PA HC ASSOC II (PT)

Riverside Healthcare is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Patient Access Healthcare Associate II to join our team in Kankakee, Illinois. This role is essential for managing patient registration, insurance verification, and specimen processing within a fast-paced, patient-centered environment. The ideal candidate will have strong skills in customer service, registration, insurance compliance, and phlebotomy. They will demonstrate a mature, compassionate attitude and a professional demeanor while ensuring compliance with hospital policies and regulations while demonstrates flexibility with assignments within professional scope/duties/licensure.

FTE & Shift: 0.9 FTE (Full-Time) | Shift Varies

Essential Duties

• Patient Registration: Accurately collect, analyze, and record all required demographic, insurance/financial, and clinical data for scheduling, pre-registering, and registering patients from all payer classes. Ensure timely and accurate electronic entry of information into the system.
• Insurance and Compliance: Verify patient insurance coverage, including Medicare and Medicaid. Ensure compliance with payer requirements for medical necessity and precertification. Perform third-party eligibility and benefit verification to secure accurate payment.
• Customer Service: Provide exceptional customer service with a concierge-style approach. Interact compassionately with patients and their representatives, addressing their needs and explaining hospital revenue cycle expectations, payment options, and financial responsibilities.
• Specimen Processing and Phlebotomy: Perform phlebotomy, process drop-off specimens, and conduct routine EKG tracings as required. Verify specimen identification and labeling, ensuring specimens are delivered to the appropriate department within required time limits.
• Documentation and Record Management: Prepare and distribute required forms, documents, and reports. Maintain accurate patient records and ensure compliance with EMTALA, HIPAA, and other applicable regulations.
• Patient Flow and Coordination: Assist in managing patient flow for ambulatory care, pre-op testing, and clinics. Provide pre-test instructions, assist with documentation, and ensure proper preparation for tests/procedures.
• Problem Solving and Analysis: Analyze and resolve issues related to registration, insurance, and patient access. Use hospital resources to determine financial responsibilities and address any coverage concerns.
• Training and Support: Assist in the training of new personnel and support other healthcare staff as needed. Attend all advanced registration classes and mandatory department meetings.

Non-essential Duties

• Administrative Support: Sort and distribute mail and faxes. Conduct reminder calls for patient appointments and pre-register scheduled patients. Manage transportation of patients within the hospital as needed.
• Community and Specimen Collection: Assist with community health screenings, employee health physicals, and other departmental needs. Confirm specimen acceptability requirements and ensure accurate collection and delivery.
• General Assistance: Escort patients to exam rooms, take vital signs, and assist with procedures and diagnostic tests. Maintain logs of patients and procedures and perform other duties as requested.

Required Experience

• None

Preferred Experience

• Experience in a healthcare setting with a focus on patient access, registration, or insurance verification. 
• Phlebotomy experience and knowledge of EKG tracings preferred.
• Proficiency in using electronic health record (EHR) systems and healthcare software. 
• Strong customer service skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality. 
• Computer literate with a typing speed of 35 WPM minimum. 
• Spelling accuracy and the ability to perform general arithmetic are essential.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment, with a commitment to accuracy and problem-solving. 
• Demonstrated professionalism and a compassionate, customer-focused attitude.

Required Licensure/Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required. 
• Additional education or certification in medical terminology, healthcare administration, or a related field is preferred.

Preferred Education:

• No specific certifications required, although certifications in healthcare administration or patient access are a plus.

Employee Health Requirements

Exposure/Sensory Requirements:

Exposure to:

• Chemicals: Germicidal cleaners, toner for copier machines/printers. Preservatives for 24 hour urine/stool collection, x-ray developer and fixer solutions 
• Video Display Terminals: Average 
• Blood and Body Fluids: Responsible for phlebotomy-the risk from exposure to blood and body fluids through obtaining specimens and patient contact. Risk is minimized through the use of universal precautions. 
• TB or Airborne Pathogens: Potential exposure of airborne pathogens from direct patient contact. The risk is minimized through the use of universal precautions. 

Sensory requirements (speech, vision, smell, hearing, touch): 

• Speech: Required for communication with customers. 
• Vision: Needed to see clearly and read physician orders. 
• Smell: Helpful to note presence of electrical/fire safety. 
• Hearing: Needed to comprehend patients and physicians when obtaining information and for patient education to answer questions and confirm understanding of instructions. 
• Touch: Required for phlebotomy skills and computer input. 

Activity/Lifting Requirements 

Percentage of time during the normal workday the employee is required to: 

• Sit: 28% 
• Twist: 5% 
• Stand: 23% 
• Crawl: 0% 
• Walk: 10% 
• Kneel: 0% 
• Lift: 10%  
• Drive: 0% 
• Squat: 2% 
• Climb: 0% 
• Bend: 20% 
• Reach above shoulders: 2% 

The weight required to be lifted each normal workday according to the continuum described below: 

• Up to 10 lbs: Frequently 
• Up to 20 lbs: Frequently 
• Up to 35 lbs: Occasionally 
• Up to 50 lbs: Occasionally 
• Up to 75 lbs: Not Required 
• Up to 100 lbs: Not Required 
• Over 100 lbs: Not Required 

Describe and explain the lifting and carrying requirements. (Example: the distance material is carried; how high material is lifted, etc.): Required to lift infants/small children and some supply items. If a heavy object is being carried, a cart or wheelchair can be used to move it any distance. May need to assist a patient getting out of and back into their wheelchair. 

Maximum consecutive time (minutes) during the normal workday for each activity: 

• Sit: 60 
• Twist: 4 
• Stand: 10 
• Crawl: 0 
• Walk: 30 
• Kneel: 0 
• Lift: 5 
• Drive: 0 
• Squat: 2 
• Climb: 0 
• Bend: 1 
• Reach above shoulders: 5 

Repetitive use of hands (Frequency indicated): 

• Simple grasp up to 10 lbs. Normal weight: 2# often 
• Pushing &pulling Normal weight: 
• Fine Manipulation: Phlebotomy, typing/keyboarding, opening and closing drawers. 

Repetitive use of foot or feet in operating machine control: Foot pedals are used on sinks to provide a germ-free environment. 

Environmental Factors &Special Hazards 

• Environmental Factors (Time Spent): 
• Inside hours: 8 
• Outside hours : 0 
• Temperature: Normal Range 
• Lighting: Average 
• Noise levels: Average 
• Humidity: Normal Range 
• Atmosphere: 

Special Hazards: Exposure to powder in latex gloves. 

Protective Clothing Required: Lab coat, gloves, protective eye wear, mask (occasionally)