GIRMC Patient Registration Specialist I - Emergency Department

GENERAL SUMMARY: 

Supports timely and accurate patient access by completing registration, check-in, and financial intake activities across assigned service areas. Collects and verifies patient demographic and insurance information, secures required consents, and explains payment expectations to support accurate billing and a positive patient experience. Ensures compliance with regulatory, privacy, and organizational standards while serving as an initial point of contact for patients, families, and visitors. 

PRINCIPAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

1. Commits to the mission, vision, beliefs and consistently demonstrates our core values.   

2. Registers and admits patients in person, by phone, or at the bedside by collecting and entering complete demographic and insurance information. 

3. Verifies insurance coverage, identifies payer requirements, and escalates authorization or coverage issues as appropriate. 

4. Explains payment policies, financial responsibility, and available payment options; collects copays, deductibles, and other required payments. 

5. Obtains, reviews, and witnesses required registration and financial consent forms. 

6. Prepares and provides patient cost estimates when applicable. 

7. Identifies uninsured, underinsured, or self-pay patients and refers them to financial counseling resources. 

8. Maintains accurate patient records, updates account information, and documents relevant notes in the electronic medical record. 

9. Supports departmental operations by answering phones, managing work queues, assembling patient documents, and following downtime procedures. 

10. Assists patients, families, and visitors in a professional and courteous manner while maintaining confidentiality and service excellence standards. 

11. Coordinates real-time patient registration in a 24/7 emergency setting, including bedside registration and rapid data capture. 

12. Supports emergency workflows by coordinating bed assignments and communicating accurate patient information to EMS and clinical teams. 

13. Activates and responds to emergency access protocols and works closely with security, law enforcement, and house supervision. 

14. Performs follow-up activities for incomplete registrations, including work queue management and patient outreach. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

High school diploma or equivalent required. Previous clerical, customer service, or healthcare-related experience preferred. Meets legal age requirement (19 years of age) to witness patient consents. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

Requires frequent standing, walking, and movement throughout the Emergency Department while utilizing a mobile workstation for bedside patient registration. Frequent keyboarding, reaching, bending, and data entry are required. Must be able to push and maneuver registration equipment, communicate effectively with patients and staff, and occasionally lift or move items up to 50 pounds. Exposure to communicable diseases, bodily fluids, and other healthcare-related hazards may occur. Appropriate safety precautions and PPE are provided and required. Ability to work in a fast-paced healthcare environment with frequent interruptions and changing priorities is essential.