ED Registrar

Role overview

The Emergency Department Registrar supports the front-end intake and admission workflow for patients arriving in the ED. The role centers on fast, accurate registration, clear communication, and a calm, patient-focused approach in urgent and high-pressure situations.

Core duties

• Collect patient demographic and personal details at intake and enter them into the system quickly and accurately, while excluding financial information from the initial intake step.
• Check insurance coverage, confirm benefits, record authorization needs, and explain financial responsibility to the patient or guarantor.
• Gather co-pays, deductibles, and estimated out-of-pocket amounts according to hospital policy, and handle self-pay estimates and payments when required by federal rules.
• Obtain required signatures, copy or scan ID and insurance documents, and note when any required information cannot be collected.
• Register arrivals coming by ambulance or other emergency transport and coordinate promptly with clinical staff for immediate care.
• Maintain accurate, confidential records and support compliance with hospital rules, legal requirements, Joint Commission standards, HIPAA, and front-end collections policies.
• Communicate professionally with patients, families, physicians, hospital staff, and other stakeholders by phone, in writing, and in person.
• Monitor the waiting area, support patients during long waits, answer questions, and resolve concerns or complaints promptly.
• Work closely with nurses, physicians, and other departments to keep patient flow moving smoothly through the emergency department.
• Handle crises with composure and assist patients and families during stressful or emergency situations.
• Cross-train in other registration functions, help onboard new hires, and contribute to process improvements across the health system.
• Prepare and respond to emergency situations, follow disaster and safety protocols, and support infection control measures including PPE use and sanitization.
• Process direct admissions and ED admissions, including required IMM or MOON documentation when applicable, and share information with the appropriate teams.
• Verify and initial VA authorizations when needed and communicate the approval details to the right departments.
• Support discharge instructions, follow-up scheduling, patient navigation, and referrals to social services when needed.
• Capture patient feedback and report issues for service improvement.
• Answer calls from nursing units quickly and professionally, and provide information or assistance as needed.

Standards and compliance

• Meet DCH performance expectations related to patient satisfaction, employee satisfaction, and financial standards.
• Follow employee handbook requirements and all DCH Health System policies and procedures.
• Support the organization’s mission, vision, and values by building positive relationships with patients, families, coworkers, colleagues, and oneself.
• Perform all essential duties in a manner that protects patients, visitors, and employees.
• Identify unsafe practices and take appropriate action to reduce risk and hazard exposure.
• Use email, time and attendance tools, learning management systems, and the intranet as part of day-to-day work.
• Complete any other duties assigned.

Requirements

This position requires a high school diploma or GED. Candidates should be able to read, write legibly, speak, and understand English. The role also calls for strong attention to detail, good organization, and the ability to handle multiple priorities in a busy emergency setting.

Preferred background

• One to two years of experience in a healthcare environment is preferred.
• Customer-facing experience with strong interpersonal and communication abilities is preferred.
• Professional certification may be an advantage, including CHAA or CRCR.

Work style and physical expectations

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Comfort using EHR systems and other healthcare software; familiarity with medical terminology is beneficial.
• Strong accuracy in data entry and patient record handling.
• Ability to stay organized and work well under pressure.
• Problem-solving ability for patient concerns and operational issues.
• Understanding of insurance verification processes.
• Empathy, professionalism, flexibility, and cultural sensitivity are important in this role.
• Work may include weekends, holidays, and changing shifts depending on operational needs.
• This is sedentary work, involving sitting most of the time and occasionally lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling up to 10 pounds.
• Manual dexterity and fine motor skills are required.
• Hearing and vision must be normal or correctable to normal range.
• Onsite presence is required.
• Reasonable accommodation may be considered for the duties of the role.