JOB SUMMARY

At Houston Methodist, the Pre-Registration Associate position is responsible for pre-registration and pre-service collections tasks for ancillary, diagnostic and surgical services, and for confirming and entering pertinent demographic and insurance information in the Electronic Health Record (EHR). The Pre-Registration Associate employs effective communication skills in all interactions and promotes and adheres to excellent customer service standards.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Job responsibilities labeled EF capture those duties that are essential functions of the job.

PEOPLE - 10%

• Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team focused work unit that actively helps one another achieve optimal department results. (EF)
• Contributes to patient, employee, and physician satisfaction. Proactively presents solutions to resolve access to care issues when possible. (EF)

SERVICE - 25%

• Applies patience and diplomacy to sensitive situations, such as conflict regarding financial responsibility. (EF)
• Confirms registration and insurance data and obtains missing information with the patient or patient guardian/representative. Ensures all Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regulatory items are completed properly, including Medicare Secondary Payer Questionnaire (MSPQ). (EF)
• Responds promptly to requests by staff, patients, and physicians. (EF)

QUALITY/SAFETY - 30%

• Follows department telephone scripting guidelines when interacting with patients to maintain a high quality of service. (EF)
• Performs and appropriately documents the required number of attempts, according to policy, to contact the patient prior to the date of service to complete pre-registration tasks and collect patient liabilities. (EF)
• Ensures documentation standards are followed and account notations are made in the appropriate system(s) timely and accurately. (EF)
• Completes high-quality work while adhering to productivity standards. (EF)
• Uses safety protocols to properly identify each patient and ensures correct patient identifiers are properly noted in the account and all printed material for their visit. (EF)

FINANCE - 25%

• Collects patient payments and negotiates as needed to meet minimally acceptable patient financial responsibility. If applicable, extends payment plans after receipt of the minimum required payment. (EF)
• Ensures protection of personal information. Adheres to all Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliance regulations. (EF)
• Organizes time effectively, minimizing incidental overtime, and sets priorities. Utilizes time between heavy workloads efficiently and helps other team members. (EF)

GROWTH/INNOVATION - 10%

• Displays initiative to improve job functions. Demonstrates adaptability and flexibility during changing demands. Offers suggestions to streamline process for efficient patient flow. (EF)
• Participates in various department and/or entity/system-wide projects and activities. Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development. (EF)

This job description is not intended to be all inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

o High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

o One year of healthcare experience in registering patients for medical services, contacting insurance providers or verifying insurance

o Collection experience preferred