Patient Access Specialist

About the role

The Patient Access Specialist provides a consistent, compassionate, and professional experience for patients and families throughout the registration and admission process in an inpatient and surgical setting. This role ensures accurate and timely registration, supports regulatory and compliance requirements, and serves as a key liaison between patients, clinical staff, and other hospital services to facilitate safe, efficient, and respectful care. The position is on‑site in Portland, Oregon, within a fast‑paced, patient‑facing hospital environment that uses Epic EHR, online payer access tools, and automated work drivers to complete registrations, manage orders, and maintain accurate records.

Responsibilities

• Deliver a consistent, compassionate, and professional patient experience during all registration and admission interactions.
• Assess each patient's ability to complete registration prior to services or room placement, including performing bedside registration when necessary.
• Notify clinical staff immediately when a patient appears to need urgent medical attention.
• Complete all registrations accurately and on time to ensure accounts are compliant, billable, and do not require rework.
• Verify patient information, issue armbands promptly, and confirm patient identity in accordance with organizational policies.
• Collect and document co-pays when appropriate, following EMTALA and other regulatory guidelines.
• Escort or direct patients and families to the appropriate location after registration is complete.
• Secure, document, store, and return patient valuables in accordance with established policies.
• Complete order entry, manage work queues, enter account notes, and perform system updates accurately and in a timely manner.
• Scan, index, and maintain all required documentation to support accurate medical and financial records.
• Accurately complete workers compensation and Labor & Industries forms and obtain required patient signatures.
• Present required forms, including Advance Beneficiary Notices (ABNs), Advance Directives, and Patient Rights and Responsibilities, and obtain signatures when needed.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of patient demographic, medical, and financial information in compliance with HIPAA requirements.
• Follow all applicable federal, state, local, and organizational policies, including CMS, JCAHO, EMTALA, COBRA, and HIPAA regulations.
• Identify service issues that may impact patient care or operational success, resolve them when possible, and escalate appropriately when needed.
• Maintain schedule adherence and meet established time and productivity standards.
• Support the Information Desk as needed, providing directions, information, and assistance to patients and visitors.
• Obtain complete and accurate patient data to support the Master Person Index and ensure integrity of patient records.
• Coordinate bed assignments, placements, and transfers with nursing units when applicable.
• Enter Diagnostic Imaging and ancillary test orders accurately using established order guidelines.
• Facilitate