**Working Conditions:** Training will be conducted onsite. Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM **Working Hours:** Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Shifts may vary between 7:00am to 5:30pm. **JOB SUMMARY** The Patient Access Associate I exhibits a high level of customer service while verifying and preparing all patient accounts for inpatient and outpatient billing in order to maximize payment for Hospital and Clinic services from all sources. Reviews and verifies all payment methods available (insurance, self-pay, agency), verifies patient/insurance information, works with patients to set up payment arrangements and to arrange/apply for assistance programs, assists in collecting copayments and deductibles, and problem solves basic billing inquiries. **ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE ROLE** OBTAINS/CONFIRMS AND ENTERS/UPDATES DEMOGRAPHIC AND INSURANCE INFORMATION FOR ALL PATIENTS Consistently confirms, enters, and/or updates al required demographic data on patient and guarantor on registration system. Secures and/or explains copies of insurance card(s), forms of ID, and signature(s) on all required forms Consistently completes the Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) questionnaire, if applicable. Verifies insurance to determine coordination of benefits and obtains authorization and/or referrals as required. Accurately updates the emergency department room tracking system, if applicable. Follows procedures when identifying a patient and applying the patient identification bracelet, if applicable. Registers patients during downtime following downtime procedures and enters data into registration system immediately upon system availability. VERIFIES INSURANCE COVERAGE, SCREENS PATIENT FOR POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES, AND SETS EXPECTATIONS FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF SERVICES. Verifies financial information to determine insurance coordination of benefits, pre-certification/prior-authorization requirements by contacting the insurance company or through other verifying technology Informs self-pay patients of prepayment requirements or screens for funding sources Prepares estimate of procedures, calculates advance payment requirements, informs patient of acceptable payment arrangements on previous and current balances Refers potentially eligible patients to contract eligibility vendor(s) to pursue funding reimbursement Maintains departmental and/or individual reports as required Coordinates with clinical areas to establish patient financial expectations and assist in the resolution of revenue cycle issues ASSURES ACCURATE AND TIMELY RESPONSE TO PATIENT FINANCIAL INQUIRIES RELATED TO THEIR CARE AT SCOTT & WHITE Provides an escalation pathway for account issues which cannot be resolved Explains/answers patient billing inquiries and interprets data to resolve accounts Explains alternative medical financing; assists in completion of applications and contracts in order to meet patient needs while assuring maximum reimbursement to Scott & White Plans, organizes, and accomplishes tasks according to priority to effectively meet departmental and patient needs COLLECTS, POSTS, AND RECONCILES ALL PAYMENTS FROM PATIENTS Consistently collects patient payments and provides receipt accurately completing all required fields Accurately posts all payments on system Accurately reconciles receipts with cash collected and completes required balancing forms CONSISTENTLY DOCUMENTS PATIENT ACCOUNT APPROPRIATELY FOR RECONCILIATION PURPOSES Documents patient account notes for all interactions/transactions Images all documents as defined by leadership PERFORMS OTHER POSITION APPROPRIATE DUTIES AS REQUIRED IN A COMPETENT, PROFESSIONAL, AND COURTEOUS MANNER **KEY SUCCESS FACTORS** Computer proficient. Excellent verbal communication skills. Ability to handle difficult situations and customers. Previous office, medical practice, hospital registration, or customer service experience Ability to determine patients' primary, secondary, and tertiary payer sources. Knowledge of all major governmental and non-governmental payer sources **BENEFITS** Our competitive benefits package includes the following - Immediate eligibility for health and welfare benefits - 401(k) savings plan with dollar-for-dollar match up to 5% - Tuition Reimbursement - PTO accrual beginning Day 1 Note: Benefits may vary based upon position type and/or level **QUALIFICATIONS** - EDUCATION - H.S. Diploma/GED Equivalent - EXPERIENCE - 1 Year of Experience As a health care system committed to improving the health of those we serve, we are asking our employees to model the same behaviours that we promote to our patients. As of January 1, 2012, Baylor Scott & White Health no longer hires individuals who use nicotine products. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to ensuring a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.