Patient Access Specialist ED Services

Position: Patient Access Specialist I ED Services - Tuesday - Friday 9am -7:30pm

Patient Access Specialist I ED Services - Tuesday - Friday 9am
-7:30pm

Join Wellstar Health System as a Patient Access Specialist I ED Services for the shift Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 am to 7:30 pm. This role serves as the first point of contact for patients presenting to the Emergency Department.

Job Summary

This position strictly follows EMTALA protocols, ensures accurate patient registration, gathers and verifies identification, demographics, insurance status, and financial information. Frequently responds to customer inquiries, updates records, collects patient portions, processes receipts, and maintains confidentiality in accordance with WHS policy and HIPAA regulations. The role also participates in quality improvement processes and acts as a role‑model in guest relations.

Core Responsibilities And Essential Functions

• Interview patients and representatives to obtain complete demographic, financial and insurance information.
• Enter all patient data into the registration system and ensure accuracy of medical record numbers.
• Obtain necessary signatures, maintain disclosure of special forms, and read physician orders to guide patient procedures.
• Escort patients to assigned rooms and update patient account information as needed.
• Document explanatory notes on non‑routine circumstances and maintain system knowledge.
• Maintain confidentiality of patient information and demonstrate organizational skills with timely completion of tasks.
• Resolve errors in Claim, DNB, and Patient Work Queues.

Customer Service

• Greet all guests with a positive, professional attitude.
• Safekeep patients’ valuables in the hospital safe.
• Answer incoming calls and follow through on requests.
• Maintain cooperative relationships with management, patients, physicians, and the public.
• Present a well‑groomed, professional image in accordance with dress codes.

Expected Performance, Behaviors, and Results

• Deliver service excellence by creating first impressions and memorable moments for patients.
• Value patients and family as partners in their care.
• Maintain world‑class processes, high‑touch care and reliable coordination.
• Focus on innovation, diversity, and ownership across the health system.

Budget/Financial

• Collect estimated self‑pay balances promptly and complete financial evaluation forms.
• Identify uninsured or underinsured patients, determine ability to pay, and connect them to assistance programs including Medicaid.
• Document discussions and collection activities, coordinate with financial counseling staff, and ensure timely reporting of results.
• Resolve payor denials and complete necessary error workflows.

General

• Comply with all WHS work hours, attendance and training requirements.
• Attend departmental meetings as requested.
• Perform other duties as assigned, while adhering to policies, standards, and code of conduct.

Preceptor & Mentoring Responsibilities

• Maintain a registration accuracy rate of at least 10 accounts or higher, and meet productivity requirements.
• Have no disciplinary actions within the last 12 months.
• Assist in the orientation of new patient access personnel and students.
• Maintain required certifications and complete CEUs as needed.

Required

Minimum Education

• High School Diploma, GED, or Associates (preferred).

Required Minimum Certifications

• CHAA – Cert Healthcare Access Assoc, CPAR – Certified Patient Account Rep, CRCR – Certified Revenue Cycle Rep, or CRCR‑P – Certified Revenue Cycle Rep (Provisional, 90 days, to be within 120 days).

Required Minimum Experience

• Minimum 1 year experience in healthcare or an institutional work setting.
• Epic Experience preferred.

Required Minimum Skills

• Computer/data entry proficiency.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Attention to detail, self‑directed, positive attitude.
• Problem‑solving and critical‑thinking abilities.
• Intermediate Microsoft Office Suite use; patient registration system knowledge preferred.

Join us and discover the support to do meaningful work and enjoy a more rewarding life with the most integrated health system in Georgia.

Seniority Level

• Entry level

Employment Type

• Full‑time

Job Function

• Health Care Provider
• Hospital and Health Care

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