Patient Access Representative

Excel Medical Imaging is seeking an organized, dependable, and patient-focused Patient Access Specialist to join our outpatient diagnostic imaging practice in New Port Richey, Florida. This is a hybrid administrative position primarily responsible for front-desk operations and patient scheduling, with secondary responsibilities supporting insurance authorizations and medical billing. The Patient Access Specialist will be cross-trained to assist patients throughout the administrative portion of their care—from initial scheduling and registration through insurance verification, authorization follow-up, payment collection, and resolution of basic billing issues. This position requires regular weekend availability. The employee will normally be scheduled for at least one weekend day each week and may occasionally be scheduled for both Saturday and Sunday based on practice coverage needs. Remaining work hours will be scheduled during the week. The ideal candidate communicates professionally, works accurately in a fast-paced environment, and is comfortable moving between patient-facing responsibilities and detailed administrative work. Primary Responsibilities – Front Desk And Scheduling Welcome patients and provide courteous, professional front-desk assistanceAnswer, screen, and route incoming telephone callsSchedule and reschedule diagnostic imaging examinations and proceduresReview physician orders for completeness, including the examination requested, diagnosis, laterality, and referring-provider informationObtain and accurately enter patient demographics, insurance information, and appointment detailsProvide patients with examination-specific preparation instructions, arrival requirements, and necessary paperworkRegister and check in patients and obtain required identification, insurance cards, signatures, and formsConfirm appointments and follow up on missed or cancelled appointmentsCoordinate schedule changes with patients, technologists, clinical staff, and referring officesIdentify scheduling or order discrepancies and obtain clarification before the appointmentScan, index, and maintain patient documents accuratelyCollect copayments, deductibles, self-pay charges, and outstanding balances when applicableProtect patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and practice policies Secondary Responsibilities – Authorization Support Verify insurance eligibility and available benefit informationDetermine whether prior authorization or additional clinical documentation may be requiredSubmit or assist with authorization requests using payer portals, telephone systems, and established practice workflowsMonitor pending authorization requests and follow up with insurance carriers and referring officesDocument authorization numbers, effective dates, approved services, and payer communications accuratelyIdentify authorization problems that may affect an appointment and escalate them promptlyCommunicate with patients and referring offices regarding missing orders, clinical records, or authorization-related informationAssist with rescheduling or escalation when authorization cannot be obtained before the scheduled examination Secondary Responsibilities – Billing Support Review demographic, insurance, and registration information for accuracy before billingAssist with correcting rejected registrations, coverage discrepancies, and basic claim-information errorsCollect and document patient payments according to practice proceduresExplain basic account balances and payment requirements without making guarantees about insurance coverageRoute complex coding, claim, denial, refund, or payment-plan questions to the appropriate billing representative or managerAssist with obtaining missing information needed to submit or correct claimsSupport billing follow-up, document requests, and other revenue-cycle projects as assigned Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent requiredPrevious medical front-desk, patient-access, scheduling, insurance-authorization, or billing experience preferredDiagnostic imaging, radiology, or specialty medical-office experience strongly preferredFamiliarity with medical terminology, health insurance, prior authorizations, and patient financial responsibility preferredStrong computer, telephone, data-entry, and multitasking skillsExcellent attention to detail and ability to follow established proceduresProfessional verbal and written communication skillsAbility to remain composed when handling anxious patients, scheduling conflicts, payer issues, or competing prioritiesAbility to recognize problems, obtain clarification, and escalate issues appropriatelyAbility and willingness to work at least one weekend day each weekAvailability to work both Saturday and Sunday when required by practice coverage needsFlexibility to accommodate reasonable changes in the assigned schedule based on patient volume and staffing needsReliable attendance and punctuality are essentialBilingual English/Spanish communication is beneficial but not required Success in This Position Success will be measured by accurate scheduling and registration, professional patient service, timely identification of missing orders or authorizations, accurate payment collection, complete documentation, reliable attendance, and the ability to provide effective cross-department support. Compensation $21–$27 per hour, depending on relevant medical-office, scheduling, authorization, billing, and diagnostic-imaging experience. Powered by JazzHR cEay21apVD