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Patient Access Representative I

Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States


Job Description Summary
Medical University Hospital Authority (MUHA)

Worker Type
Employee

Worker Sub-Type
Regular

Cost Center
CC002306 CHSCorp - Hospital Admissions

Pay Rate Type
Hourly

Pay Grade
Health-20

Scheduled Weekly Hours
32

Work Shift
Evening (United States of America)

Position Purpose
Reporting to the Patient Access Manager, the Patient Access Associate exhibits a high level of customer service while verifying and preparing all patient accounts for inpatient and outpatient billing in order to maximize payment for Hospital and Clinic services. The role reviews and verifies all payment methods, verifies patient/insurance information, works with patients to set up payment arrangements, assists in collecting copayments and deductibles, and problem‑solves basic billing inquiries.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Obtain, confirm, and enter or update demographic and insurance information for all patients.

Secure and explain copies of insurance cards, forms of ID, and signatures; scan them into the imaging documentation system.

Complete the Medicare Secondary Payer questionnaire when applicable.

Discuss Advanced Directives with patients and obtain a copy for the patient’s record when available.

Review all regulatory forms and information with the patient, such as Notice of Privacy Practice and Billing information.

Verify insurance using Real Time Eligibility, payer website, or phone to determine coordination of benefits and obtain authorization or referrals as required.

Apply the patient identification bracelet when applicable.

Register patients during downtime following procedures and enter data into the registration system upon availability.

Perform service recovery at the point of service with patients and visitors when needed.

Verify insurance coverage, screen patients for potential funding sources, and set expectations for reimbursement of services.

Inform self-pay patients of prepayment requirements and screen for funding sources.

Prepare estimates of procedures, calculate advance payment requirements, and inform patients of acceptable payment arrangements for current and future balances.

Refer potentially eligible patients to contract eligibility vendors to pursue funding reimbursement.

Coordinate with clinical areas to establish financial expectations and assist in resolving revenue cycle issues.

Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge, requirements, and skills to perform daily duties and meet key performance metrics.

Collect, post, and reconcile all payments from patients.

Consistently collect patient payments and provide accurate receipt completion.

Call patients before the date of service to inform them of expected financial liability and educate them on benefits.

Coordinate with providers when a payment cannot be collected; secure waivers for services when necessary.

Accurately post all payments on the system and reconcile receipts with cash collected.

Complete required balancing forms at the end of the shift.

Perform other position‑appropriate duties in a competent, professional, and courteous manner.

Physical and Cognitive Requirements

Stand, sit, walk, and sometimes climb stairs while performing job functions.

Work indoors in confined or cramped spaces as needed.

Use both hands and arms continuously; lift and carry up to 15 lbs. unassisted.

Maintain 20/40 vision (corrected if necessary) and equal vision in both eyes.

Perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements.

Work in a latex‑safe environment.

Other requirements specific to certain positions include respirator use and olfactory/olfactory sensory functions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Excellent customer service skills.

Proficient oral and written communication abilities.

Negotiation techniques for professional collection of owed funds.

Knowledge of insurance plans and benefits.

Computer literacy and proficiency in multiple applications, such as Microsoft Office.

Typing speed of 35–40 wpm (certified typing test required).

Eye‑hand coordination and manual dexterity.

Use of office equipment: computer terminals, telephone, copier.

Knowledge of medical terminology.

Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and work weekends including Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and flexible staggered shifts.

Capable of substantial walking throughout the shift.

Education Requirements

Associate Degree or High School Diploma with 2 years of customer service experience.

Patient Access Certification (preferred).

One year of relevant experience in a medical office or hospital (preferred).

Additional Job Description
High school diploma or equivalent (GED) with 1 year of customer service experience; ability to interpret and apply financial procedures and regulations preferred; previous experience with hospital information systems or word processing preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.

E‑Verify Program
Medical University of South Carolina participates in the federal E‑Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the E‑Verify program, please visit: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees

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