Patient Travel Coordinator - Qavartarvik Customer Lodge ($24/hr+ DOE & Benefits - Bethel, AK)

Job Description

The Patient Travel Coordinator will coordinate travel for patients being seen at YKHC for medical care in Bethel and/or referred to higher level care in Anchorage or Seattle. This position will review provided documentation and assist the patient, hospital, and service unit with the completion of travel for beneficiary and Medicaid travel. This position will also coordinate and collaborate with YKHC Travel team and front desk staff at Qavartarvik Customer Lodge.

This position is located inside the Qavartarvik Customer Lodge located in Bethel, AK. This is a local, non-rotational, position.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate travel arrangements to include but not limited to air and ground transportation, lodging, and meals for patients and their escorts (if applicable) referred to medical care by YKHC.
• Determine medically necessary travel while ensuring patient appointments, travel arrangements, lodging, transport, and other logistical aspects of the patients’ medical travel are completed.
• Work collaboratively with other members of the YK Travel team and Qavartarvik Customer Lodge team.
• Ensure YKHC Travel Rules and Regulations are being met while also serving as an advocate for the patient and referring provider.
• Must understand and make every attempt to honor patient travel preferences and be able to inform patients about other services and resources that are available to them.
• Assist in coordinating extended or rescheduled travel bookings in real time with the appropriate tribal travel agencies and relative accommodations.
• Must be able to work closely with the Prior Authorization staff to coordinate and book travel within the authorized parameters of the given Medicaid Travel Authorization.
• Ensure all travel requests are in accordance with, and reviewed against, YKHC policies and procedures as well as regulations governing Alaska State Medicaid Prior Authorization to verify eligibility for travel benefits.
• Utilize multiple computer systems and applications to gather information and communicate with YKHC Tribal Health Partners, healthcare providers, and clinics.
• Process and prepare Medicaid Authorization vouchers for eligible patients and escorts, verify accuracy, and track authorization changes to ensure timely and compliant travel arrangements.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.
• Adherence to Uniform standards and follow scheduled meal periods.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• At least one (1) year of customer service experience.
• Must be capable of learning and operating multiple computer systems and applications.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Intermediate Microsoft Office skills in Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Must be able to type at least 50 wpm.
• Contract requires candidate to get a flu shot pre-hire and annually thereafter.

Preferred Requirements

• At least one (1) year of travel experience.
• Preference will be given to candidates with two (2) or more years of experience as a Patient Travel Coordinator, knowledgeable of Tribal Travel, Medicaid and non-Medicaid travel and travel rules and regulations.
• Proficiency in windows based operating systems, MS Office, Adobe Professional and Electronic Health record navigation.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

Weather: Indoors and Outdoors, frequently exposed to outdoor weather conditions.

Noise level: Moderate to Loud.

Description of environment: Environment will vary based on the facility assigned to.

Physical requirements: Employee is required to lift and/or move up to 50 lbs. Frequently to constantly required to sit, stand, walk, use hands/fingers to handle or feel, climb, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, talk/hear, see, taste/smell, and carry weight/lift.

Competencies

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint.

Computer literacy: Strong computer skills and ability to learn new software.

Technical aptitude: Ability to troubleshoot basic technical issues.

Organization and time management: Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Attention to detail: Meticulous and accurate in work.

Communication skills: Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Interpersonal skills: Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.

Problem-solving: Ability to identify and resolve issues in a timely and efficient manner.

Customer service: Excellent customer service skills, including patience, empathy, and the ability to handle difficult situations.

Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work environments.

Teamwork: Ability to work effectively as part of a team and contribute to a positive work culture.

NMS Core Values

Safety guides our behavior.

Honesty and integrity govern our activities.

Commitments made will be fulfilled.

All individuals are treated with dignity and respect.

The environment will be protected and sustained.