Patient Access Associate

Job Title: Patient Access Associate

Location: Fairwood Primary Care, Fairwood Clinic, Renton, WA

Department: Clinic Network

Shift: Days

Employment Type: Full Time (40 hrs/week)

Salary: $22.17 - $37.05/hr (DOE)

The Patient Access Associate is responsible for scheduling and coordinating patient access services in hospital and clinic settings. This includes inbound and outbound call handling, MyChart requests, pre‑registration, insurance verification, registration, check‑in, payment collections, and scheduling in‑person services.

• Inbound and outbound scheduling of services in hospital and clinic settings.
• Pre‑registration, insurance verification, registration and patient check‑in.
• Generating estimates, handling POS collections and payment collections.
• Scheduling appointments in person and via MyChart.
• Confirming referrals and ensuring services are covered by insurance.
• Using EPIC to gather scheduling information and coordinate resources.
• Scanning, electronic faxing and maintaining accurate patient records.
• Responding to referrals, invoices, and mail following department standards.
• Meeting performance targets for productivity and key performance indicators (e.g., POS collections, pre‑registration).
• Providing first‑call resolution, de‑escalating upset patients, and delivering excellent customer service.
• Continuously updating qualifications within the scheduling workflow and adhering to VMC registration standards.

• High School Graduate or equivalent (GED) required.
• Minimum one‑year front office experience in a physician office or hospital access department.
• Proficiency using multi‑line phone systems, EMR, Microsoft Office, and Windows‑based environment.
• Keyboarding at least 35 words per minute.
• Strong verbal, written, and listening communication skills.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Knowledge of medical terminology, abbreviations, and common terms.
• Ability to function effectively in fast‑paced, high‑volume environments while multitasking.
• Analytical problem‑solving skills and ability to research and provide creative solutions.
• Experience with third‑party payer/insurance portals and understanding of coverage and authorization rules.
• Ability to navigate EPIC, EPIC Snap Board, electronic fax, and other software packages as required.
• Physical ability to stand or sit for extended periods, lift supplies up to 10 lbs, and push patients in wheelchairs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Must be able to stand or sit for extended periods, perform repetitive keyboarding, lift supplies up to 10 lbs, and push patients in wheelchairs. The role requires a calm, professional demeanor and the ability to handle interruptions and multitasking.

Meet defined targets for productivity and key performance indicators, including POS collections and pre‑registration. Adhere to VMC registration standards and maintain accurate, up‑to‑date patient records.