Houston Methodist
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Patient Access Associate
role at
Houston Methodist .
3 days ago. Be among the first 25 applicants.
Overview At Houston Methodist, the Patient Access Associate position is responsible for obtaining and entering accurate demographic and insurance information in the electronic health record (EHR) for patients presenting at the various entry points of the facility. The role performs cashiering functions, ensuring all hospital accounts are secure by collecting required copay, deductible, and coinsurance. It also performs a medical necessity check to ensure compliance with Medicare guidelines. The associate uses effective communication skills to promote excellent customer service in every interaction and is required to adhere to all relevant legal requirements, including EMTALA and HIPAA.
FLSA Status Non‑exempt
Qualifications Education
High School diploma or equivalent (e.g., GED, homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post‑secondary education).
Experience
Two years of experience in a strong customer‑service environment.
Preferred: One year of registration experience in a hospital environment.
Licenses and Certifications None required.
Skills and Abilities
Demonstrated competencies through ongoing assessments.
Proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing English necessary for patient or employee safety.
Effective communication with patients, physicians, family members, and co‑workers.
Ability to multi‑task and flexibly meet patient and departmental requirements.
Knowledge of basic registration/access functions and insurance procedures.
Problem‑solving ability.
Calm, patient, and understanding in stressful situations.
Excellent customer service and professional communication skills.
Proficient computer skills and ability to learn multiple software programs.
Attention to detail and accuracy.
Essential Functions People
Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic team focused on achieving optimal departmental and organizational results.
Communicates openly in a non‑judgmental, professional manner during all interactions with customers and co‑workers.
Service
Obtains and records accurate demographic and insurance information on patients by interviewing patients, family members, and physicians. Ensures correct insurance plan codes are utilized for billing.
Explains consent forms, obtains signatures, and responds to questions professionally.
Contributes to departmental and hospital patient experience. Proactively seeks solutions to address patient issues and concerns and alerts management in a timely manner to any unusual and/or difficult situations impacting the level of service.
Quality/Safety
Ensures protected health information remains private and confidential in accordance with HIPAA guidelines.
Uses patient identifiers consistently to properly identify patients and the correct medical records. Refrains from issuing new medical record numbers to patients with existing accounts.
Meets departmental goals such as registration error rate and productivity per hour.
Finance
Ensures ordered services meet established medical necessity criteria when applicable.
Collects payments, performs insurance verification, determines patient out‑of‑pocket expenses, and offers payment options.
Fulfills monthly cash collection goals and accurately posts receipts. Balances cash drawer daily and follows policy regarding cash receipting.
Organizes time effectively, minimizing overtime, sets priorities, and assists other team members.
Growth / Innovation
Displays initiative to improve job functions, demonstrates adaptability during changing demands, and offers suggestions to streamline patient flow.
Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development.
Supplemental Requirements Work Attire
Uniform: Yes
Scrubs: No
Business professional: Yes
Other (department‑approved): Yes
On‑Call
Employees may be required to be on‑call during emergencies (e.g., disaster, severe weather events).
On‑call required: No
Travel
Travel specifications may vary by department.
May require travel within Houston Metropolitan area: No
May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area: No
Seniority Level Entry level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Health Care Provider
Industries Hospitals and Health Care
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Patient Access Associate
role at
Houston Methodist .
3 days ago. Be among the first 25 applicants.
Overview At Houston Methodist, the Patient Access Associate position is responsible for obtaining and entering accurate demographic and insurance information in the electronic health record (EHR) for patients presenting at the various entry points of the facility. The role performs cashiering functions, ensuring all hospital accounts are secure by collecting required copay, deductible, and coinsurance. It also performs a medical necessity check to ensure compliance with Medicare guidelines. The associate uses effective communication skills to promote excellent customer service in every interaction and is required to adhere to all relevant legal requirements, including EMTALA and HIPAA.
FLSA Status Non‑exempt
Qualifications Education
High School diploma or equivalent (e.g., GED, homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post‑secondary education).
Experience
Two years of experience in a strong customer‑service environment.
Preferred: One year of registration experience in a hospital environment.
Licenses and Certifications None required.
Skills and Abilities
Demonstrated competencies through ongoing assessments.
Proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing English necessary for patient or employee safety.
Effective communication with patients, physicians, family members, and co‑workers.
Ability to multi‑task and flexibly meet patient and departmental requirements.
Knowledge of basic registration/access functions and insurance procedures.
Problem‑solving ability.
Calm, patient, and understanding in stressful situations.
Excellent customer service and professional communication skills.
Proficient computer skills and ability to learn multiple software programs.
Attention to detail and accuracy.
Essential Functions People
Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic team focused on achieving optimal departmental and organizational results.
Communicates openly in a non‑judgmental, professional manner during all interactions with customers and co‑workers.
Service
Obtains and records accurate demographic and insurance information on patients by interviewing patients, family members, and physicians. Ensures correct insurance plan codes are utilized for billing.
Explains consent forms, obtains signatures, and responds to questions professionally.
Contributes to departmental and hospital patient experience. Proactively seeks solutions to address patient issues and concerns and alerts management in a timely manner to any unusual and/or difficult situations impacting the level of service.
Quality/Safety
Ensures protected health information remains private and confidential in accordance with HIPAA guidelines.
Uses patient identifiers consistently to properly identify patients and the correct medical records. Refrains from issuing new medical record numbers to patients with existing accounts.
Meets departmental goals such as registration error rate and productivity per hour.
Finance
Ensures ordered services meet established medical necessity criteria when applicable.
Collects payments, performs insurance verification, determines patient out‑of‑pocket expenses, and offers payment options.
Fulfills monthly cash collection goals and accurately posts receipts. Balances cash drawer daily and follows policy regarding cash receipting.
Organizes time effectively, minimizing overtime, sets priorities, and assists other team members.
Growth / Innovation
Displays initiative to improve job functions, demonstrates adaptability during changing demands, and offers suggestions to streamline patient flow.
Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development.
Supplemental Requirements Work Attire
Uniform: Yes
Scrubs: No
Business professional: Yes
Other (department‑approved): Yes
On‑Call
Employees may be required to be on‑call during emergencies (e.g., disaster, severe weather events).
On‑call required: No
Travel
Travel specifications may vary by department.
May require travel within Houston Metropolitan area: No
May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area: No
Seniority Level Entry level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Health Care Provider
Industries Hospitals and Health Care
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