Patient Advocate

Job Summary:

Performs several administrative functions, from collecting patient information/payment, executing admissions, transfers, and discharge procedures, as well as putting charts together, etc.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities:

1. Greets and directs patients within the facility.
2. Contact the nursing staff for emergency medical needs and address/answer any questions or concerns.
3. Interview patients, family, or other responsible parties at registration to obtain necessary account information- identifying or biographical information (identification and insurance cards).
4. Offers exceptional customer service.
5. Collect patient liable amounts- copays, deductibles, coinsurance, and/or issue promissory notes as needed.
6. Ensure charts are prepped prior to office appointment and are completed and accurate.
7. Process patient charts according to paper workflow and established policies/procedures. Produce paperwork on each patient for distribution to appropriate departments while aligning pertinent documents for establishing the patients’ medical record and financial file.
8. Work with insurance authorization and referrals to ensure insurance benefits have been verified.
9. Ensure all necessary signatures are obtained for treatment, release of medical information, assignment of insurance benefits, and payment of services from legally responsible parties.
10. Explain policies regarding services, charges, insurance billing, and payment of account.
11. Pre-register and register patients.
12. Prepare daily deposits and reports to maintain the integrity of the cash drawer.
13. Acts as a patient advocate.
14. Maintains a professional appearance- i.e. uniform and appropriate grooming, as well as maintaining composure under high pressure situations.
15. Perform other related clerical duties such as photocopying, faxing, filing and scanning.
16. Help to check dates on expiable, i.e. chemicals, equipment, etc.
17. Maintains and keeps up to date with established hospital/departmental policies and procedures.
18. Maintains confidentiality of patient and hospital related business
19. Develops and maintains an effective working relationship with patients, families, visitors and other Center employees.
20. Documents concisely, precisely and accurately on all records or documents as indicated by policy.

• Above mentioned are done 95% of the time.
• Marginal Duties: Other duties as assigned done 5% of the time.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This job has no supervisory responsibilities

Qualifications - To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and/or Experience:

1. Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent (GED) and 6 months to 1 year of relevant experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
2. Have Medical Assistant Certificate
3. Possession of strong organizational skills.
4. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Possess exceptional interpersonal communication skills.
5. Ability to work independently on assigned tasks as well as to accept direction on given assignments.
6. Able to work collectively with the administrative team associates.

Language, Mathematical, and/or Reasoning Ability:

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.  Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.  Ability to speak effectively before patients, visitors, or employees of organization. Ability to communicate in a high-pressure environment.
• Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. 

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Ability to constantly sit, walk, stand, and/or lift
2. Ability to frequently utilize full range of motion, including crouching, stooping, reaching, bending and twisting
3. Ability to frequently lift, pull, push with assistance approximately 25 pounds
4. Ability to see, hear and distinguish color
5. Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks
6. Ability to function independently without constant supervision

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Category 3- No Occupational Exposure

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.