Patient Access Specialist

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

📋 Description

• Embrace the Patients First philosophy and ensure exemplary customer service.

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

• Uphold patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations.

• Accurately gather and maintain patient demographic information.

• Schedule and guide patients through the Northwestern Medicine systems.

• Contact patients to arrange appointment schedules.

• Conduct medical necessity checks and communicate options in case of appointment failures.

• Inform patients regarding challenges related to securing financial accounts.

• Provide out-of-pocket cost estimations.

• Offer training and education as required.

• Manage schedules effectively and complete tasks punctually.

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

• Participate in Quality Assurance evaluations of patient data.

• Address service disruptions utilizing service recovery skills.

• Relay referral, insurance referral, and consultation details.

• Collect authorization numbers within the relevant systems.

• Collaborate with different units and departments to resolve operational challenges.

• Assist staff in departments that provide direct patient care.

• Retrieve and verify patient orders through online systems.

• Confirm insurance eligibility and benefit levels.

• Complete handoff instructions and document notes in Epic.

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

• Prevent visit-related issues by verifying tests, preparation, timing, location, and avoiding duplicate records.

• Maintain comprehensive registration data and update patient information accordingly.

• Analyze account activities and initiate resolutions.

• Recommend process enhancements and engage in quality improvement initiatives.

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

• Serve as a training resource for new staff and coworkers.

⛳️ Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent is required.

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

• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication abilities.

• Proficient in computer data entry and typing skills.

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

• Basic computer literacy is essential.

• 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.

• Preferred: additional education is a plus.

• Preferred: proficiency in additional languages.

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

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

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

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive benefits package.

• Tuition reimbursement opportunities.

• Loan forgiveness options.

• 401(k) matching contributions.

• Lifecycle benefits available.

• A comprehensive range of benefits supporting physical, emotional, and financial well-being.

• Protection against unforeseen life events.

• A sign-on bonus may be available for this position.