How to Be Patient Registration Clerk - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 20, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Patient registration clerks are an essential part of the healthcare system, as they are responsible for collecting and verifying patient information to ensure accurate medical records. This is important in order to provide the best possible care for patients. By accurately registering patients, it helps to reduce medical errors, minimize delays in care, and ensure that the right person receives the right treatment.

patient registration clerks must collect insurance information to ensure that payment is collected and that the patient's coverage can be verified. Without patient registration clerks, hospitals and clinics would not be able to provide the high-quality care that they strive for.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. A high school diploma or GED is typically the minimum educational requirement for becoming a patient registration clerk.
Acquire Relevant Computer Skills. Many patient registration clerks use computers to enter patient data into databases. It is important to be familiar with basic computer applications, such as Microsoft Office and other medical information systems.
Complete Certification. Certification is not always required for patient registration clerks, but some employers may prefer candidates who have completed a certification program in medical records and health information technology.
Gain Work Experience. Many employers prefer to hire patient registration clerks who have previous work experience in medical settings. Working as an intern or volunteer in a hospital or doctors office can provide valuable experience and help you gain a better understanding of the job responsibilities.
Develop Interpersonal Skills. As a patient registration clerk, you will need to interact with patients directly. Developing strong interpersonal communication skills will help you build relationships with patients and other healthcare professionals.
Apply for Jobs. Once you have the necessary educational requirements and work experience, you can begin applying for jobs as a patient registration clerk. Search job boards and company websites to find open positions in your area.

Patient registration clerks play a key role in the healthcare system, as they are responsible for ensuring all patient information is accurate and up-to-date. The effectiveness of a patient registration clerk has a direct effect on the quality of care provided to patients. To be an ideal and capable patient registration clerk, it is essential to have strong organizational skills, knowledge of medical terminology, and the ability to effectively communicate with both patients and healthcare professionals.

they must be proficient in computer systems and be able to quickly enter data and access information from multiple sources. If a patient registration clerk is able to do all these things, then it will result in a smoother patient experience and improved patient care.

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Job Description

Greet patients and answer inquiries related to patient registration.
Collect and verify patient demographic, financial, and insurance information.
Verify insurance eligibility and benefit coverage.
Enter patient information into the organizations electronic medical record system.
Schedule patient appointments and follow-up visits.
Collect co-payments and other payments due from patients.
Prepare, process, and maintain patient registration documents.
Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Answer phone calls and respond to emails in a timely manner.
Maintain confidentiality of patient information and records.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Familiarity with patient registration processes
Ability to work with patients and staff
Knowledge of health insurance policies and procedures
Proficiency with computers and relevant software
Excellent customer service and communication skills
Ability to type quickly and accurately
Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
Knowledge of medical terminology
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Ability to maintain confidentiality of patient information

Good communication skills are essential for a Patient Registration Clerk. They need to be able to listen to patients and understand their needs, explain complex information in an understandable way, and maintain the confidential nature of patient records. Poor communication can lead to a lack of trust between the patient and the clerk, as well as a breakdown in the patient-clerk relationship.

This can cause frustration and confusion for both parties, as well as delay proper care for the patient. if a patient's information is not handled properly and/or kept confidential, it can lead to issues with insurance coverage and payments, as well as legal troubles. To ensure that a Patient Registration Clerk is successful in their role, they must have strong communication and interpersonal skills in order to foster a positive patient-clerk relationship.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working in a patient registration environment?
What challenges have you encountered while processing patient registration information?
How do you ensure accuracy in patient records?
What techniques do you use to maintain a positive attitude while dealing with difficult customers?
How do you stay organized while working with multiple patients simultaneously?
How do you handle confidential information related to patient records?
Describe how you would explain complex insurance policies to a patient?
How do you ensure all necessary forms are signed and completed prior to patient registration?
How do you handle difficult situations where a patient is unable to pay for their medical services?
Describe a challenging problem you solved while working in a patient registration role?

Common Tools in Industry

Electronic Medical Records (EMR) System. A computerized system that stores patients' medical information and history for easy access and use. (e. g. Epic, Athenahealth)
Scheduling software. A computerized program used to manage and book appointments with patients. (e. g. Apptoto, AppointmentPlus)
Insurance Verification System. A computerized system used to quickly and accurately verify a patient's health insurance coverage. (e. g. Change Healthcare, Availity)
Patient Portal. A secure online tool that allows patients to access their health records, request appointments, and communicate with their healthcare providers. (e. g. MyChart, FollowMyHealth)
Barcode Scanner. A device used to scan patient information, such as insurance cards and driver's licenses, into the EMR system. (e. g. Honeywell, Zebra)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA)
American Association of Medical Transcriptionists (AAMT)
Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA)
Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS)
American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ)
National Alliance for Health Information Technology (NAHIT)
National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS)
National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)

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Common Important Terms

Patient Intake Form. A document that must be completed by the patient or their representative when they first visit a medical facility. It typically includes information such as patient contact information, insurance information, health history, and other details.
Electronic Health Records (EHR). Electronic records of health-related information on individual patients that can be shared within a secure system among authorized healthcare providers.
Patient Scheduling. The process of booking appointments for patients with the appropriate healthcare provider at a convenient time.
Medical Coding. The process of assigning standard codes to medical diagnoses and procedures to ensure that all medical records are accurately documented and tracked for billing purposes.
HIPAA Compliance. Refers to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, which ensures the privacy and security of patient information.
Records Management. The process of organizing, storing, and retrieving patient records in an efficient and secure manner.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary responsibility of a Patient Registration Clerk?

The primary responsibility of a Patient Registration Clerk is to collect, verify and update patient information in a medical setting.

What types of information does a Patient Registration Clerk collect?

A Patient Registration Clerk typically collects patient demographic information, such as name, address, phone number, insurance information, and emergency contact information.

What qualifications do you need to become a Patient Registration Clerk?

To become a Patient Registration Clerk, you typically need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, basic computer skills and experience in customer service and data entry.