About Sarasota Arthritis Center
Sarasota Arthritis Center is a leading private rheumatology practice serving patients across Sarasota and Manatee counties. Our team of board-certified rheumatologists, advanced practice providers, and clinical staff specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis, autoimmune diseases, and other rheumatologic conditions. With multiple locations, in-house infusion suites, laboratory services, and a clinical research program, we are committed to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care using the most advanced therapies available. At Sarasota Arthritis Center, we prioritize compassionate care, clinical excellence, and a collaborative team environment dedicated to improving the quality of life for our patients.
Overview
The Patient Care Coordinator plays a vital role in delivering excellent patient care by ensuring a smooth and welcoming experience for patients at the beginning and end of their visit. This position is responsible for greeting patients, verifying insurance information, collecting co-pays, scheduling follow-up appointments, and ensuring all administrative duties are completed accurately and efficiently. This position will be trained to perform both check-in and check-out duties to ensure flexibility and coverage and to support seamless patient flow and team collaboration.
Key Responsibilities
Check-In
- Welcome patients with a friendly and professional demeanor upon arrival.
- Accurately check patients in, verify necessary information, and update records as needed.
- Verify and update patient demographic and insurance information in the electronic health records (EHR) system.
- A week prior to patients coming in, verify patients’ eligibility, ensuring health insurance is active and verified. PCP referrals are obtained for patients with HMO plan.
- Identify outstanding balances for upcoming patients and proactively reach out to discuss payment expectations.
- Work with Onsite Manager to answer any billing questions patients may have.
- Collect co-pays, deductibles, and outstanding balances.
- Complete all tasking assigned to you within the EHR system.
- Complete incoming faxes and distribute accordingly.
- Ensure all necessary patient forms are completed and signed.
- Maintain a clean and organized front desk and waiting area.
- Answering incoming calls professionally.
- Update system with relevant patient notes (i.e. authorization number, effective dates, visits remaining). Include notes on conversations regarding visit, balances, etc.
- Scan medical records into the EHR as needed.
Check-Out
- Conduct schedule follow-up appointments, lab appointments, or procedures as directed by the physician or provider.
- Provide patients with appropriate discharge documents, prescriptions, or educational materials.
- Enter accurate diagnosis codes for lab slips per physician orders. Provide patients with orders as needed.
- Address any patient questions or concerns in a courteous and professional manner.
- Send referrals to outside providers as instructed, including all information pertinent to the referral reason.
- Ensure clinical staff receive direction when medical records are requested by provider via fee tickets.
- Refer appropriate patients to the Patient Navigator to assist with further treatment plan.
- Scan medical records into the EHR as needed.
- Complete all tasking as assigned within the EHR system.
Administrative Support
- Ensure assigned physician or provider’s schedule is filled, including acting on cancellations received. Proactively look for openings on schedule, adding in patients as needed.
- Answer incoming calls and direct them appropriately.
- Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
- Participate in team meetings and training sessions as required.
- Perform other administrative tasks or assist other staff members as needed.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent, required.
- Previous experience in a medical office, preferably in a specialty such as rheumatology, is strongly preferred.
- Knowledge of medical terminology, insurance processes, and EMR systems is a plus.
- Strong customer service skills.
- Excellent time management skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
