PA HC ASSOC II (FT SHIFT VARIES)

Riverside Healthcare is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Patient Access Healthcare Associate II to join our team in Coal City, 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 | 8-12 Hour Shifts (Shifts Vary)  | Some Weekends
• Week Days: 7:00 A - 7:30 P
• Weekends: 7:00 A - 4:30 P

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.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.

Our Commitment to You:

Riverside Healthcare offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and nationally rated employee well-being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more – so your journey at and away from work is remarkable.  Our Total Rewards package includes:

Compensation

• Base compensation within the position’s pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training
• Premium pay such as shift differential, on-call
• Opportunity for annual increases based on performance

Benefits - .5 to 1.0 FTE

• Paid Time Off programs
• Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
• Educational Assistance Program

Benefits - .001 to .49 FTE:

• Paid Leave Hours accrued as you work

Preferred Experience:

• Experience in a healthcare setting with a focus on patient access, registration, or insurance verification. 
• 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. 
• Certificate of completion from school for Phlebotomy course and practicum or 1 year of experience as a phlebotomist. 

Preferred Education:

• Additional education or certification in medical terminology, healthcare administration, or a related field is preferred.
• Certifications in healthcare administration or patient access are a plus.
• Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) preferred, but not required.

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)