Patient Access Specialist Children's Registration

Job Summary

The Patient Access Specialist I is an entry-level position responsible for the accurate and efficient admitting, registering, bed placement, and financial analysis activities for all patients upon arrival to the healthcare system, including initiation of activities necessary to comply with managed care contracts and CMS regulations. The role responds in a professional and courteous manner to all patient information inquiries, greets patients, and initiates the registration process.

The Specialist reviews past account balances, notifies patients of their financial responsibility, and collects these balances, supporting the department in meeting pre‑collections goals. They coordinate with financial counseling services and facilitate applications for State Agency or Charity programs. The Specialist must have a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare system patient access policy and procedures, enforce established requirements and processes, and demonstrate empathy, professionalism, confidentiality, and excellent oral and written communication skills.

Strong organizational skills, multitasking ability, and a commitment to teamwork are essential. The position requires moderate sitting, standing, stooping, bending, and use of portable computers, and excellent computer skills.

Required:

High School Diploma or equivalent.

Preferred:
Graduate of a Medical Secretary Program.

Required:

Demonstrated ability to read, write, and perform arithmetic (including fractions and decimals), strong computer skills, excellent customer service skills, interpersonal communication, and telephone etiquette. Ability to multitask and manage high volumes using computer, fax machine, copier, and multiline telephone.

Preferred:
Knowledge of basic registration and third‑party payer processes; experience in a physician front office or insurance/healthcare call center; medical terminology and basic knowledge of CPT, ICD‑9 codes, insurance coding, and billing.

License/Certification/Registration:
Certified Healthcare Access Associate from NAHAM (preferred).

• Register and activate scheduled patients by gathering all demographic, financial, and pertinent information to meet regulatory and billing requirements.
• Register and activate walk‑in, add‑on, and emergency room patients gathering required information.
• Verify insurance eligibility and benefits for scheduled outpatient and inpatient patients.
• Validate pre‑certification.
• Compute patient liability at the point of registration.
• Communicate and collect patient financial liabilities.
• Review prior bad debts and request payment of outstanding prior bad debt.
• Alert Financial Advocates of accounts with financial clearance issues.
• Document patient liability and financial clearance status to ensure timely processing at the point of service.
• Demonstrate excellent verbal and action‑related customer service skills to patients, physicians, and visitors.

Regular