Patient Care Associate

Position Summary:
Under the direction of the Director, Patient Relations Center, the Patient Relations Associate (PRA) provides friendly, accurate, and efficient telephone customer service, and schedules appointments on PPHP's Clinical Information System (CIS).
As the front-line contact with PPHP's customers, the PRA responds in a personalized and sensitive manner with accurate information to arrange convenient appointments and provide accurate referrals for service.
In addition, the PRA assures departmental compliance with affiliate policies regarding appointments, confidentiality and accurately enters registration, insurance, and appointment data into the computer.
Essential Functions:
Answer in-bound telephone calls within three rings and according to protocol.
(i.e., Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic; this is Ernestine.
How may I help you?).
Answer callers' questions regarding hours, services, directions, prices, referrals, etc.
Forward callers with medical questions and concerns to appropriate health center staff.
Ask appropriate questions to determine type of visit necessary for the patient needs.
Schedule patient appointments on CIS using existing registration information or by processing a "mini" registration.
Accurately record insurance information on system; verify that coverage is in effect; verify that insurance covers the services being requested.
Obtain pre-authorization for services from third-party insurers as needed, and provide detailed documentation of such authorization.
Perform sliding fee scale assessment as required.
Screens and provides information on available programs, i.e., Family Planning Benefits Program (FPBP), Medicaid for Pregnant Women, etc.
Provide all information to ensure that the patient is prepared for his/her visit to a PPHP health center.