PATIENT ACCESS SPECIALIST - SMSC - Full Time

Position Overview

We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Patient Access Specialist to join our dynamic team in the Business Office/Clinics. This full-time position plays a critical role in ensuring seamless patient registration, insurance verification, and financial processing within both acute and ambulatory care settings. The ideal candidate will serve as the first point of contact for patients and visitors, providing exceptional service while maintaining accuracy in all administrative and financial tasks. This role requires a high level of professionalism, strong organizational skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced healthcare environment.

Key Responsibilities

The Patient Access Specialist is responsible for a wide range of functions essential to the efficient operation of our healthcare facilities. Core duties include:

• Patient Registration: Accurately registering patients for all services, including emergency, inpatient, outpatient, and specialty care visits. This includes pre-registering accounts and ensuring all documentation is completed and entered into the electronic medical record system.
• Insurance Verification and Financial Processing: Verifying patient insurance eligibility, collecting copays, deductibles, and co-insurance payments, and processing incoming payments via mail or in person. Responsibilities also include logging account numbers on checks and organizing remittance slips for proper accounting.
• Data Management and Communication: Monitoring patient census and notifying department managers of admission status. Entering patient discharges into the computer system, scanning registration forms and insurance remits, and distributing mail to appropriate departments. Additionally, the role involves occasional monitoring of incoming faxes and print jobs.
• Customer Service and Coordination: Serving as the frontline representative for patients and visitors, greeting individuals in person or by phone, and transferring calls to the appropriate departments. The specialist will also generate procedure and service estimates for patients and assist with appointment reminders and scheduling according to provider preferences.
• Cross-Training and Collaboration: Participating in cross-training initiatives to gain proficiency in all registration areas, rotating through different shifts at least once per quarter. This ensures flexibility and a comprehensive understanding of the patient access process across the organization.
• Administrative Support: Assisting with registration audits and corrections as needed, validating prior authorization information from external providers, and notifying staff of patient arrivals for STAT procedures. The role may also include occasional duties such as monitoring standing orders for laboratory patients.

Qualifications and Requirements

To excel in this role, candidates must meet the following qualifications:

• Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Experience: Prior experience in a hospital business office, admitting office, or a related healthcare administrative role is preferred. Proficiency in computer-based word processing, spreadsheet, and database management is essential.
• Skills: Strong data entry, customer service, and telephone switchboard operation skills are critical. Familiarity with healthcare systems and prior authorization processes is a plus.
• Certifications: No specific certifications are required for this position.
• Physical Requirements: The role involves sitting for extended periods, working at a computer, walking, lifting, reaching, and hand-eye coordination. The specialist must be able to read, write, and speak English clearly.
• Working Conditions: The position is primarily office-based but may involve exposure to patient care areas. Potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens and general patient elements is possible.

Work Schedule and Additional Considerations

The Patient Access Specialist may be required to work holidays, overtime, night, or weekend shifts as needed. Attendance at meetings and completion of assigned trainings is mandatory. This role offers an opportunity to contribute to the seamless operation of our healthcare facilities while providing exceptional service to patients and their families.