Patient Access Services Representative I/II - PreService Registration

Position Overview

Kern Medical has been a community cornerstone since its founding in 1867. Today, this acute care teaching center with 222 beds offers the only advanced trauma care between Fresno and Los Angeles along with a wide range of primary, specialty, and multi-specialty services including high‑risk pregnancy care, inpatient psychiatric services integrated with county mental health programs, and a growing network of outpatient clinics providing personalized patient‑centered wellness care. Kern Medical cares for 15,500 inpatients and 125,000 clinic patients a year.

Position: Patient Access Services Representative I/II - PreService Registration

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: The Patient Access Services Representative I is the first level of the classification series. Incumbents possess hospital/healthcare knowledge or experience and are expected to gain specific knowledge regarding the importance of patient and insurance demographic information and available payment options. Assignments may be made in registration/admitting, financial counseling, or related patient access areas. This classification differs from Representative II, which performs more responsible, complex assignments.

Key Responsibilities

• Greet patients, review the process, and schedule appointments for exams or follow‑up.
• Assemble all data and documents required for complete patient registration including pre‑admission, admission, pre‑registration, and registration functions; complete all insurance verifications and authorizations.
• Enter all patient demographic information into the STAR system and use other departmental applications for eligibility and authorization.
• Assess patient financial responsibility and collect co‑pays, co‑insurances, out‑of‑pocket amounts, and deductibles at the time of admission.
• Screen admissions and inform referring physician offices, patients, and families about hospital policies and payment source procedures.
• Interview patients at the workstation or bedside to determine eligibility for state‑funded programs.
• Obtain and document funding information from patients and provide details on available funding resources; secure funding as required.
• Utilize payer resources and websites to assess eligibility; initiate referrals for Medi‑Cal, CMS, CCS, and KMCHP; and administer the KMC Financial Assistance Policy for discounted prices or charity care.
• Collaborate with all areas of the revenue cycle to identify and resolve issues or barriers.
• Enter various fiscally related data into databases and maintain fiscal records.
• Submit and respond to requests for information related to patient access processes, policies, or other queries; research and resolve customer issues.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Level I: High School Diploma, G.E.D. or equivalent AND six (6) months of patient access experience OR an equivalent combination of education, training, or experience.
• Level II: High School Diploma, G.E.D. or equivalent AND one (1) year of patient access experience OR an equivalent combination of education, training, or experience.
• Must maintain all health requirements designated by Kern Medical.
• Knowledge of state and federal funding programs (e.g., Medicare, Medi‑Cal, CCS, TRICARE/CHAMPUS, Workers’ Compensation), commercial insurance payers, billing and reimbursement guidelines, medical/insurance terminology, and HIPAA privacy and compliance practices.
• Ability to communicate effectively (both orally and in writing), obtain necessary information from diverse sources, utilize computers and software effectively, and maintain professional working relationships.
• Capability to perform multiple tasks in a fast‑paced environment, with frequent interruptions; ability to lift, carry, push, or pull files and sit at a workstation for prolonged periods.
• A background check will be conducted.

Benefits & Perks

• New Hire Premium: +6% of base rate of pay, matched up to 6% if contributed to the Deferred Compensation Plan.
• Shift Differential Pay: varies per classification.
• A Comprehensive Benefits Package including Holidays, Paid Time Off, Retirement, and Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance.

Compensation

The estimated pay for this position is $20.1561 to $27.9418. The rates shown include a 6% premium pay (base plus 6%), reflecting only a portion of the total Compensation package. Additional compensation may be available through differentials, incentives, and bonuses. This position may also be eligible for company contributions to the Kern County Employees’ Retirement Plan.

Equal Opportunity Employer: This employer notifies all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.