Patient Access Associate

Patient Access Associate ) — Valley Medical Center

Location:

VMC Main Campus, Renton, WA

Department:
Neurosurgery (Clinic Network)

Shift: Days

Employment Type:

Full Time (FTE:
1)

Hours:

8:00‑4:30

Salary: $22.17 – $37.05 per hour (DOE)

The Patient Access Associate is responsible for scheduling services in hospital and clinic services using inbound and outbound call handling and MyChart requests. Responsibilities include scheduling, pre‑registration, insurance verification, registration, check‑in (admission of patients), estimates, payment collections, check‑out, and scheduling in‑person services in their respective department.

• High School Graduate or equivalent (GED) required.
• Minimum one year of front office experience in a physician office or hospital access department.
• Experience scheduling, registering, using multi‑line phone systems, and Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems.
• Basic keyboarding skills (35 wpm).
• Computer experience in a windows‑based environment.
• Excellent communication skills: verbal, written, listening.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Knowledge of medical terminology and abbreviations; ability to spell and understand commonly used terms.

• Ability to effectively interact positively with patients, peers, and providers at all times.
• Ability to access, analyze, apply and adhere to departmental protocols, policies, and guidelines.
• Strong verbal and written communication, including instructions and active listening.
• Understanding and adherence to compliance standards.
• Excellent customer service throughout every interaction with patients, customers, and staff.
• Empathy, calm professional demeanor, and ability to de‑escalate upset patients.
• Ability to analyze and solve complex problems, research, and provide creative solutions over the phone.
• Documentation per procedural template requirements; gather pertinent information and enter data into computer while talking with callers.
• Proficient using third‑party payer/insurance portals to identify coverage and eligibility.
• Recognize required pre‑requisites and coordinate multiple resources externally to EMR.
• Organize and prioritize work; multitask with varying computer tools and software (multiple monitors, scanning/faxing, EMR, telephone software, Microsoft Office Suite).
• Ability to handle high‑volume inbound calls, meet or exceed department performance standards for registration quality, productivity, and collections.
• Command of Microsoft Office programs and navigation of HIS/EPIC for scheduling, insurance verification, and financial clearance.
• Ability to speak, spell, and use appropriate grammar and sentence structure.

Must be able to stand or sit for extended periods; withstand repetitive keyboarding; lift supplies up to 10 lbs; push patients in wheelchairs from admitting department to patient care area.

Inbound/outbound scheduling, pre‑registration, insurance verification, registration, check‑in, estimates, payment collections, check‑out, MyChart scheduling, and per‑department protocols. Coordinate referrals, confirm insurance coverage, manage patient appointment check‑in, generate patient estimates, and maintain accurate patient records. Deliver excellent customer service, provide first‑call resolution, de‑escalate, adhere to patient identification guidelines, ensure accurate registration standards, monitor supplies, and perform other duties as assigned.

Grade: OPEIUB | FLSA: NE | CC:
Multiple