Bariatric Patient Advocate

Northside Hospital is award-winning, state-of-the-art, and continually growing. Constantly expanding the quality and reach of our care to our patients and communities creates even more opportunity for the best healthcare professionals in Atlanta and beyond. Discover all the possibilities of a career at Northside today.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Authorizations and Benefits

1. Obtain knowledge of payer requirements and policy benefit structure
2. Formulate working knowledge of Coordination of Benefits as it relates to financial management
3. Keeps current on payer trends through utilization of website, email and bulletin communications
4. Utilizes website, portal and electronic options when available to increase efficiency
5. Documents and communicates activities appropriately
6. Other duties as assigned

Patient Advocate

1. Highly involved in developing the pathway from seminar to surgery for bariatric patients. Will facilitate and manage post-procedure support groups.
2. Provides financial counseling services regarding payment arrangements and financial advising for all potential General Surgery and Bariatric patients, including uninsured and underinsured patients presenting a financial need by phone or in person
3. Coordinate, facilitate and present Bariatric Education Seminars for prospective patients
4. Demonstrate knowledge of Northside Hospital Bariatric Center of Excellence to potential patients, while also exhibiting courteous and cooperative behavior with patients and their families.
5. Provide and arrange proper guidance for patients interested in the General and Bariatric Surgery Program by providing information on the program’s procedures, as well as acquiring financing and insurance benefit information
6. Improve and participate in the ongoing effort to increase community awareness of the practice and program
7. Distribute brochures, bio cards, organize and attend physician and patient education events.
8. Record and maintain comprehensive documentation of patient enrollment activities
9. Notifies appropriate departments of determination and outcomes via verbal and written communication as appropriate
10. Quote prices and self-pay fees as requested by physicians and/or patients
11. Assist accounting with any patient assistance needs
12. Answer patient calls and requests promptly and efficiently
13. Refer patients as appropriate to outside social services organizations
14. Other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES/LICENSE OR CERTIFICATION REQUIRED

1. BA/BS preferred; or minimum five years’ experience in Bariatric patient management

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES/LICENSE OR CERTIFICATION PREFERRED

1. Strong customer service delivery skills
2. Self-motivated, independent work skills
3. Working knowledge of government and managed care benefit structures
4. Working knowledge of Bariatric service line and strong foundation in patient support programs
5. Professional written and verbal communication skills
6. Detailed and results oriented individual
7. Strong interpersonal skills