Job details

Patient Access Associate - job 2 of 2

Get a free resume review

Overview

At Houston Methodist, the Patient Access Associate position is responsible for obtaining and entering accurate demographic and insurance information in the electronic health record (EHR) on patients presenting at the various entry points of the facility. This position performs cashiering functions, ensuring that all hospital accounts are secure, through the collection of the required co-pay, deductibles and co-insurance. This position also performs the medical necessity check, to ensure compliance with Medicare guidelines. The Patient Access Associate position employs effective communication skills, promoting excellent customer service in every interaction. This position is also required to adhere to all departments, hospital, governmental and/or any other healthcare licensing agency requirements related to the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Houston Methodist Standard

PATIENT AGE GROUP(S) AND POPULATION(S) SERVEDRefer to departmental "Scope of Service" and "Provision of Care" plans, as applicable, for description of primary age groups and populations served by this job for the respective HM entity.

HOUSTON METHODIST EXPERIENCE EXPECTATIONS

Provide personalized care and service by consistently demonstrating our I CARE values:
- INTEGRITY: We are honest and ethical in all we say and do.
- COMPASSION: We embrace the whole person including emotional, ethical, physical, and spiritual needs.
- ACCOUNTABILITY: We hold ourselves accountable for all our actions.
- RESPECT: We treat every individual as a person of worth, dignity, and value.
- EXCELLENCE: We strive to be the best at what we do and a model for others to emulate.

Practices the Caring and Serving Model

Delivers personalized service using HM Service Standards

Provides for exceptional patient/customer experiences by following our Standards of Practice of always using Positive Language (AIDET, Managing Up, Key Words)

Intentionally collaborates with other healthcare professionals involved in patients/customers or employees' experiential journeys to ensure strong communication, ease of access to information, and a seamless experience

Involves patients (customers) in shift/handoff reports by enabling their participation in their plan of care as applicable to the given job

Actively supports the organization's vision, fulfills the mission and abides by the I CARE values

Responsibilities

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic team focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal departmental and organizational results.

Communicates openly in a non-judgmental manner and in a professional demeanor during all interactions with customers and co-workers.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Obtains and records accurate demographic and insurance information on patients by interviewing patients, family members and physicians. Ensures that the correct insurance plan codes are utilized for the billing process.

Explains the consent forms, obtains signatures on the forms and responds to any questions in a professional manner.

Contributes to departmental and hospital patient experience. Proactively seeks solutions to address patient issues and concerns. Alerts management in a timely manner to any unusual and/or difficult situations impacting the level of service.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Consistently takes the necessary steps to ensure that protected health information remains private and confidential, according to established HIPAA guidelines. Uses patient identifiers consistently to properly identify patients and the correct medical records. Refrains from issuing new medical record numbers to patients with existing accounts.

Meets goals set by the department (e.g., registration error rate, productivity/activities per hour, etc.).

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Ensures that ordered services meet established medical necessity criteria when applicable.

Collects payments based on pre-determined information. Performs insurance verification to determine patient out of pocket expenses for services. If applicable, offers payment options after the minimum required payment has been received. Fulfills monthly goals for cash collection.

Accurately posts and receipts patient payments. Balances cash drawer on a daily basis; follows the department policy related to cash drawers and cash receipting.

Organizes time effectively, minimizing incidental overtime and sets priorities. Utilizes time between heavy workloads efficiently and helps other team members.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Displays initiative to improve job functions. Demonstrates adaptability and flexibility during changing demands. Offers suggestions to streamline process for efficient patient flow.

Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

Qualifications

EDUCATION

High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)

WORK EXPERIENCE

Two years of experience in a strong customer service environment

One year of registration experience in a hospital environment preferred

License/Certification

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

KSA/ Supplemental Data

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations

Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security

Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

Ability to multi-task and flexibility to meet the requirements of the patients and the department

Knowledge of basic registration/access functions and insurance procedures

Ability to problem solve

Ability to remain calm in stressful situations with patience and understanding

Excellent customer service and professional communication skills

Proficient computer skills and ability to learn and navigate multiple software programs

Ability to handle detail work accurately and rapidly

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

Uniform Yes
Scrubs No
Business professional Yes
Other (department approved) Yes

ON-CALL**Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

On Call* No

TRAVEL****Travel specifications may vary by department**

May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

Company Profile

Since its founding in 1919, Houston Methodist Hospital has earned worldwide recognition. Houston Methodist Hospital is affiliated with the Weill Medical College of Cornell University and New York-Presbyterian Hospital, one of the nation's leading centers for medical education and research. In 2020, U.S. News & World Report named Houston Methodist Hospital to its top ranked Honor Roll for the fourth time and second consecutive year. 2020 also marked the ninth year in a row Houston Methodist Hospital has been named the No. 1 hospital in Texas. Houston Methodist Hospital directs millions of research dollars into patient care and offers the latest innovations in medical, surgical and diagnostic techniques. With 952 operating beds, 85 operating rooms and over 8,000 employees, Houston Methodist offers complete care for patients from around the world.

The same high-quality care for which Houston Methodist is known is available at several Emergency Care Centers in Houston and the surrounding areas. These Emergency Care Centers house exam rooms, full digital radiography suite, low radiation dose 16-slice CT scan, ultrasound and a full on-site stat chemistry lab.

Average salary estimate

$47500 / YEARLY (est.)

min

max

$40000K

$55000K

If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.

What You Should Know About Patient Access Associate, UNAVAILABLE

If you're looking to make a positive impact in the healthcare field, consider the exciting role of Patient Access Associate at Houston Methodist in Houston. In this crucial position, you'll be the first point of contact for patients, obtaining and inputting vital demographic and insurance information into our electronic health record (EHR) system. Not only will you ensure that patient accounts are secure through accurate cashiering and payment collections, but you'll also perform important medical necessity checks to stay compliant with Medicare guidelines. This role is all about effective communication, as you'll engage with patients and their families, guiding them through the registration process with warmth and professionalism. At Houston Methodist, we believe in delivering exceptional service by embodying our I CARE values: Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence. Your everyday tasks will include explaining consent forms, responding to patient queries, and collaborating with a dynamic team to enhance the patient experience. Not to mention, you'll adhere to important regulations like HIPAA, ensuring patient privacy and confidentiality are maintained. As part of our commitment to continuous growth, we also offer opportunities to expand your skills and help improve the overall patient flow. Join us in making a difference, and be a part of an organization that is consistently recognized for excellence in healthcare. Your journey in healthcare begins here, at Houston Methodist, where you can thrive and grow while making a lasting impact on the lives of our patients.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Patient Access Associate Role at UNAVAILABLE

What are the primary responsibilities of a Patient Access Associate at Houston Methodist?

As a Patient Access Associate at Houston Methodist, your primary responsibilities involve accurately obtaining and entering patient demographic and insurance information into the electronic health record (EHR). You'll also manage cashiering functions, ensuring secure hospital accounts by collecting co-pays and deductibles. Additionally, you'll perform medical necessity checks for compliance with Medicare guidelines and provide essential customer service in all interactions.