Patient Services Specialist I - UHC 4th Floor Medicine Specialties (Galveston)

Patient Services Specialist I - UHC 4th Floor Medicine Specialties (Galveston)**Galveston, Texas, United States****New**Clerical & Administrative SupportUTMB HealthRequisition # 2602992**EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:****Minimum Qualifications:**+ Associate's degree and no experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience relevant to the role may be considered for this position.**LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS OR CERTIFICATIONS:****Required:**For departments reporting under Health System Ambulatory Operations, a valid Basic Life Support (BLS) certification must be obtained within 90 days of hire. Certification must be maintained for the duration of their employment in this position.**JOB SUMMARY:**The Patient Services Specialist I creates a positive patient experience by consistently exceeding expectations in customer service and patient care, by coordinating clerical and medical activities of a healthcare team, patient registration activities, and facilitating access to UTMB services for new and returning patients.**ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:****Customer Service:**+ Provides high level customer service in all interactions with internal and external customers.+ Provides direct, professional, and knowledgeable interactions with patients, physicians, referral sources, and the treatment team.+ Answers calls accurately and with exceptional customer service at all times.+ Ensures caller's needs are met and accurate information is obtained.+ Ensures calls are documented and triaged appropriately ensuring patient satisfaction and patient safety. Completes telephone encounter process if appropriate.+ Acts as patient advocate and liaisons with various departments to meet mutual goals.+ Maintains patient confidentiality regarding access to patient and other clinical information via email, computer, fax and mail.+ Addresses concerns of patients, provides service recovery, and escalates issues as needed.**Scheduling:**+ Applies the policies of the clinical entity to schedule appointments.+ Coordinates financial counseling for day surgery.+ Completes reminder calls to patients for scheduled appointments.+ Educates patient/responsible parties regarding billing process and any additional financial responsibilities including third party benefits information.+ Provides out of pocket cost estimates to patients.+ Counsels patients about unpaid bills.+ Obtains future appointments at time of service for clinic follow-up, referrals, and ancillary services.**Arrival:**+ Arrives patients and prepares paperwork/chart for visit.+ Appropriately receipts all monies collected, tokens distributed, and deferments authorized.**Registration:**+ Verifies, ensures eligibility, and pre-registers patients by obtaining patient demographics and third-party coverage(s) at every encounter.+ Obtains and documents information required for third party reimbursement.+ Ensures compliance with Medicare and third-party coverage.+ Communicates with patient, referral source, UTMB physician and clinical staff regarding any obstacle to access or authorization.**Disposition:**+ Fully dispositions each patient within the designated timeline.+ Adheres to internal controls established for department.**Marginal or Periodic Functions:**+ Performs related duties as required.+ Adheres to internal controls established for department.+ Reads all OSA Announcements and relevant communications relating to job duties.+ Successfully completes competency-based training and testing on an annual basis.+ Prioritizes and completes all work in an accurate, effective, and efficient manner.+ Locks office and secures files containing money or confidential information when away from workstation.+ Properly disposes of printed patient information, logs off computer when leaving workstation and keeps passwords confidential.+ Participates in team meetings/activities and supports the philosophy and goals of the team/department.**KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:**+ Proficient in use of PC with experience in Excel, Word, and database management packages.+ Analytical and ability to collect and trend data.+ Knowledge of patient care and patient problems.+ Excellent human relations and written and oral communication skills.+ Ability to problem-solve.**WORKING ENVIRONMENT/EQUIPMENT:**+ Standard hospital, clinical, and/or office environments.+ Standard office equipment.**SALARY RANGE:**Actual salary commensurate with experience.**WORK SCHEDULE:**On-site, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.**Equal Employment Opportunity**UTMB Health strives to provide equal opportunity employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. As a Federal Contractor, UTMB Health takes affirmative action to hire and advance protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.Compensation