At Houston Methodist, the Patient Access Analyst position is responsible for the audit, analysis and resolution of patient accounts and processes with regards to patient access and billing procedures. This position works closely with Patient Access teams, Health Information Management staff, and others, serving as a point-of-contact for the assigned patient access functional area. Duties for the Patient Access Analyst position include analyzing information in the electronic medical record, ensuring data integrity, and reviewing data flows for process improvement opportunities. The Patient Access Analyst position communicates various activities to interested parties or team members as they relate to issue identification and resolution and assists management with various operations duties as needed.

PATIENT AGE GROUP(S) AND POPULATION(S) SERVED
Refer to departmental "Scope of Service" and "Provision of Care" plans, as applicable, for description of primary age groups and populations served by this job for the respective HM entity.

HOUSTON METHODIST EXPERIENCE EXPECTATIONS

• Provide personalized care and service by consistently demonstrating our I CARE values:
  • INTEGRITY: We are honest and ethical in all we say and do.
  • COMPASSION: We embrace the whole person including emotional, ethical, physical, and spiritual needs.
  • ACCOUNTABILITY: We hold ourselves accountable for all our actions.
  • RESPECT: We treat every individual as a person of worth, dignity, and value.
  • EXCELLENCE: We strive to be the best at what we do and a model for others to emulate.

• Practices the Caring and Serving Model

• Delivers personalized service using HM Service Standards

• Provides for exceptional patient/customer experiences by following our Standards of Practice of always using Positive Language (AIDET, Managing Up, Key Words)

• Intentionally collaborates with other healthcare professionals involved in patients/customers or employees' experiential journeys to ensure strong communication, ease of access to information, and a seamless experience.

• Involves patients (customers) in shift/handoff reports by enabling their participation in their plan of care as applicable to the given job

• Displays cultural humility, diversity, equity and inclusion principles

• Actively supports the organization's vision, fulfills the mission and abides by the I CARE values

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team-focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal departmental and organizational results.

• Partners with Patient Access team members, Billing office and/or Health Information Management staff, and others for issue identification and resolution.

• Assists in identifying trends and opportunities for staff training. Develops training aids as needed.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Monitors electronic health record (EHR) work queues that support patient access and assists with resolving problem areas.

• Researches accounts as they relate to patient identity and demographic issues. Refers accounts for merging as appropriate.

• Responds promptly to requests by staff, patients, and physicians. Assists other areas of patient access operations as needed.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Communicates to resolve patient access and quality service matters. Keeps open channels of communication with respective team members and service areas regarding action taken and outcome.

• Determines the correct action to be taken to ensure the integrity of the data.

• Adheres to department standards for productivity, timeliness, and quality.

• Compiles, maintains, and reports various patient information as it relates to Quality Assurance.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Reviews patient accounts, investigates data, and resolves account issues to ensure timely billing and reimbursement.

• Organizes time effectively, minimizing incidental overtime, and sets priorities. Utilizes time between heavy workloads efficiently and helps other team members.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Generates and communicates new ideas and suggestions that will improve quality or service.

• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

EDUCATION

• High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Four years of customer service experience to include two years of experience in hospital revenue cycle operations

• Admitting, registration, or patient account resolution experience preferred

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• N/A

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations

• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security

• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

• Ability to multi-task and flexibility to meet the needs of patients, physicians, and department

• Knowledge of basic registration/access functions and insurance procedures/requirements

• Ability to problem solve and apply critical thinking skills

• Excellent customer service and professional communication skills

• Proficient computer skills and ability to learn and navigate multiple software programs

• Ability to handle detail work accurately and rapidly

• Self-directed and ability to work independently

• Ability to prioritize and apply time management skills

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform No
• Scrubs No
• Business professional Yes
• Other (department approved) Yes

ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* No

TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

Since its founding in 1919, Houston Methodist Hospital has earned worldwide recognition. Houston Methodist Hospital is affiliated with the Weill Medical College of Cornell University and New York-Presbyterian Hospital, one of the nation's leading centers for medical education and research.  In 2020, U.S. News & World Report named Houston Methodist Hospital to its top ranked Honor Roll for the fourth time and second consecutive year. 2020 also marked the ninth year in a row Houston Methodist Hospital has been named the No. 1 hospital in Texas. Houston Methodist Hospital directs millions of research dollars into patient care and offers the latest innovations in medical, surgical and diagnostic techniques. With 952 operating beds, 85 operating rooms and over 8,000 employees, Houston Methodist offers complete care for patients from around the world.

 

The same high-quality care for which Houston Methodist is known is available at several Emergency Care Centers in Houston and the surrounding areas.  These Emergency Care Centers house exam rooms, full digital radiography suite, low radiation dose 16-slice CT scan, ultrasound and a full on-site stat chemistry lab.