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 effectively.

• Schedule and guide patients through Northwestern Medicine systems.

• Reach out to patients to arrange appointments.

• Conduct medical necessity checks and communicate options when appointments are missed.

• Inform patients about financial account matters and provide estimates of out-of-pocket costs.

• Offer training and education as required.

• Manage schedules and complete tasks punctually.

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

• Take part in quality assurance reviews and initiatives for quality improvement.

• Utilize service recovery skills to resolve service breakdowns.

• Communicate information regarding physician referrals, insurance referrals, consultations, and authorizations.

• Collaborate with hospital departments, physician offices, and internal customers.

• Retrieve orders and confirm insurance eligibility and benefit levels through online systems and phone calls.

• Complete detailed handoff instructions and Epic notes accurately.

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

• Prevent patient visit issues by verifying tests, preparation requirements, timing, location, orders, and duplicate records.

• Update and maintain patient registration data.

• Monitor registration, scheduling, and insurance verification to meet quality standards.

• Analyze account activity and initiate resolutions as necessary.

• Recommend process improvements and serve as a training resource for staff.

⛳️ Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent qualification.

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

• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.

• Proficient in computer data entry and typing.

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

• Basic computer skills are necessary.

• Capability to type 40 words per minute.

• Ability to multitask effectively.

• Customer service orientation is essential.

• Strong 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.

• Familiarity and experience in a healthcare setting, particularly with patient scheduling and/or registration, are preferred.

• A criminal history background check must be completed if offered the position.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive benefits package.

• Tuition reimbursement opportunities.

• Loan forgiveness programs.

• 401(k) matching contributions.

• Lifecycle benefits.

• Resources for physical, emotional, and financial well-being.

• Protection against unexpected life events.