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 mid-level registration/access functions and insurance procedures, including familiarity with insurance network parameters
Ability to problem solve
Mid-level understanding of medical terminology and diagnosis/procedural codes
Ability to remain calm in stressful situations with patience and understanding
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
Strong training, leadership, and mentoring skills
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
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.
Serves as a liaison between patient, facility, and physicians to ensure exams, tests, and procedures are scheduled timely, accurately, and appropriately. Communicates special requests and add-ons with appropriate department team as needed.
Communicates with departments throughout the facility when barriers to the current schedule present.
Serves as a resource and trainer for less experienced and new staff; orients, guides and mentors team members to help build confidence and competency in skills, knowledge and abilities.
SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Schedules patients for complex services (e.g., surgery, special procedures) on a routine basis accurately on the appropriate schedule. Synchronizes the appointment calendars in order to effectively schedule patients according to physician/department availability and urgency of patient service requirements as needed. May also provide pre-registration services.
Obtains valid and compliant orders and schedules patients based on the physician order and according to department criteria. Enters all diagnostic services, surgical services and special procedures on the schedule as applicable.
Confirms patients’ appointments, instructs on location and directions to facility/department, relays pre-appointment preparations, and arranges for patients to have interpreter, mobility, or other assistance as needed for the visit.
Establishes/updates the hospital account record to include detailed patient demographic and insurance information in EHR system, selecting insurance plans and payers, and medical necessity determination.
Responds promptly to requests by staff, patients, and physicians; reschedules and/or cancels appointments as needed. Assists with resolving EHR work queues that support scheduling. Generates reports and assists with department correspondence as directed.
QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Communicates to resolve patient access and quality service matters. Keeps open channels of communication with physician, patient, and service areas regarding action taken and outcome. Resolves complex problems and issues.
Schedules patient appointments utilizing standard operating procedures and enters data into EHR system with a high level of thoroughness, accuracy and timeliness.
Meets scheduling goals set by the department (e.g., abandonment rate, productivity/ activities per hour, etc.).
FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Gathers demographic and insurance information so that the patient’s insurance may be verified, authorization obtained, and patient’s portion determined prior to the patient’s date of service.
Organizes time effectively, minimizing incidental overtime, and sets priorities. Utilizes time between heavy workloads efficiently and helps other team members.
GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development. Generates and communicates new ideas and suggestions that will improve quality or service.
SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
WORK ATTIRE
Uniform: Yes
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

 Work Shift: 1 - Day (United States of America)

 Job Category: Non-clinical

Houston Methodist Hospital is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the No. 1 hospital in Texas and one of America’s “Best Hospitals.” As a full-service, acute-care hospital located in the Texas Medical Center and the flagship hospital of Houston Methodist, it has evolved into one of the nation’s largest nonprofit teaching hospitals and a leader in innovative medical research with a comprehensive residency program. Two of Houston Methodist’s primary academic affiliates are among the nation’s leading health care organizations: Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Houston Methodist also has affiliations with Texas A&M University and the University of Houston. Houston Methodist Hospital offers unparalleled care for thousands of patients from around the world.
 Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
