York (ME) Hospital finds bedside registration in the ED one of the most effective tools to ensure an accurate and compliant patient claim. Pat Finnemore, CHAA, a member of the patient access team at the 11-bed ED facility, says bedside registration in the ED: Increases workload efficiency for registrars Opens strong lines of communication between clinical and access teams Provides convenience for patients who do not want to be shuffled from place to place

Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) Questionnaire accuracy is high on the quality assurance list for many patient access managers. Debra Keller's list is no exception.

The admissions/registration director for Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital in Grand Rapids, MN, Keller administers a yearly competency test for her patient access staff members regarding the MSP Questionnaire.

They either pass or fail.

And if they fail, they must retake the test. There are also regular quizzes and scripting to help staff members obtain the right insurance information from patients and ensure proper reimbursement for the facility.

Robin J. Fisk, a lawyer who specializes in payment and contracting issues for healthcare providers, was named to Patient Access Advisor's advisory board in March. Fisk says she is excited to be involved with this publication and feels that now is a critical time for focusing on patient access operations.

The following is a letter the patient access team at Jay County Hospital in Portland, IN, gives to new registration staff members. "It gives them a quick little overview of what the department is about," says Beth Hunley, patient registration manager at Jay County.

Check out this registration form used in an Emergency Department (ED) treatment room. Many patient access departments have moved to bedside registration in the ED.

See how much your registrars know about this crucial form used by patient access staff members to determine insurers.