Patient Access Associate I

With over 150 years of caring for our community and each other in the Washington, DC area, Howard University Hospital has a world-renowned reputation for high-quality, patient-centered care. As the nation’s only teaching hospital located on the campus of a Historically Black University, Howard University Hospital provides a superior learning environment supported by groundbreaking research, education, and positive patient outcomes.

Howard University Hospital seeks to hire a Patient Access Associate I who will embrace our reach and historic tradition of excellence. If you want to make a difference in someone’s life every day, consider joining a team of professionals who are committed to providing exceptional service and ensuring every patient has a positive experience.

The Patient Access Associate I:

• Provides exceptional customer service to patients, family members, clinicians, third-party payers, hospital employees, and coworkers.
• Performs patient registration and verifies demographic, financial, and insurance information for patients receiving hospital and ancillary services.
• Contacts insurance carriers and/or utilizes automated insurance verification systems to determine insurance coverage and eligibility.
• Reviews and verifies insurance information through applicable eligibility systems, including HDX Eligibility.
• Follows applicable government regulations and requirements related to Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP), Medicare Secondary Payer Questionnaire (MSPQ), and Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN).
• Obtains and verifies required patient, insurance, financial, accident, and referral information.
• Contacts patients, guarantors, family members, attorneys, or other appropriate parties to obtain missing or inaccurate information when necessary.
• Utilizes Siemens EDM (Electronic Document Management) and other applicable systems to electronically capture, scan, and maintain documents supporting the patient's electronic medical record.
• Verifies patient information in all applicable registration pathways and systems.
• Electronically scans or copies identification cards, driver's licenses, insurance cards, referrals, and other required financial or registration documents.
• Obtains signatures on required hospital and regulatory forms.
• Utilizes Soarian Scheduling and other scheduling systems to schedule appointments for hospital clinics and ancillary departments.
• Supports the Nursing Staffing Office, physicians, and hospital administrators with patient bed placement activities.
• Utilizes TeleTracking and applicable registration systems to complete ADT transactions and accurately document changes in patient status or type.
• Communicates financial and insurance information to Financial Counselors, Case Management, and other appropriate departments when necessary.
• Enters laboratory and radiology orders into applicable hospital systems.
• Identifies self-pay patients and patients who may qualify for Medicaid and refers them to the appropriate teams for further assistance and completion of required applications.
• Collects copayments, deductibles, and other patient payments in designated service areas.
• Accepts and secures patient valuables when the Cashier's Office is closed, in accordance with hospital procedures.
• Cross-trains and provides support within various patient registration and access areas as needed.
• Maintains accuracy and confidentiality of patient information in accordance with HIPAA and hospital policies.
• Participates in department and hospital team-building activities, training, quality improvement initiatives, and workshops.
• Promotes adherence to the Health Sciences Compliance Program, Howard University Code of Ethics, and Health Sciences Standards of Conduct.
• Attends required compliance, HIPAA Privacy, and other mandatory training.
• Participates in activities that promote compliance with federal healthcare program requirements.
• Performs other related duties and responsibilities as assigned. The above responsibilities are a general description of the level and nature of work assigned to this classification and are not intended to be all-inclusive.

A qualified candidate will possess:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required;
• Associate's degree preferred.
• Three (3) years of experience in patient access/registration, billing, cash collections, insurance, pre-certifications, or related experience in a medical center, hospital, or physician office environment.
• Knowledge of medical terminology preferred.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced healthcare environment with frequent interruptions.
• Proficiency with computers and applicable registration, scheduling, and electronic documentation systems.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive patient and financial information appropriately.
• Must be able to work rotating weekends and remain flexible to departmental needs, including days, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Must pass a typing test administered by the Human Resources Department.
• Consideration may be given to an appropriate combination of education, training, and experience.

At Howard University Hospital, our job is to care for you. We do this by offering:

• Work-life balance
• Recognition and rewards for professional expertise
• Competitive, comprehensive benefit plans
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Disability benefits
• Vacation and sick leave
• 403(b) retirement plan

Pay + Schedule

Pay Range: $19.47 – $31.16 per hour
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Schedule: Day Shift, 8:00am - 4:30pm, Monday–Friday; must be available to work rotating weekends, and holidays based on departmental and operational needs.