Discharge Specialist

Discharge Specialist 

FEATURED

Sheridan Memorial Hospital • Case Management Sheridan, WY Professionals Full Time, Days Req # 6443 ABOUT

SHERIDAN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

At Sheridan Memorial Hospital, we are proud to be ranked in the top 13.6% of hospitals rated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. We believe that our ability to deliver excellent healthcare begins with our people, and we are proud of our more than 850 skilled, experienced, and caring employees. We have over 100 providers who specialize in 25 areas of expertise. Our facility is state-of-the-art, and we are dedicated to providing outstanding patient-centered care. • Nestled at the foothills of the Big Horn Mountains in northern Wyoming, spectacular scenery and outdoor activities abound. Our hospital has the latest technology and equipment comparative to that of many larger facilities, and you will find our staff is friendly, compassionate, caring, and courteous. We focus on creating and nurturing a workplace that encourages, recognizes, and rewards individual effort and creativity. Leadership is responsive to changing modes of healthcare delivery and adapts accordingly. We value effective communication and honesty and believe teamwork based on mutual respect is key to success.

JOB SUMMARY

The Discharge Specialist works collaboratively on the clinical units with a multidisciplinary patient care team to optimize the discharge planning mission for patients, from admission to discharge. This position works closely with the Case Manager and Utilization Review staff assuming discharge planning and utilization review administrative responsibilities, with supervision from the social workers and registered nurses on the team. This position plays a critical role in fostering, executing and expediting an efficient and effective discharge process supporting excellent patient-centered experiences for our patients.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Completes assessment of patient and family needs under supervision of RN Case Manager or Social worker to facilitate identification of psychosocial, financial and discharge needs. Verifies patient demographics including address, telephone number and insurance. Collaborates with physicians, nurses and other disciplines involved with care of the patient to foster a coordinated approach to patient care. Communicates with provider regarding the medical plan of care, anticipated discharge, and consideration of alternative setting. Facilitates and stewards process issues to avoid delays in patient care. Intervenes with appropriate individuals/departments about service delays that may impact quality of care and/or length of stay. Provides feedback to supervisor regarding delays continuously improve the process. Focuses on the patient's goals and preferences and includes the patient and caregiver/family as active partners in the discharge planning for post-discharge care. The discharge planning process and plan must be timely, consistent with the patient's goals for his/her treatment preferences, ensure effective transition of the patient from hospital to post-discharge care with effective arrangements made prior to discharge, and reduce the factors leading to preventable hospital readmissions. Assists patients and their families in selecting a post-discharge care provider, by sharing and using data on quality and resources use measures, as may be relevant to the patient's goals of care and treatment preferences. Seeks peer and supervisor consultation regarding problematic cases or cases demonstrating deviations from the plan of care. Participates in Discharge Planning rounds. Initiates requested referrals and contacts such agencies to confirm visit upon discharge. Communicates with facility staff to discuss requests for complex patient discharges. Researches/queries Insurers for network information (various agencies, Durable Medical Equipment (DME) vendors, Rehabilitation facilities, etc.), transportation benefit verification. Obtains DME as requested by Case Managers. Works collaboratively with Case Manager to coordinate ground or air ambulance transportation to facilitate discharge. Distributes IM notices for Medicare patients and completes all required IM documentation. Distributes MOON notices for Medicare patients and completes all required MOON documentation. Assesses each patient within identified caseload prior to admission or on first contact with the organization, including clinical, functional, developmental, psychosocial and financial status, within no later than one working day of admission - identifies support systems and available resources. Completes forms as identified by Case Managers (i.e. Pharmacy or Taxi vouchers). Participates in providing documentation necessary for insurer medical reviews in collaboration with utilization review team. Executes routine/daily administrative requirements including communication to/from payers, insurance change notifications, faxing/copying patient medical records to support discharge referrals, etc. Completes all data entry and other administrative tasks within prescribed timeframes. Performs administrative duties necessary to facilitate placements, discharge need care coordination and other information sharing with community partners and resources for patients. Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Identifies and addresses psychosocial, cultural, ethnic and religious/spiritual needs of patients and their families. Maintains good working relationships both within the department and with other departments.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Education / Experience / License and Certifications Bachelor's degree in related field (psychology, social work, human services or health administration), required. Health care experience within an admissions and/or discharge function, required. BLS, required. Central Registry, required. Additional Skills Knowledge and understanding of medical terminology. Strong organizational skills. Flexibility and accountability. Strong interpersonal and customer service skills. Excellent communication skills (verbal and written), required. Demonstrated to time manage, set priorities and self-organize, required. Demonstrates ability to be flexible, organized and function well under stressful situations. Demonstrates excellent time management and organization skills with attention to detail. Demonstrates the ability to maintain high level of confidentiality. Ability to cope with stressful situations and maintain a calm and professional demeanor. Ability to work in fast-paced, challenging and stressful work environment. Must possess the ability to do multiple tasks simultaneously. Demonstrated professional phone etiquette and communication skills with ability to handle multiple calls at one time. Understanding of medical terminology, grammar, punctuation, style, and editing. Ability to maintain high levels of accuracy and organization during high volume periods, continuously prioritize, meet changing deadlines, and troubleshoot problems. Knowledge of hospital and departmental policies, procedures, and systems. Demonstrates accurate data entry skills.

Specific demands not listed:

Possible exposure to blood and or body fluids / infectious disease / hazardous waste requiring the use of Personal Protective Equipment. Exposure to odorous chemicals / specimens and Latex products. Pre-employment drug and alcohol screening is required. Sheridan Memorial Hospital is an equal opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you would like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please .