Patient access week 2020: Thank you to everyone on the front lines!

Patient Access professionals provide invaluable services to patients in their communities. Those who work in admissions, scheduling, and registration, among others, make sure that patients can get the healthcare they need. They also play critical roles in patient communications, answering questions and helping patients understand what they can expect from their individual healthcare experiences.

This week is Patient Access Week 2020, and there is no better time to recognize the critical work being done by Patient Access professionals during these challenging times. We at HBI are grateful to be able to work with some of the most dedicated Patient Access teams across the U.S. In recognition of the incredible work Patient Access professionals are doing, HBI would like to say THANK YOU.

Tina Williams, Principal Consultant: “As a former Executive of Patient Access staff, I know this is a very special time of year when we as managers typically celebrate our front-line Patient Access teams with food, activities, and other types of recognition to let them know how much we appreciate their efforts throughout the year. This year it will be hard, as leaders, to focus on celebrating our teams while still focusing on keeping them and our patients safe.

“From all of us at HBI, we want to say THANK YOU to all our Patient Access Leaders and their Staff. You are all part of the folks who are caring for your patients while keeping yourselves and your families safe.”

Beth Reed, Principal Analyst: “I’m so impressed by the flexibility of Patient Access staff to adapt to this unforeseen challenge! Patient Access staff who have to stay on-site are working hard to keep each other safe while serving patients, and those who have gone home are backing up their teammates any way they can, even helping the business office work accounts. Patient Access is the glue holding revenue cycle teams together!”

Jill Barczak, Research Analyst: “Thank you for all the hard work you do year-round to keep front-end operations running smoothly. You deserve recognition every day for your important contributions, but be sure to take extra time this week to celebrate everything you do!”

Vakhulaa Parthasarathy, Research Analyst: “Thank you for going to work every day for us during these difficult circumstances. Your selfless care, commitment, and sacrifices are greatly seen and make all the difference. We salute your courage and pray for your well-being during these challenging times. Thank you so much.”

Noelle Wysocki, Learning Product Lead: “Thank you, Patient Access staff, for showing empathy, strength, and compassion for your patients, day in and day out, especially in the face of great uncertainty. It is your unwavering voice, your kind face, and your helpful demeanor that lets patients know they are in good hands. We are grateful for the care and education you provide our communities.”

Ashley Moran, Client Engagement Specialist: “Thank you to Patient Access teams for always being the first line of contact for providers! Thank you for your dedication and commitment to serving patients on the front end and helping during this current situation. Patient Access helps triage phone calls that must be complicated and confusing at a time like this.

“Thank you for all you do, thank you for doing an essential job and continuing to improve the non-clinical side of patient care! Happy Patient Access Week!”

Jerica Hopkins, Research Director: “For me personally, it has always been those staff members on the front lines that have been my own healthcare heroes. When I’m worried about my health, nervous about an appointment or outcome, or facing uncertainty, it has always been the scheduler or registrar who has shown me warmth, given me a comforting smile, or put my mind at ease. You are just as much heroes as the physicians and nurses you work with, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for being that critical first impression and gateway to healing.”

Brad Cording, Vice President of Provider Solutions: “Dear Patient Access Team Members, we here at HBI want to take a moment to say how much we truly appreciate you and the work you do. These are unprecedented times where healthcare workers – clinical and non-clinical – are working shoulder-to-shoulder to treat those patients in need of care. Much like nurses and physicians, you are in the trenches playing a vital role to ensure patients feel welcome and safe, while at the same time making sure critical information is captured to begin their care journey. I’ve sat in your seat and understand the complex job you do, the unseen daily stresses, and the anxiety you experience – so I commend you for remaining positive today, tomorrow, and in the future.

“On behalf of the entire team here at HBI, Decision Resources Group, and Clarivate, we want to express our sincere gratitude to all of you. Please keep up the great work and stay safe.”

Selby Rodriguez, Senior Research Manager: “Thank you to all our Patient Access team members! Being on the front lines of a healthcare organization is never easy, especially right now. But it is such an essential piece of keeping organizations up and running, calming patient fears, and allowing community members to access the care they need. We here on the HBI team appreciate all that you do.”

Cassie Wasilik, Key Account Manager: “Thank you to all of the Patient Access workers out there! Your hard work and the sacrifices that you are making during this difficult time have not gone unnoticed. We appreciate all that you do!”

Kelsey Stockton, Client Engagement Specialist: “The work you do truly makes a difference, especially in times of crisis. From providing kind service to educating patients, your efforts shape positive experiences. Thanks to all Patient Access staff for continuing to care for patients – we appreciate you!”

Sarah Williams, Principal Director: “As we celebrate Patient Access Week, please know that we’re incredibly grateful for the work you do – this year more than ever. You’re serving patients every single day to make sure their questions are answered and that they’re set up for the care they need. As the ‘front door’ of the healthcare system, your compassion and empathy go a long way toward reassuring patients and their families as they deal with what can be some of the most difficult periods of their lives. Thank you for making a difference – we appreciate you!”