Patient Access Specialist I

Pioneer Medical Center is a 25-bed critical access hospital, essentially the county hospital for Sweet Grass County, Montana: Population 3700. We are in a beautiful valley along the Yellowstone River, between three mountain ranges, just north of Yellowstone National Park. We serve our neighbors (ranchers, skilled trades people and active retirees) and the many tourists who come here on their way to Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, or to fish the Yellowstone, hike, bike, hunt or just get away from overcrowded places. Big Timber is a vibrant and welcoming small town, an hour from Bozeman and Billings. Our schools are highly rated, with high community support.

Pioneer Medical Center has an immediate opening for a part-time Patient Access Specialist I to join our Pioneer Medical Center team.

PURPOSE/DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Under the general supervision of the PAS Supervisor, performs assigned receptionist and administrative duties in accordance with established procedures.

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ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

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DESCRIPTION

1. Supports and models behaviors consistent with Pioneer Medical Center’s mission, vision, values, code of business conduct and service expectations. Meets all mandatory organizational and departmental requirements. Maintains competency in all organizational, departmental, and outside agency standards as it relates to the environment, employee, patient safety or job performance.

2. Answers multi-line telephones, directs calls and takes messages as needed.

3. Receives/greets and assists visitors whenever possible or directs to the appropriate individual or department as needed.

4. Accepts payments and writes receipts.

5. Completes online registration information gathering demographic and insurance information including passport provider information and accident information which results in the ability to provide correct information for patients, guarantor, and insurance follow-up.

6. Sorts, routes, and distributes incoming mail, transcription, and diagnostic reports appropriately and timely. Ensures outgoing mail is ready for pickup at the designated time.

7. Schedules physician appointments with PMC medical providers. (Clinic Only)

8. Orders and maintains office supply inventory.

9. Distributes physician schedules and calendars.

10. Utilizes quality improvement principles to assess and improve quality.

11. Identifies needs and sets goals for own growth and development; meets all mandatory organizational and departmental requirements.

• Maintains competency in all organizational, departmental, and outside agency safety standards as it relates to the environment, employee, and patient/resident safety.
• Performs other duties as assigned or needed to meet the needs of the department/organization.
• Completes administrative and clinical filing.
• Scans records into EMR, as necessary.
• Assists nursing staff in delivering lab specimens to PMC lab and escorts patients to lab and x-ray when needed.

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KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• PMC policy and procedures, both organizational and departmental
• Personal computers, hardware, and software
• Confidentiality requirements
• Patient’s /resident’s rights
• Customer service
• Telephone etiquette

SKILL IN:

• Professional communication skills, both verbal and written
• Current facility software programs
• Operating multi-line telephone
• Effective time management

ABILITY TO:

• Incorporate cultural diversity and age-appropriate care into all aspects of communication and patient care; scope of services provided will encompass age groups from infant through geriatric
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbal and written
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships
• Remain calm and professional in difficult or emergent situations
• Concentrate and pay close attention to detail and work independently
• Must be able to handle multiple tasks at one time
• Maintain composure in a position that has considerable deadlines, customer contact, and high volume
• Be flexible to facilitate change

COMPLEXITY & DIFFICULTY:

• Registration errors can result in incorrect identification of the patient, guarantor and financial information necessary to facilitate billing and collection procedures resulting in loss of reimbursement and patient satisfaction issues.

• Data entry errors can result in loss of revenue and patient satisfaction issues

• Inappropriate scheduling practices can result in loss of productivity and patient satisfaction issues

• Position requires highest degree of integrity and confidentiality due to the sensitive nature of information handled; failure to maintain patient confidentiality could result in legal action and patient satisfaction issues

• This position involves primarily clerical duties. It must be recognized that any requests for medical information need to be directed to the appropriate personnel.

• The major challenges of this position are to complete all functions of the job in a timely and efficient manner, provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere to all patients, staff, and visitors. Maintain professional and open communications with all parties during both calm and difficult or emergent situations.

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MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school graduate or equivalent

• Previous experience as a receptionist/secretary, preferred

• Prior health care experience, helpful

• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience relating to the above tasks, knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered

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WORKING CONDITIONS

Normal office environment. May be required to work varying shifts.

Blood Borne Pathogen Category: Category I: Tasks that involve exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues.

Blood Borne Pathogen Category: Category II: Tasks that may involve occasional exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues, but are not a part of the routine job description. Appropriate protective measures are readily available to every employee engaged in Category II tasks.

Pioneer Medical Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.'

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