Patient Access Representative

Patient Registration Representative – ON-SITE Three Rivers, MI Join our team in beautiful Three Rivers, Michigan, as a Patient Registration Representative, where you’ll play a vital role in ensuring a smooth, professional, and compassionate experience for every patient.

You will be responsible for welcoming and registering patients, collecting and verifying essential information, managing co-pays and insurance verifications, and maintaining compliance with all regulatory standards and health system policies.

You will report directly to the department’s designee and serve as one of the first touchpoints for patients entering the healthcare system.

The ideal candidate brings excellent interpersonal skills, a strong understanding of healthcare registration procedures, and a commitment to outstanding service and patient care.

Our Mission, Values & Service GoalsMission: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.Values: Trust.

Respect.

Integrity.

Compassion.Service Goals:Personally connectKeep everyone informedBe on their team Core Responsibilities Patient Registration & IntakeProfessionally greet patients presenting for services, ensuring a positive and compassionate initial interaction.Conduct in-person or telephone interviews to obtain essential demographic, insurance, and physician information.Efficiently input patient data into financial systems using tools like Cerner, STAR, and Pathways Healthcare Scheduling (PHS).Validate patient identity with appropriate forms of ID and insurance cards.Collect applicable co-payments, deductibles, and post payments using cash, checks, or credit cards.Maintain and reconcile a personal cash drawer, ensuring all financial transactions are accurate and secure.Print itemized bills upon request and explain patient financial responsibility as needed.Obtain all necessary forms and signatures, including Consent to Treat, Assignment of Benefits, and Medicare-related documentation.Provide and explain Advanced Beneficiary Notices (ABNs) and complete Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) questionnaires.

Insurance Verification & AuthorizationUtilize online tools, portals, and telephone resources to verify insurance coverage and eligibility.Access and interpret eligibility data to confirm coverage and out-of-pocket responsibilities.Confirm pre-certification requirements and coordinate with referring providers and insurers to obtain authorizations.Accurately document authorization numbers to ensure proper and timely billing processes.Use tools like the MCA Compliance Checker to validate medical necessity when applicable.Refer patients with high self-pay balances or lacking coverage to financial counselors or eligibility specialists.

Patient Coordination & Clerical DutiesNotify appropriate units of patient arrival and prepare related materials, such as ID bands, labels, and charts.Arrange patient escorts to the appropriate area or room using wheelchairs or walking support as needed.Answer department phones professionally and direct inquiries based on established policies.Process faxes, emails, and other communication from units, departments, and external providers to support real-time patient updates.Ensure accurate and timely documentation for all patient interactions.Maintain required documentation and audit tools, including the Financial Clearance Workstation (FCW).Assist with departmental statistics and reporting upon request.

Compliance & Operational ExcellenceEnsure adherence to HIPAA guidelines, confidentiality protocols, and patient rights.Maintain awareness of all departmental policies and applicable regulatory standards.Utilize universal precautions and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as needed.Attend all required training, meetings, and competency assessments on time.Support the organization’s goals through high-quality, patient-centered service delivery.

Organizational Responsibilities As a Beacon Health System associate, you are expected to:Attend and participate in department meetings.Complete all mandatory education and competencies within assigned timeframes.Stay compliant with employee health requirements and required certifications.Uphold safety protocols and infection control procedures in all patient interactions.Adapt to flexible scheduling and occasional overtime as department needs arise.Maintain complete awareness of department and system-level operational protocols.

Beacon Way – Our Operating System As a representative of Beacon Health System, you are expected to embody our six-point operating philosophy:Leverage Innovation Everywhere: Embrace technology and change to improve care and service.Cultivate Human Talent: Support your own growth and the growth of those around you.Embrace Performance Improvement: Constantly look for ways to improve processes and results.Build Greatness Through Accountability: Own your role and deliver excellence.Use Information to Improve and Advance: Make data-informed decisions.Communicate Clearly and Continuously: Share information openly and consistently.

Required Education & ExperienceHigh school diploma or equivalent preferred.Minimum 1 year of hospital, clinic, or medical office experience preferred.Completion of a medical terminology course is required within the first year of employment.College coursework or an Associate's degree in healthcare administration or a related field preferred.CHAA certification (Certified Healthcare Access Associate) is highly preferred.

Skills & CompetenciesMinimum 40 words-per-minute typing speed with accurate data entry skills.Proficiency with common office tools and software, including multi-line phone systems, computers, printers, and fax machines.Excellent telephone etiquette and verbal communication skills.Demonstrated knowledge of insurance plans, healthcare regulations, and medical billing terminology.Ability to navigate multiple health information systems (Cerner, PHS, Relay Connect, STAR, etc.).Strong understanding of time-of-service collections and ability to clearly explain patient financial responsibilities.Attention to detail, with the ability to audit and correct financial and demographic information.Exceptional interpersonal skills, demonstrating compassion, professionalism, and discretion at all times.Effective communication with patients from diverse cultural and language backgrounds.Strong problem-solving, organization, and multitasking capabilities under pressure.

Physical DemandsAbility to walk, sit, or stand for extended periods.Frequent bending, reaching, stooping, twisting, and light lifting (up to 15 lbs).Must possess physical stamina and dexterity to handle front-line registration tasks efficiently.