[Hiring] Discharge Facilitator @Covenant Health

Role Description

Functions as a liaison between hospital referral source and home health agency, nursing home, durable medical equipment company and/or insurance company to facilitate coordination of care; collects needed information to arrange discharge and associated services and communicates with hospital facilities, patients/families, physicians, and other appropriate staff about discharge plan. Primarily works remotely from acute care hospital facilities using electronic and telephonic communication means to expedite discharge from facilities.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates with patient/family and patient care team to ensure a comprehensive plan of care is developed prior to discharge.
• Processes referrals for home care, hospice, durable medical equipment, skilled nursing facility, long term care facility or other discharge need from the physician, or other health care professionals.
• Communicates effectively with the physician and patient care team.
• Maintains contact with the facility/agency to determine their ability to meet the patient’s needs and to provide quality care.
• Counsels patients and families regarding discharge planning needs.
• Serves as an educational resource for patient care team, physician, patient and family regarding discharge questions, obstacles, medication assistance.
• Assists in arranging appropriate transportation, if indicated by facility assessment.
• Documents actions, communications, and results in the patient’s medical record.
• Communicates with private insurance agencies regarding eligibility and preferred providers for home care services, as indicated.
• Evaluates necessary medical services, understands requirements for payer approval, authorization and cost containment.
• Records data and produces reports as requested for job role.
• Stays abreast of best practices and changes in practice patterns in area of expertise.
• Works independently and efficiently while conducting self with the highest ethical standards.
• Serves as a patient advocate in performing duties while maintaining the patient’s right to privacy and confidentiality adhering to Covenant Health’s HIPAA policies.
• Identifies process barriers to discharges and engages others to assist in discharge disposition and overcoming discharge barriers.
• Communicates effectively with Care Management team and Allied Health professionals including effective handoff of functions at end of shift.
• Has the ability to work independently and be able to multi-task using appropriate prioritization while demonstrating efficient organizational skills.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Local travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in care management/discharge planning.
• Thorough knowledge of services provided by home health, durable equipment, skilled nursing facilities, and long term acute facilities.
• Knowledge of reimbursement methods such as Medicare and private pay.
• Experience in care management or discharge planning using electronic medical record and electronic referral process.

Requirements

• Must have current RN license in the State of Tennessee.
• Employee must have a valid Tennessee driver’s license Class D and state mandated minimum insurance coverage.
• Driving record must meet Covenant Health minimum standards at the date of hire and throughout employment tenure.