About Company:

Palo Pinto General Hospital has been caring for our surrounding communities for more than 50 years. Our past is important but we are also looking to the future and you can find it right here at PPGH! With advanced technology, expanding clinics and telehealth services that bring specialists to our patients, we're growing to meet the needs of tomorrow-while keeping care local today.

About the Role:

The Patient Access Representative PRN at Palo Pinto General Hospital plays a critical role in ensuring a seamless and positive experience for patients from the moment they initiate contact with the hospital. This position is responsible for managing patient registration, verifying insurance information, and facilitating the collection of necessary documentation to support efficient billing and care coordination. The role requires a high level of accuracy and attention to detail to maintain patient records and ensure compliance with hospital policies and regulatory requirements. As a PRN (pro re nata) position, the representative provides flexible support during peak times or as needed, contributing to the overall operational efficiency of the hospital’s patient access services. Ultimately, this role supports the hospital’s mission by enhancing patient satisfaction and enabling timely access to healthcare services.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• One year of clerical work required. Prefer this experience be in patient registration, medical office, or healthcare customer service.
• Proficiency with computer systems and electronic health records (EHR).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate degree or higher in healthcare administration or related field.
• Experience working in a hospital or clinical setting.
• Familiarity with insurance verification software and pre-authorization procedures.
• Bilingual abilities, especially in Spanish, to assist a diverse patient population.
• Certification in patient access or healthcare customer service.
• Basic knowledge of medical terminology and insurance processes.

Responsibilities:

• Greet patients and visitors in a professional and courteous manner, providing clear information and assistance.
• Collect and verify patient demographic and insurance information accurately during the registration process.
• Coordinate with clinical departments to ensure smooth patient flow.
• May be assigned switchboard duties as needed.
• May assist with Eligibility duties int he absence of these workers.
• Maintain up-to-date patient records in the hospital’s electronic health record (EHR) system, ensuring data integrity and confidentiality.
• Assist with insurance pre-authorizations and resolve any discrepancies or issues related to patient coverage.
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare providers to address questions and concerns regarding access and registration.
• Collect co-pays as required according to the patient's insurance or internal hospital policies.
• Adhere to hospital policies, HIPAA regulations, and other compliance standards to protect patient privacy and data security.

Skills:

The Patient Access Representative utilizes strong communication skills daily to interact effectively with patients, families, and healthcare staff, ensuring clarity and empathy in all exchanges. Attention to detail is critical when entering patient data and verifying insurance information to prevent errors that could impact billing and care delivery. Proficiency with electronic health record systems and scheduling software enables efficient management of patient appointments and records. Problem-solving skills are applied when resolving insurance issues or discrepancies, requiring collaboration with insurance companies and internal departments. Additionally, knowledge of healthcare regulations and privacy standards guides the representative in maintaining compliance and protecting sensitive patient information throughout all processes.