professional, administrative and support staff, as well as patients, their families and representatives of other organizations where considerable tact and persuasiveness must be employed to maintain patient confidentiality and overall harmony.

• Performs special projects as assigned.

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree or equivalent preferred; high school diploma required with a minimum of 3-6 months experience in an office or health care setting.
  

• 2-3 years previous healthcare experience preferred.
  

• Interpersonal relationship skills necessary to communicate effectively with patient/family, physicians and their support staff, medical staff, nursing staff, other hospital personnel and many external organizations and agencies.
  

• Excellent customer service skills.
  

• The technical knowledge of specific legal and regulatory requirements and an understanding of complex third party and medical assistance polices and procedures.
  

• Knowledge of the hospital information system, the ability to type 50 WPM and learn new computer programs.
  

• Ability to function independently and prioritize work within established policies.
  

• Requires good judgment, tact, sensitivity and the ability to function in a stressful environment.
  

• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding the patients, their medical histories, demographic and fiscal information, etc.

Brigham and Women’s Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability.