Patient Access Associate

Job Title

Patient Access Associate

Covington, WA

Lifestyle Medicine Covington

Days

OC / PD

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 appointments in their respective departments.

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

• Ability to function effectively and interact positively with patients, peers and providers at all times.
• Ability to access, analyze, apply and adhere to departmental protocols, policies and guidelines.
• Ability to provide verbal and written instructions.
• Demonstrated understanding and adherence to compliance standards.
• Excellent customer service skills throughout each interaction with patients, customers, and staff.
• Effective communication – verbal and written.
• Active listening to callers, analysis of needs, and determination of appropriate action.
• Maintain a calm and professional demeanor during every interaction.
• Display empathy, tact, and professionalism with all age groups.
• Problem‑solving skills for complex issues requiring research and creative solutions.
• Accurate documentation per procedural template requirements; gather pertinent information and enter data into the computer while speaking with callers.
• Utilize third‑party payer/insurance portals to identify coverage and eligibility; detailed knowledge of providers, portals, and authorization expectations.
• Work effectively in a fast‑paced environment with frequent interruptions.
• Organize and prioritize tasks; multitask using multiple computer tools and software packages.
• Utilize multiple monitors, scanning and electronic faxing, Electronic Medical Records, telephone software systems, Microsoft Office suite, and other required tools.
• Meet or exceed performance standards for Registration Quality, Productivity, and Collections.
• Ensure proper grammar, spelling, and sentence structure in all communications.

• Ability to stand or sit for extended periods.
• Ability to sustain repetitive keyboarding motion for extended periods.
• Ability to lift supplies and/or documents up to 10 lbs.
• Ability to push patients in wheelchairs from admitting department to patient care area.

• Inbound and outbound scheduling, pre‑registration, insurance verification, registration, check‑in, estimates, payment collections, check‑out, and in‑person scheduling for services supported by the department.
• Confirm referrals received for services are complete and accurate.
• Use EPIC to gather necessary scheduling information such as patient acuity and referral/ward queue details to ensure timely throughput.
• Coordinate pre‑requisites such as labs, films, medical history, and clinical resources to meet scheduling requirements.
• Coordinate requests for additional information from referring offices as needed.
• Confirm services are covered by patient insurance and inform patients of benefit limitations if out of network.
• Manage patient appointment check‑in process, ensuring financial clearance and accurate patient information.
• Generate patient estimates and follow Point of Service collections guidelines to determine patient liability before service.
• Accept payments for patient accounts and document information in HIS, providing receipts.
• Confirm financial clearance of accounts before services; refer unresolved…