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San Mateo Medical Center (SMMC) is seeking an experienced Patient Services Specialist (PSS) - Extra-Help.
 
The successful hire will support the clinical team with all registration, eligibility, enrollment, authorization, other administrative tasks, and Admission, Discharge, and Transfer (ADT) activities for SMMC. The PSS serves as the ambassador for SMMC to validate information and educate our patients and guests with the financial process upon arrival to the facility. The PSS verifies all demographic information, validates eligibility, obtain authorizations, collects co-payments, assist with all payor notifications and communication, and enroll patients if needed. The hire will be expected to work holidays and rotating weekends, if needed, to support department needs.
 
The ideal candidate for this position will possess excellent communication skills, including the ability to explain complex medical terminology and medical insurance requirements to individuals with varying levels of medical knowledge. Additionally, they should have strong skills in conflict resolution and problem-solving.

The ideal candidate will also be able to collaborate effectively with the clinical team, work with challenging patients, and assist those who may have language or communication barriers. This position requires keen attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to multi-task. Furthermore, the ideal candidate must be flexible and available for various shifts throughout the week.

NOTE: This is an extra-help, at-will assignment, paid on an hourly basis. Extra-help hours are dependent on the business needs of the department and therefore work hours may vary from week to week. Extra help employees shall not exceed 1,040 hours of work per fiscal year. Some extra help positions are eligible for benefits under the Affordable Care Act. Extra help employees are not guaranteed permanent status at the end of the assignment.

 

Examples Of Duties

 

• Perform difficult, complex, technical, and/or specialized patient services office support and business office support work, which may require the exercise of independent judgment, the application of technical skills, and/or a knowledge of detailed or specialized activities related to the area to which assigned.
• Research and assemble information from a variety of sources for the completion of forms or the preparation of reports; make arithmetic or statistical calculations related to the billing for patient medical services.
• Provide information to the public or to County staff regarding fees, insurance coverages, etc., that requires the use of judgment and the application and interpretation of policies, rules or procedures.
• Interview patients to provide information and obtain necessary financial responsibility and personal data.
• Collect co-payments, assist with payor and recodes accounts if needed.
• Type varied materials/processes using a computer; proofread and check such materials for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with departmental policies and regulations.
• Enter and retrieve data and prepare reports using an on-line or personal computer system; review such reports for accuracy and make corrections as required.
• Oversee and personally perform a variety of office administrative details such as ordering supplies, arranging for the repair of equipment, transmitting information, and keeping reference material up to date.
• May train others in work procedures or direct the work of others on a project or relief basis.
• Check the Patient Access work queues daily to identify accounts that may need immediate attention and resolve them appropriately. 
• To be willing and able to work holidays, if needed, to support the department needs.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

 

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Medical terminology as related to patient services support work.
• Policies and procedures related to patient services office support and hospital or clinic business office activities.
• Office administrative practices and procedures, including filing and the operation of standard office equipment.
• Basic business data processing principles and the use of word processing or computing equipment.
• Proper form for typed materials.
• Business arithmetic, including percentages and decimals.
• Correct English usage, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Record keeping principles and procedures.

Skill/Ability to:

• Perform technical, specialized, complex or difficult patient services office support work.
• Organize, prioritize and coordinate work activities.
• Read, interpret and apply rules, policies and procedures.
• Organize, research and maintain patient and general office files.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Compose routine correspondence from brief instructions.
• Make arithmetic calculations with speed and accuracy.
• Use initiative and sound independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Operate standard office equipment, including a word processor, personal or on-line computer, and centralized telephone equipment.

Note: Specific positions may require the ability to type at a rate of 40 net words per minute from printed copy.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:

• One year of journey level office support experience in a patient-services setting.

 

Application/Examination

 

If you are interested in being considered for this extra-help position, the following materials must be electronically submitted in a Word or PDF format.
- Cover letter
- Resume
- Responses to the following questions:

1.) Describe the training, education, and experience that have prepared you for the position of Patient Services Specialist. Include your knowledge with medical terminology and medical insurance information and requirements. Please include any experience working with Admitting, Same Day Surgery, and Emergency Departments. 

2.) Describe your methods to successfully multi-task and deal with last minute changes and interruptions. Provide a specific example. 

3.) Describe your experience working as a liaison for a diverse patient population, to provide assistance and obtain necessary financial information and personal data. Describe the methods and process you used to be successful. Be specific.

Please include the words "Patient Services Specialist - Admitting - Extra-Help (Open)" in the subject line of email submission. Please submit the required materials electronically via email to:
 

Keshni Kumar, Director of Patient Access

kkumar2@smcgov.org

Application materials will be reviewed as they are received, and well-qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Apply immediately. Application materials will be accepted until positions are filled. This posting is open on a continuous basis and selection may be made at any time within the process.
 
NOTE: Application materials are only accepted via e-mail. Materials sent via regular mail and/or fax will not be accepted.