Patient Access Specialist

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

📋 Description

• Uphold the Patients First philosophy while delivering exceptional customer service.

• Address patient inquiries and concerns, escalating unique issues when necessary.

• Ensure patient confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA regulations.

• Accurately gather and record patient demographic information.

• Coordinate and navigate patients through the Northwestern Medicine systems.

• Reach out to patients for appointment scheduling.

• Conduct medical necessity checks and communicate alternatives if appointments are missed.

• Inform patients regarding challenges in securing financial accounts.

• Provide out-of-pocket estimates upon request.

• Offer training and education as required.

• Manage schedules and fulfill assignments punctually.

• Participate in cross-training across departments to ensure adequate coverage.

• Engage in Quality Assurance reviews of patient data.

• Utilize service recovery skills to resolve service breakdowns.

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

• Collect authorization numbers within the appropriate systems.

• Collaborate with various units and departments to address operational challenges.

• Verify or print patient orders using online retrieval systems.

• Check insurance eligibility and benefit levels through online tools or phone communication.

• Complete handoff instructions and notes in Epic.

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

• Send precise Epic Messages and document telephone encounters.

• Thoroughly verify tests, preparation requirements, scheduling conflicts, locations, and orders.

• Prevent duplicate patient records while maintaining comprehensive registration data.

• Analyze account activities and initiate suitable resolutions.

• Propose and implement process enhancements.

• Monitor registration, scheduling, and insurance verification against established quality standards.

• Serve as a training resource for new staff members and colleagues.

⛳️ Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent qualification.

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

• Outstanding interpersonal, verbal, and written communication abilities.

• Proficient in data entry and typing on computers.

• Capability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.

• Basic computer skills.

• Ability to type at least 40 words per minute.

• Competence in multitasking.

• Strong customer service orientation.

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

• Required to complete a criminal history background check if employment is offered.

• Preferred: Additional educational qualifications.

• Preferred: Proficiency in additional languages.

• Preferred: Experience in healthcare finance and/or healthcare insurance.

• Preferred: Familiarity and experience in a healthcare environment, particularly in patient scheduling and/or registration.

🏝️ Benefits

• Tuition reimbursement.

• Loan forgiveness.

• 401(k) matching.

• Lifecycle benefits.

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

• Employee protection against unforeseen life events.

• Equal opportunity employment.