Patient Access Specialist

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Illinois.

📋 Description

• Embrace the Patients First philosophy while upholding exceptional customer service standards.

• Address patient inquiries and concerns, escalating any extraordinary issues as necessary.

• Ensure patient confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA regulations.

• Gather and document patient demographic information accurately.

• Schedule and guide patients through the systems at Northwestern Medicine.

• Reach out to patients to arrange appointments.

• Conduct medical necessity checks and communicate options when appointments cannot be fulfilled.

• Inform patients regarding challenges in securing financial accounts.

• Prepare out-of-pocket cost estimates.

• Provide necessary training and education as required.

• Manage scheduling and complete tasks punctually.

• Engage in cross-training across departments.

• Participate in Quality Assurance reviews.

• Utilize service recovery skills to resolve service breakdowns.

• Relay physician referral, insurance referral, and consultation details effectively.

• Collect authorization numbers using relevant systems.

• Verify or print patient orders through online retrieval systems.

• Confirm insurance eligibility and benefit levels.

• Complete handoff instructions and document notes in Epic.

• Conduct real-time eligibility checks and adhere to out-of-network policies.

• Compose descriptive, grammatically accurate Epic messages and telephone encounters.

• Prevent visit issues by reviewing tests, preparation requirements, scheduling conflicts, locations, and duplicate records.

• Accurately complete, verify, and update registration data.

• Analyze account activity and initiate suitable resolutions.

• Propose and implement process improvements.

• Monitor quality standards in registration, scheduling, and insurance verification.

• Support and train new staff and colleagues.

• Fulfill additional duties as assigned by the manager.

⛳️ Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent qualification.

• 2-3 years of customer service or medical office experience.

• Outstanding interpersonal, verbal, and written communication abilities.

• Proficient in computer data entry and typing.

• Capable of reading, writing, and communicating effectively in English.

• Basic computer skills are essential.

• Ability to type at least 40 words per minute.

• Strong multi-tasking capabilities.

• Customer service-oriented mindset.

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

• Additional education is preferred.

• Proficiency in additional languages is preferred.

• Experience in healthcare finance and/or healthcare insurance is preferred.

• Knowledge and experience in a healthcare environment, particularly in patient scheduling and/or registration, are preferred.

• Must complete an authorization and disclosure form for a background check if the position is offered.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive benefits package.

• Tuition reimbursement opportunities.

• Loan forgiveness options available.

• 401(k) matching contributions.

• Lifecycle benefits to support various life stages.

• Benefits that promote physical, emotional, and financial well-being.

• Coverage for unexpected life events.