Patient Access Specialist

SUMMARY: The Clinical Scheduler is responsible for effectively and professionally managing patient flow from arrival to departure; performing various clerical duties; deals with other clinic personnel, patients and visitors, and fellow employees to ensure good internal and public relations.  Handles incoming calls, schedules appointments, returns calls from patients, calls in prescriptions/changes as well as other phone responsibilities.   Other duties may be assigned.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES include the following.  Other duties may be assigned.

• Answer incoming telephone calls; handle patient concerns as appropriate or route to appropriate personnel.
• Schedule appointments according to doctor’s instructions and/or template in the Patient/Practice Management (Scheduling) system.
• Review and scan all lab results, correspondence and necessary documents in patient record.
• Handle incoming calls—take complete and accurate phone messages including caller’s name, telephone number.  For sick calls include signs and symptoms, drug allergies, present medications, and pharmacy phone number.  Prescription refills need to include name of drug, dosage, frequency and pharmacy phone number.  Document appropriately in EMR system.
• Return patient calls in a timely manner
• Call in prescriptions/changes according to doctor’s instruction (doctor’s order).  Document appropriately in EMR system.
• Check for accuracy of insurance status, eligibility, account information, and all vital statistics.
• Complete referrals and pre-certifications in a timely manner—should have a good understanding of all insurance companies and referral/ pre-certifications requirements.
• Must have predictable and consistent attendance

SECONDARY DUTIES

• Open mail daily.
• Maintain a clean and orderly work area.
• Check for accuracy of insurance status, eligibility, account information, and all vital statistics.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITES

• This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to cope with busy, challenging office environment.
• Strong phone skills
• Pleasant, courteous personality
• Basic typing and computer skills, (Patient/Practice Management (Scheduling) & Electronic Med. Records experience helpful) minimum 25 wpm typing
• Ability to communicate effectively both written and verbally.
• Minimum of two years’ experience in a physician’s office.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• High school education or equivalent.
• 3-5 years’ experience office environment in the medical field.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with patients, medical staff, and the public.   Ability to maintain quality control standards.  Ability to recognize problems and recommend solutions.  Ability to interpret, adapt and apply guidelines and procedures. Finally, articulate speech and pleasant, professional manner are necessary.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Healthcare Provider BLS Certification

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Must be able to stand/sit for 8 to 10 hours a day
• Requires regular walking, bending, pushing, pulling  and lifting
• Must be able to lift at least 10-15lbs
• Must be able to assist patients with transfers from chair to wheelchair, to exam tables, and back to wheelchair/chair
• Must be able to assist patient with turning/positioning on exam  table
• Must be able to push  patient in wheelchair
• Must be able to manipulate objects—reaching, grasping, handling
• Must exhibit good communication skills—understand, respond and translate into action

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Clinical setting; exposure to communicable diseases, medical preparations and other conditions common to a clinical environment.