Admission Registration Specialist I-29102

About the Role

The Registration Specialist I is responsible for reviewing patient registration for all types of admissions to ensure patient and guarantor demographic and insurance information is complete and current. This role involves assisting patients with understanding their insurance options and collecting patient financial responsibilities, all while acting in a courteous and respectful manner and advocating for the patient's best interest.

Key Responsibilities

• With a high degree of accuracy, collects, verifies, and enters patient demographic, employer, financial, emergency contact, insurance, subscriber, and case-specific information (e.g., referring physician, diagnosis) into Epic.
• Consistently has patients sign and scan necessary documents for admission completion (e.g., consent, ID, insurance card, MIMS, OBS, COB).
• Accurately obtains and interprets patient insurance benefits and communicates this information to patients and co-workers.
• Collects Point-of-Service (POS) collections, including ED copays, coinsurance, deductibles, self-pay, and outstanding balances.
• Determines and accurately communicates patient financial obligations with respect to the patient.
• Performs registration functions consistent with Federal, State, and Local regulatory agencies, payer requirements, and organizational policies and procedures, including HIPAA privacy and security regulations, and JACHO.
• Performs the Admission Notification (NOA) process to secure payment for a patient's inpatient stay.
• Completes OB registration upon receiving patient calls during OB triage.
• Complies with the Emergency Medical Treatment & Labor Act (EMTALA).
• Informs patients of hospital policies governing the revenue cycle.
• Minimizes potential financial risk by discussing financial responsibilities, past due balances, and referral requirements with patients/guarantors, and negotiating resolutions.
• Follows the three-patient identifier standard and Just Culture process to prevent errors.
• Communicates coverage-related concepts to patients, such as pre-certification and out-of-network coverage.
• Receives and responds to or directs telephone inquiries from patients, payers, physicians, internal departments, and other entities.
• Functions as the Patient Admission Department during evening, night, and weekend hours when the department is closed, to ensure seamless admissions.
• Exercises good customer service skills when communicating with patients and internal customers, finding satisfactory resolutions or escalating to a supervisor when necessary.
• Interacts and collaborates with numerous departments to resolve issues and analyze information for hospital reimbursement.
• Maintains a working knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations, Rush University Medical Center's Organizational Integrity Program, Standards of Conduct, and other policies and procedures, ensuring honest, ethical, and professional behavior.
• Guards to assure that HIPAA confidential medical information is protected.
• Attends regular EPIC training sessions or other relevant training.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor/manager.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Basic understanding of the core Microsoft suite offerings (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Basic keyboarding skills.
• EPIC (for data entry and training).

Qualifications

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• Excellent communication, outstanding customer service, and listening skills.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data.
• Critical thinking, sound judgment, and strong problem-solving skills.
• Team oriented, open minded, flexible, and willing to learn.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to prioritize and function effectively, efficiently, and accurately in a multi-tasking, complex, fast-paced, and challenging department.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions and established procedures.
• Ability to function independently and manage own time and work tasks.
• Ability to maintain accuracy and consistency.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associates Degree in Accounting or Business Administration.
• Experience within a hospital or clinic environment, a health insurance company, managed care organization, or other health care financial service setting, performing medical claims processing, financial counseling, financial clearance, accounting, or customer service.
• Knowledge of insurance and governmental programs, regulations, and billing processes (e.g., Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security Disability, Champus, Supplemental Security Income Disability).
• Knowledge of managed care contracts and coordination of benefits.
• Working knowledge of medical terminology and anatomy and physiology.