Patient Access Associate

Job Overview

Overview

The Patient Access Associate creates accurate and thorough registration records for each patient visit. Secures appropriate signatures, financial information and documents. Screens for benefit eligibility on appropriate accounts. Initiates collection process for patients that have not been pre-registered and informs them of deductibles, coinsurance and copayments. Interacts in a customer focused and compassionate manner to ensure patients and their representative’s needs are met, and that they understand the medical center’s policies for the resolution of patient financial liabilities and the various available payment options.

Why UnityPoint Health?

Why UnityPoint Health?   

Commitment to our Team – We’re proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.   

Culture – At UnityPoint Health, you matter. Come for a fulfilling career and experience a culture guided by uncompromising values and an unwavering belief in doing what's right for the people we serve.   

Benefits – Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in.    

• Caring is what we do, and it starts with our team members: expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program as we support you both personally and professionally.  
• You can only give your best when you feel your best, and we help you live well with dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members to give you peace of mind.   
• We strive to make things easier and more personal in health care to set us apart from the rest, and you can experience that commitment through early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, a tuition reimbursement program designed to help you further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family in the way that works for you.  

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commitment – At UnityPoint Health, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together. Our collective goal is to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected.  

Development – We believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is an essential part of delivering a remarkable employment experience.  

Community Involvement – Be an essential part of our core purpose—to improve the health of the people and communities we serve.   

Hear more from our team members about why UnityPoint Health is a great place to work at  https://dayinthelife.unitypoint.org 

Responsibilities

Registration

• Accurately and thoroughly collects, analyzes and records patient demographic, insurance/financial and clinical data in computer system.
• Completes eligibility check and obtains benefits though electronic means or via phone contact with insurance carriers or other agencies.
• Contacts patients/families/physicians to obtain additional demographic/insurance information and update in computer system if needed in order to proceed with verification process.
• Verifies that complete and valid orders are on file for each patient.
• Obtains information and completes MSPQ and other payer-specific documents.
• Reviews and explains all registration forms prior to obtaining signatures from patient or appropriate patient representative.
• Notifies patients of need for ABN (for Medicare) or no covered waiver requirements.
• Documents on accounts using hospital account note with activity comments to ensure easy account follow-up.
• Requests patient to bring required documents on day of service, i.e., physician orders, insurance cards, claim forms, liability information, photo ID, etc.
• Ensures each patient’s identification band is correct.
• Arranges or assists with patient transport as necessary.

Collections

• Explains benefits and requests copay as well as deductible and coinsurance as applicable.
• Identifies prearranged payment commitment and follows instructions as outlined by the financial clearance department.
• Ensures that all monies collected are secured or turned over to Cashier.
• Balances cash drawer daily.
• Identifies patients in financial hardship and refers to Patient Financial Coordinators/Certified Application Counselors for charity/financial assistance.
• Refers to Cash Posting Specialists patients requiring payment plans.
• Identifies payer requirements for preauthorization. If preauthorization not in place, contact Financial Clearance Department.

Qualifications

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED