PAS Specialist

Oregon Health & Science University•Portland, OR

6h•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Access Services (PAS) Specialist is a key first point of contact for patients, families, and referring providers, providing welcoming, professional, and efficient support in person and by phone. The role supports a seamless patient experience from initial contact through completion of care. Responsibilities may shift among scheduling, registration, and coordination functions according to clinic needs. Depending on departmental needs, the specialist gathers and records patient information, verifies insurance coverage and financial eligibility, obtains authorizations, completes electronic health record registration, and schedules appointments. The position may also support front-desk and point-of-service operations, including greeting patients, collecting payments, validating insurance documentation, and ensuring forms and signatures are complete. The specialist communicates with patients, providers, and care teams with empathy, discretion, attention to detail, and professionalism in a fast-paced environment. The role may require movement among Immediate Care locations in South Waterfront, Richmond (SE Portland), Beaverton, and Scappoose, based on operational needs. Hours vary between 7:30 a.m. and 8:15 p.m., Monday through Sunday, and the specialist may rotate into other Immediate Care Clinics. The work takes place in a noisy, high-volume clinic environment with exposure to ill patients. It involves extended periods of sitting and computer and telephone use, movement around the clinic, occasional walking between campus buildings, pushing carts, and lifting boxes.

Requirements

Six months of work experience in a medical office setting, including high-volume direct patient contact, or one year of work experience in a high-volume direct public-contact position.
Basic computer keyboarding skills, including typing 30–45 words per minute.
Successfully complete required initial training and core competency assessment before or during the trial service period.
Complete all required update modules and maintain core competencies, demonstrating continuous application of skills throughout employment.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or equivalent.
Successful completion of a formal OHSU Administrative Internship Program may substitute for one year of experience; contact Compensation to confirm eligibility.

Responsibilities

Provide professional, welcoming, and efficient customer service to patients, families, visitors, and staff in person and by phone.
Serve as a primary contact for patient inquiries, appointment assistance, and general clinic information.
Check patients in and out; verify demographic, insurance, and referring-provider information; and ensure forms and signatures are complete.
Collect and process copayments, deposits, and other payments according to OHSU policies.
Answer, triage, and route calls promptly, with clear communication and accurate documentation.
Maintain organized and confidential workspaces and uphold HIPAA standards.
Support front-desk and telephone operations as needed.
Schedule, reschedule, and cancel appointments in EpicCare according to standard workflows and clinic protocols.
Schedule across multiple providers, services, and departments to support appointment flow and access to care.
Arrange special services such as interpreters, transportation, or mobility assistance when required.
Communicate appointment details and patient needs to providers, staff, and referring offices.
Process and route complete, actionable messages, gathering relevant information to reduce repeated contacts and patient-care delays.
Monitor schedules for accuracy, efficiency, and opportunities to improve access.
Support follow-up scheduling and ensure return appointments are accurately arranged and documented.
Gather and verify patient insurance coverage, financial status, and eligibility before visits.
Confirm financial circumstances, network requirements, and authorization needs for clinical care, procedures, and diagnostic studies.
Obtain required prior authorizations and referrals accurately and in a timely manner.
Record and update insurance and authorization information in Epic referral or related systems.
Follow up on pending authorizations and communicate status updates to patients and care teams.
Collaborate with clinical and administrative staff to support daily operations and patient care.
Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and process-improvement initiatives.
Maintain required competencies and complete ongoing PAS training and updates.
Follow OHSU’s Code of Conduct, policies, and confidentiality standards.
Contribute to a positive and inclusive work environment reflecting OHSU’s mission and values.
Provide coverage at any of the four Immediate Care locations as operational needs require.