Per Diem / PRN Nurse RN - ED - Emergency Department
North Mississippi Health Services
Tupelo, MS

**Position Summary:**

The Patient Access Specialist at North Mississippi Health Services is responsible for providing high quality customer service, both in person and by telephone, while assuming responsibility for successful financial outcomes of all patient services. This position plays a key role in the organization's financial health by facilitating financial clearance prior to or at the time of service and ensures all patient demographic and insurance information are correct, resulting in clean claims. The Patient Access Specialist works under the guidance of the Patient Access Supervisor and utilizes organizational and communication skills to document details, maintain records, and provide a smooth and positive patient experience.

**Customer Service**:

* Greets patients in a positive, helpful, and courteous manner – utilizes AIDET
* Answers telephone and other incoming communications in a timely and customer-service oriented manner
* Replies to inquiries, patient needs for information, and other parties clearly and in a timely manner
* If information is not readily available, follows up with responsible party and ascertains that information has been communicated to patient/other
* Promotes good intra and inter departmental and public relations
* Utilizes bedside registration, bedside financial counseling, when accessible

**Registration/Admission**:

* Explains paperwork such as general consent form, patient’s financial clearance, charity application, Medicaid screening, insurance benefits, estimates, etc.
* Collects and verifies all demographic and payer information utilizing electronic edits and supporting paperwork (e.g., driver’s license, insurance cards, etc) and provides documentation in appropriate systems
* Utilizes online systems, phone communication, and other resources to determine eligibility and benefits prior to  scheduled appointments when possible
* Gathers required signatures on patient paperwork
* Prints and applies armbands to patients (if applicable)
* Escorts patients or arranges for transport to assigned room or service area
* Informs patients about medical necessity and authorization requirements

**Financial Clearance:**

* Provides financial counselling to patients and/or patient representatives to manage balances owed
* Performs cashiering duties such as collecting copays, credit card reconciliation, etc. for patients and prepares deposits
* Assists patients and/or patient representative in completing the Charity Application for financial assistance and/or Medicaid Screening form; refers patients to financial assistance programs

**Discharge**:

* Responsible for systems reconciliation of patient discharges and room charges
* Refers patients to appropriate departments for scheduling of appointments
* Flags accounts with canceled appointments as “no show” status in Electronic Health Record system

**Record Keeping**:

* Processes, maintains, and scans records in a timely, accurate, and confidential manner
* Electronically updates patients records in multiple systems
* Timely and accurately submits patient information/documentation to the appropriate department
* Records insurance and demographic information
* This position may include other tasks as assigned.

**_Job Knowledge:_** 

* High School Diploma or equivalent required
* Associates Degree in Business or related field preferred
* Two years of clerical and collection experience in a medical office preferred
* Must possess mathematical skills and problem solving abilities
* Must possess strong organizational and interpersonal skills
* Working knowledge of basic medical terminology preferred; completion of medical terminology course required within 6 months of employment
* Proficient computer and keying skills; Microsoft Excel & Microsoft Word experience preferred
* Must complete all PAS training curriculum/certification requirements within six months of hire date