With energy and purpose, Cooley Dickinson Health Care, a member of the Mass General Brigham system, is advancing health care in western Massachusetts, and has been since 1886. Our network employs more than 2,000 medical professionals and support staff, at our main Hospital campus in Northampton and additional locations in twelve towns throughout the Pioneer Valley. Cooley Dickinson's VNA & Hospice is also a vital part of our network, providing home-based services throughout Hampshire and Franklin counties.
OUR BENEFITS:
In addition to competitive pay, all Cooley Dickinson employees who work 20 hours or more per week have access to the following benefits with no waiting period:
A range of health, dental, vision, prescription, and life insurance benefits.
A generous and flexible Earned Time Off program starting at six weeks accrual per year.
403(b) retirement plan with various investment options.
Opportunities and support for continued education including tuition reimbursement.
MAIN FUNCTION:
The Schegistrar is responsible for performing patient appointment scheduling for various departments hospital wide and is responsible for the accurate registration of all patients which includes verifying patient demographic and correctly choosing the appropriate insurance plan. The Schegistrar maintains a variety of scheduling work queues.
This position reports to the Central Scheduling Supervisor and operates within established organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Accurately schedule any outpatient ancillary service as outlined by departmental policy and procedures either directly with patients or at the request of the physician's office.
Explain multiple examinations, scheduling options, and exam preparations.
Interview incoming patients, or their representative, to obtain all pertinent and financial information required for the proper preparation of all forms and records.
Accurately and comprehensively collect and verify demographic and insurance information from patients and/or their representatives and enter it into applicable databases in a sensitive and timely manner.
Verify patient insurance coverage with Third Party Payers and determine eligibility by utilizing appropriate applications.
Work productively with all members of the Central Registration Team. Accept and contribute to all goals and objectives established by management.
Receive referral and orders from physician offices, patients, their representatives, and visiting nurse associations. Schedule patients according to location of service requested utilizing the current scheduling system. Instruct patients and/or physician offices of patient prep instructions.
Interact effectively with patients and doctor's offices in order to gather correct, complete data necessary to ensure that clinical and fiscal responsibilities are facilitated, for both the patient and the hospital. Follow manual procedures when computer system is not functioning properly.
Provide excellent customer service to both internal and external customers. Strive for the goal of achieving a positive experience for the patient.
Schedule all patients' appointments via the current scheduling system. Notify physicians' offices and insurance companies if a prior authorization is required. Educate patients and their representatives about insurance authorizations as needed. Perform medical necessity checks and advise physician's office if additional information is required. Follow insurance guidelines and keep up to date with all insurance requirements and stipulations in order to obtain reimbursement.
Maintain scheduling work lists which includes the order requiring appointment, appointment requiring order, fax backs, call backs, etc. in a timely manner.
Effectively work within multiple computer systems to complete all scheduling tasks.
Call patients at home when needed to verify information and to reschedule and/or remind of appointments.
Stay current with new regulations of the many public and private insurance companies which patients carry; such as Medicare, Blue Cross HMO's, Health New England, Tufts, Worker's Comp, and Liability - pre-authorization approval guidelines. Utilize eligibility checkers such as Emdeon, Medifax, NEHEN and various websites. Follow guidelines in order to attain the appropriately benefit, eligibility and co-payment information and update the Hospital based computer system accordingly.
Advise non insured patients of Hampshire Health Connect and provide contact information.
Provide patient information in accordance with regulations governing divulgence of information (HIPAA).
Maintain confidentiality of all patients' records and data. Interface with medical records and billing department as required based on department, hospital, and patient care needs.
Provide coverage for extra shifts in case of unexpected absence of staff members or for vacation coverage for patient care needs. Work a flexible schedule as needed for business purposes.
Maintain established hospital and departmental policies and procedures, objectives, confidentiality, quality improvement program, compliance, safety, infection control and environmental standards.
Maintain professional growth and development through attendance at seminars, workshops, conferences or in-services, professional affiliations or journals to stay abreast of current trends in field of expertise.
Meet annual competency and retraining requirements.
Attend meetings as required.
Perform other functions/duties as requested.
Qualifications
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
High school diploma or equivalent required
Previous patient appointment scheduling and patient registration preferred
One (1) to three (3) years administrative and in-person customer service experience required, preferably in a health care setting
Demonstrated knowledge of medical terminology required
Spelling and typing competence with computer experience essential
Familiarity with and understanding of most hospital outpatient exams, major health insurers, and general coverage issues preferred
Excellent oral and written communication skills required; the ability to communicate effectively with the public, physicians and all hospital personnel in a high volume setting; and the ability to multi task required
EEO Statement
It is the policy of Cooley Dickinson Health Care to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, Cooley Dickinson Health Care will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Cooley Dickinson Health Care embraces diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, and encourages people of color, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ candidates, and people from other underrepresented groups to apply.
