Patient Access Specialist, w​/rotating weekends, Main Campus

Job Summary

The Patient Access Specialist I is an entry‑level position responsible for accurate and efficient admitting, registering, bed placement, and financial analysis activities for all patients upon arrival to the healthcare system. The role includes initiating activities required to comply with managed‑care contracts and CMS regulations, responding professionally to patient inquiries, and greeting patients to begin the registration process. Key responsibilities include reviewing past account balances, notifying patients of their financial responsibilities, and collecting balances to support pre‑collections goals set by revenue cycle management.

The specialist coordinates with financial counseling services for accounts lacking coverage and facilitates applications for State Agency or Charity assistance. The position demands a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare system’s patient access policies, strict adherence to established processes, strong organizational and multitasking skills, the ability to work in a fast‑paced, occasionally stressful clinical environment, and excellent computer proficiency.

Required:

High School Diploma or equivalent.

Preferred:
Graduate of Medical Secretary Program.

Required:

Demonstrated ability to read, write, and perform basic arithmetic including fractions and decimals; strong computer skills; excellent customer service and telephone etiquette; the ability to multitask and manage high volumes; proficiency with computer, fax machine, copier, and multiline telephone.

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

Preferred:
Certified Healthcare Access Associate from NAHAM.

• Register and activate scheduled patients by gathering all demographic, financial, and pertinent information required for regulatory and billing compliance.
• Register and activate walk‑in, add‑on, and emergency room patients using the same comprehensive information gathering process.
• 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.

Erlanger Baroness Hospital, Chattanooga, TN

Patient Access Specialist, 7a‑7p with rotating weekends, Main Campus

Regular hours.