ER Registration Clerk

The ER Registration Clerk is responsible for the complete and accurate registration of all patients obtaining services at Northern Maine Medical Center.   Responsible for accurately gathering and entering patient information into the HMS system as received from the patient and/or physician office, verifying benefits for non-pre-registered patients and obtaining signatures on required forms.  Responsible for ensuring an efficient, complete and timely patient registration process that models the customer service philosophy of the organization.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Consistently demonstrate premier customer service and communication skills with all internal and external customers/contacts and ensure the patient and their family members have the best hospital encounter possible.
• Obtain, validate, and accurately enter in the computer system, the patient’s demographic and insurance information while maintaining an acceptable accuracy rate (95% plus) as evidenced by routine quality review.  Information may be obtained from the physician’s office or the patient via direct contact, telephone, or fax.
• Be familiar and knowledgeable of guardianships, POA and patient consents.
• Utilize online programs to verify insurance eligibility, benefits, authorization, and document findings in appropriate fields in HMS to insure insurance payment. When necessary, assist by contacting the insurance company for pre-authorizations and pre-certifications as required prior to patient receiving service when asked by supervisor.
• Effectively communicate with physician office staff, social services, payers, or external pre-certification organizations of service to resolve authorization issues and re-coordinate registrations as required.
• Collects and confirms complete patient demographic information- including employer, emergency contact, insurance, subscriber ID etc. – and case-specific information such as referring physician/primary care provider and diagnosis/chief complaint. Consistently obtain and copy/scan insurance cards and driver licenses.
• Ensure Medicare Secondary Payer Questionnaire is completed for Medicare eligible patients.
• Communicates to the patient the hospital’s policy on payment options when significant patient liabilities are discovered and provides them with the financial counselors contact information.
• Prepare pre-registrations and pre-admissions work on patients that are scheduled for admission, and oncology.
• Ensure patient confidentiality adhering to HIPAA guidelines.
• Ensures compliance with the EMTALA regulation for all patients.
• Log cash collected, generate receipts, and maintain balanced cash at all times.
• Responsible for knowing the functions of the phone system in order to professionally handle incoming calls, appropriately transfers calls, and assist with any internal calls when asked to do so by Department Supervisor. 
• Meet established quality and productivity standards for self and for the team. Track and monitor productivity as requested.
• Anticipate and adapt to change (e.g., hospital policy changes, operational/procedures, insurance changes) in a positive manner.
• Foster and reinforce team-based results.
• Adhere to time and attendance standards as outlined in the Human Resource Policy manual.  Provide proper notification of absence or tardiness within established departmental time frames.
• Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities (competencies) to perform the duties outlined above annually in the form of a test and/or as evidenced by daily quality review and direct observation of the Supervisor.
• Keep Department Supervisor apprised of any delays in the registration process.
• Processes patient records including entering and understanding patient charges.
• Scans and archives documents ensuring that written documentation with the test ordered, diagnosis and physician order is available for Medical Records and Patient Financial Service staff to review.
• Receives, processes, and coordinates bed requests for patient bed assignments.
• Performs duties in an independent manner with little or no supervision.
• Maintains a neat appearance of the ER Waiting room.
• Ensures the Emergency Preparedness (HICS) supplies are current at all times.
• Be familiar with the on-call schedules and admission pager system.
• Maintain NMMC code of conduct.
• Conforms to dress code.
• Must be crossed trained in all job functions to assist with proper coverage.
• Maintain a safe environment for patients and assist with “crowd control” in the waiting area.
• Performs such related duties not listed herein, but deemed in the best interest of Northern Maine Medical Center.