Patient Access Associate 

Marshalltown Hospital

Full-Time; Primarily 9a-5:30p, Rotating Weekends and Holidays, Varied Shifts as Needed

The Patient Access Associate creates accurate and thorough registration records for each patient visit. They are responsible for obtaining demographic and financial information, as well as obtaining signatures required for successful billing submission. This position will also collect patient liability, before, or at the time of service as defined by the patient's insurance plan and will identify those patients who may be in need of financial assistance. Patient Access staff will interact in a customer focused and compassionate manner to ensure that every patient’s needs are met.

At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We’re proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.  

Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in.  Here are just a few:      

• Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.   

• Dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.  

• Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.   

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.   

And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience. 

Find a fulfilling career and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.

Registration/Billing Functions

• Correctly enters patient demographic, insurance information, and obtains signatures on all required forms (Conditions of Admissions, Important Message from Medicare, Self-pay Restricted, Release of information, ABN), as necessary for hospital billing.
• Responsible for obtaining physician orders, scanning orders and/or transcribing them into EPIC/Paragon when required.
• Verifies insurance eligibility within EPIC/Paragon and accessing on-line resources. Reads return responses to ensure active coverage on the account for the date of service.
• Confirms if an insurance authorization is required per insurance specific requirements and will enter auth/precert number in the appropriate EPIC/Paragon field.
• Maintains competency using EPIC estimator tool for all contracted insurance plans to ensure maximum financial reimbursement for the health system.
• Collects the self-pay portion of a patient’s out of pocket expenses at the time of registration and provides receipt of payment to the patient or other responsible party.
• Post payment to account and balance cash drawer at the end of each shift to ensure cash, checks and payments made by credit card are accounted for.
• Works collaboratively as a team to meet defined monthly UPH Point of Service collection goals.
• Proficient with hospital billing workques to resolve timely.
• Identifies patients who are self-pay status or those who may need financial counseling assistance and refers them to Patient Financial Coordinator.

Personal Accountability/Teamwork

• Places patients, customers and other individuals that we service as a top priority.
• Places organization / department needs ahead of personal conveniences (breaks / lunches).
• Takes accountability for completing work functions in a timely manner and audits own work for accuracy and completion.
• Completes cross-training in all areas of the department / campus and willingly moves to the area of the department where most needed including cross campus locations.
• Demonstrates a willingness to meet the department work schedule and willingly picks up additional shifts when necessary.
• Uses good judgment in making decisions and demonstrates this with diplomacy.
• Completes other job functions in between registrations to maximize productivity.
• Participates in performance improvement initiatives and demonstrates initiative to improve quality and customer services with a goal to exceed customer expectations.
• Uses AIDET principles to greet patients and visitors in a positive and courteous manner and will determine the need for assistance with directions, escort, or transport services.
• Remains sensitive and empathetic to patients, relatives, and guests who may be using non-verbal cues to express their feelings or needs.
• Answers questions about the registration process and provides information to others as needed.
• Anticipate the need to assist co-workers and adapt to staff coverage in any registration area or site

Regulations

• Responsible for maintaining knowledge of EMTALA and adhering to following proper protocol.
• Will follow registration standards pertaining to patient identification and maintaining patient privacy.
• Completes Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) questionnaire with accuracy and upon every encounter.
• Ensures that medical necessity has been resolved when the ABN warning is fired. If unable to obtain a payable diagnosis and a new order from the physician, an ABN waiver must be signed by the patient before proceeding.
• Follows all health system policies regarding red flag regulations to minimize patient identity theft.

Required: 

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Customer Service/ Reception/Front desk experience

Preferred: 

• Medical related diploma or certificate
• Prefer previous experience in a healthcare setting completing registration, scheduling, insurance, and/or billing functions.
• Valid driver’s license when driving any vehicle for work-related reasons