Patient Advocate

Overview

The Patient Advocate is responsible for maintaining contact with prospective Bariatric patients from the time of the Information Session through to surgery. S/he will maintain databases in readiness at all times for use for the Center of Excellence designation. The Patient Advocate will act as a liaison between patients, staff, and physicians to support excellent customer service.

Responsibilities

Administrative
* Inputs and maintains outcome data in accreditation database.

* Assists with the organization of and attends information sessions.

* Conducts insurance verification.

* Gathers patient information for meeting insurance criteria.

* Contacts patients regarding information sessions and addresses questions poised on the website.

* Attends staff and other meetings as required or requested.

* Ensures all procedures are pre-authorized at least 2 days out.

Communication
* Documentation of relevant communication with patient.

* Reports to Flagstaff Surgical Associates Office Manager and Bariatric Coordinator on a regular basis.

* Acts as a liaison for staff at Bariatric Clinic and Flagstaff Surgical Associates.

Compliance/Safety
* Responsible for reporting any safety-related incident in a timely fashion through the Midas/RDE tool; attends all safety-related training programs; performs work in a safe manner; monitors work environment for possible safety issues and ensures others are also performing work in a safe manner.

* Stays current and complies with state and federal regulations/statutes and company policies that impact the employee's area of responsibility.

* If required for the position, ensures all certifications and/or licenses are up-to-date and valid prior to expiration dates.

* Completes all company mandatory modules and required job-specific training in the specified time frame.

* Adheres to regulatory and organizational standards affecting patient care and safety as well as all hospital and departmental policy and procedures.

* Maintains timely and accurate documentation of assessments, interventions, EMR entries, and patient responses.

* Responds to new orders promptly in compliance with department policy.

* Completes charges in a timely manner and according to proper procedures.

Qualifications

Education
High School Diploma or GED- Required

Certification & Licensures
Fingerprint Clearance Card application number- Required upon hire

Fingerprint Clearance Card- Required within 90 days of hire

Experience
Secretarial experience- Preferred

Minimum 2 years experience in health care environment- Preferred

Healthcare is a rapidly changing environment and technology is integrated into almost all aspects of patient care. Computers and other electronic devices are utilized across the organization and throughout each department. Colleagues must have an understanding of computers, and competence in using computers and basic software programs.