Patient Access Specialist

Quick Facts

• Role: Patient Access Specialist

Description

The Patient Access Specialist supports patient access operations by collecting accurate demographic and financial information, scheduling appointments, and directing patients through hospital systems. You will perform insurance eligibility and medical necessity checks, communicate options when appointments fail, and maintain HIPAA-compliant confidentiality. The role also participates in quality assurance reviews and drives process improvements to prevent visit issues.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality customer service and foster a team atmosphere

• Respond to patient questions and concerns and escalate extraordinary issues to the appropriate lead

• Collect patient demographic data accurately and maintain confidentiality per HIPAA

• Schedule appointments and route patients through NMHC systems; reach out to patients to schedule

• Perform medical necessity checks and communicate options if scheduling fails

• Inform patients of issues securing financial accounts for their encounters

• Complete out-of-pocket estimations as requested

• Verify and process authorization numbers in applicable systems

• Coordinate with hospital departments and physician offices to ensure smooth patient flow

• Run real-time eligibility checks and verify insurance eligibility/benefits

• Create accurate handoff notes for scheduling staff and send descriptive Epic messages/telephone encounters

• Perform registration/scheduling quality checks (e.g., prevent duplicate records, verify orders, test type, prep, time/location)

• Participate in Quality Assurance and continuous quality improvement activities

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent

• 2–3 years customer service or medical office experience

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills

• Proficiency in computer data-entry/typing

• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English

• Basic computer skills

• Ability to type 40 wpm

• Ability to multi-task

• Customer service oriented

• Excellent organizational, time management, analytical, and problem-solving skills

Benefits

• Broad benefits package supporting physical, emotional, and financial well-being and protection for unexpected life events (see benefits link for details)

• Benefits eligibility determined by employment classification