Patient Access Specialist - Omaha, NE, United States

Description · At Children's Nebraska, our mission is to improve the life of every child through exceptional care, advocacy, research and education. As the state's only full-service pediatric healthcare center, we provide comprehensive, holistic care to our patients and families—f ...

Job description

Description

At Children's Nebraska, our mission is to improve the life of every child through exceptional care, advocacy, research and education. As the state's only full-service pediatric healthcare center, we provide comprehensive, holistic care to our patients and families—from primary and specialty care to behavioral health services and everything in between. Dedicated to a People First culture, we foster an environment with joy, belonging, wellbeing, learning and growth. Turn your passion into purpose and make a difference where it matters most.

A Brief Overview

The Patient Access Specialist plays a vital role in managing patient flow by completing full registrations, conducting check-ins and check-outs, coordinating point-of-care scheduling, and assisting patients in enrolling in Children's Nebraska digital platforms by providing guidance and technical support as needed. This role serves multiple areas, including the Emergency Department (ED), Inpatient units, Radiology, and various other departments. The Patient Access Specialist ensures a smooth and efficient patient experience, contributing to streamlined operations and high levels of patient satisfaction.

Essential Functions

• Patient Registration
  • Perform full patient registrations in the hospital's electronic health record (EHR) system, including verifying and updating demographic information, determining guardianship and guarantor responsibilities, and securing all insurance information.
  • Ensure accurate and complete registration documents are obtained, meeting hospital and regulatory standards.
  • Collect necessary patient co-pays and other payment information as applicable.
  • Manage additional registration tasks, such as handling In Basket messages and work queues (WQs).
• Check-In and Check-Out
  • Conduct patient check-ins and check-outs, providing patients with necessary information regarding their appointments, procedures, or admissions.
  • Confirm appointment details, direct patients to appropriate waiting areas, and provide discharge instructions upon check-out.
  • Answer patient questions regarding hospital services, registration processes, and estimated wait times, ensuring a welcoming and informative environment.
• Point-of-Care Scheduling
  • Handle point-of-care scheduling for follow-up appointments, procedures, or additional services as directed by healthcare providers.
  • Coordinate closely with clinical teams to manage real-time scheduling needs in high-demand areas like the ED, Inpatient units, and Radiology.
  • Provide patients with appointment details and instructions for future visits, ensuring that scheduling aligns with their treatment plans.
• Customer Service
  • Adhere to Children's Nebraska customer service standards.
  • Ensure a positive and professional demeanor during all patient interactions, resolving scheduling inquiries promptly and courteously.
  • Respond to patient questions regarding available appointment times, provider availability, and service locations, and facilitate follow-up as needed.
• Departmental Collaboration
  • Act as a liaison between clinical departments, the ED, and Radiology to support patient flow and minimize delays.
  • Collaborate with clinical and administrative staff to optimize check-in, check-out, and scheduling processes, contributing to a seamless patient experience.
  • Assist in managing walk-in patients, coordinating with relevant departments to accommodate immediate care needs.
• Compliance and Documentation
  • Maintain confidentiality of patient information and adhere to HIPAA and hospital policies regarding data security and patient privacy.
  • Document all registration, check-in, check-out, and scheduling information accurately in the EHR, ensuring records are current and accessible to relevant team members.

Education Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent Preferred

Experience Qualifications

• Customer service experience Preferred and
• Experience in patient registration, healthcare administration, or a similar role within a hospital or clinical setting preferred. Preferred

Skills and Abilities

• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills, with a focus on patient-centered care.
• Ability to multitask and stay organized in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Detail-oriented, with a commitment to accuracy in documentation and patient information.
• Effective communication skills for interacting with patients, families, and healthcare teams.

Licenses and Certifications

• Primarily on-site in patient-facing areas, such as the ED, Inpatient departments, Radiology, and walk-in clinics.
• Variable shifts including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed, especially for ED and Inpatient coverage.
• Casual positions will be required to be on call. Staff may be asked to take on call for areas that are open 24/7
• Bilingual skills preferred; candidates must pass a bilingual proficiency test to qualify for bilingual pay. Preferred

Children's is an equal opportunity employer, embracing and valuing the unique strengths and differences of people. We cultivate an inclusive environment of respect and trust where we all belong. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, age, gender identity, religion, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.