Overseas Visiting Officer

Job overview

The role is to ensure that overseas visitors are assessed for eligibility for NHS treatment against the DHSC criteria. Where not eligible overseas visitors attending WWL including Wrightington Hospital, the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary, Leigh Infirmary, Boston House and Thomas Linacre Centre are charged appropriately for the services they receive. The post holder undertakes the core tasks involved and supports the development of plans, policies and process changes within this service.

Main duties of the job

• Conduct 1:1 interviews (either face-to-face, virtual or using translation services) with overseas visitors to analyse the situation and assess eligibility for free NHS treatment, securing the necessary documentary evidence and recording the key points discussed and conclusions reached.
• Assess patients against eligibility criteria and discuss complex cases with the Overseas Visitors/Private Patient Officer, Directorate Manager or other senior manager as appropriate e.g. Trust solicitor.
• Show appropriate sensitivity in dealing with patients and their relatives in difficult circumstances.
• Coordinate arrangements for billing overseas patients for diagnostic tests, procedures etc.
• In cases where immediate necessary treatment is declined, obtain written justification from the clinical staff concerned.
• Monitor patient episodes of care to ensure that invoices are raised regularly and reflect the overall care package.
• Ensure the timely collection of Undertaking to Pay forms
• Liaise with the UK Border Agency and Home Office regarding the residency status of patients.
• Support the Overseas Visitors/Private Patient Officer respond to responses to Freedom of Information requests and the development of Patient Information Leaflets.
• Use various IT systems as required and input required data accurately e.g. Oracle, Patient Centre, HIS, Healhcode, MESH, local overseas visitors spreadsheet.
• Plan own workload to ensure effective prioritisation

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Have full knowledge and understanding of the complex DHSC Guidance on Implementing the Overseas Visitor Charging regulations
• Utilise the DHSC portal for advice and guidance as required
• Timely submission of overseas patient activity to the DWP Overseas patient portal (EHIP)
• To deputise for the Overseas Visitors/ Private Patient Officer on attendance at meetings including regional/national Overseas Manager Meetings and feedback to Trust representatives as requested by the Overseas Visitors/Private Patient Officer
• Deal with queries from clinical and corporate teams, as well as external agencies, over the phone, by email and in person in a calm and polite manner and in accordance with Trust policy.
• Maintenance of patient records and preparation of clinic/admission notes where necessary
• Maintain appropriate records for audit purposes