Patient Access Specialist

Responsible for staffing multiple hospital entry points to provide registration-related functions including the Emergency Department, Outpatient Imaging, Outpatient Surgery, and others. Handles pre-registration, registration, verification activities, and gathering and processing of patient demographic and financial information. Identifies source of payment, collects payments, and interfaces with insurers, hospital staff, and medical staff. Maintains current knowledge of Federal and State regulatory compliance guidelines and Joint Commission requirements. Promotes departmental objectives through cooperation and quality performance. Requires cross-training in multiple administrative support functions and registration points. Works in a fast-paced, stressful environment with varying shifts, including weekdays, weekends, and all hours. Depending on the assigned facility and shift, may assist patients physically into the registration area and/or provide bedside registration.

Responsibilities

• Perform pre-registration, registration, and verification activities.
• Gather and process patient demographic and financial information.
• Identify source of payment and collect payments.
• Interface with insurers, hospital staff, and medical staff.
• Maintain knowledge of Federal and State regulatory compliance guidelines and Joint Commission requirements.
• Promote departmental objectives through cooperation and quality performance.
• Cross-train in multiple administrative support functions and registration points.
• Work in a fast-paced environment with varying shifts, including weekends.
• Assist patients physically into registration areas or provide bedside registration as needed.
• Participate in and facilitate communication between supervisors, Revenue Cycle Department staff, and management to improve processes.
• Adhere to departmental objectives through cooperation and quality performance.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED (required).
• Minimum one year of experience in patient access, registration, billing, cash collection, insurance, and/or pre-certification in a medical environment (preferred).
• One year of customer service experience in any field (preferred).
• One year of clerical experience in a medical office setting; other related experience may be considered.

Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge of insurance plans, coordination of benefits, registration processes, and collection/cash receipting in compliance with regulatory standards.
• Familiarity with emergency codes and applicable federal/state healthcare regulations.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and customer relation skills.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work in a stressful environment with changing priorities.
• Ability to interact with individuals of all cultures and levels of authority while maintaining confidentiality.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and individually.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Basic medical terminology (knowledge can be obtained through formal classes or work experience).
• Basic computer skills and experience in patient registration systems.
• Detailed knowledge of government payors.
• Ability to drive/travel to multiple facilities/locations as needed.
• Cross-trained in multiple registration areas.

Preferred Skills

• Reading procedural orders.
• Basic scheduling functions.
• Understanding of insurance benefits, plans, and coordination of benefits.

About the Organization

At Novant Health, we believe remarkable care starts with compassion for our patients, our communities, and each other. We value belonging, courage, personal growth, and teamwork, creating a space where everyone is respected, supported, and safe to show up as their full selves.