PAS Specialist
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 helps ensure a seamless patient experience from initial contact through completion of care. Responsibilities may shift among scheduling, registration, and coordination functions according to clinic needs. The specialist gathers and records patient information, verifies insurance coverage and financial eligibility, obtains authorizations, completes registration in the electronic health record, and schedules appointments. The role may also support front-desk and point-of-service operations, including greeting patients, collecting payments, validating insurance documentation, and ensuring required signatures and forms are complete. Success requires strong organization, multitasking, attention to detail, adaptability in a fast-paced environment, and effective, empathetic, discreet communication with patients, providers, and care teams. The position supports OHSU’s mission of advancing access, quality, and compassionate care.
Requirements
- Six months of work experience in a medical office setting, including high-volume direct patient contact, or one year of experience in a high-volume direct public contact position.
- Basic computer keyboarding skills, including typing 30–45 words per minute.
- Complete required initial training and core competency assessment before or during the trial service period.
- Complete required update modules and maintain core competencies, demonstrating continuous application of these skills throughout employment.
- A completed formal OHSU Administrative Internship Program may substitute for one year of experience; contact Compensation to confirm eligibility.
Nice To Haves
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Successful completion of the OHSU Language Services Exam.
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 demographics, insurance, and Primary Care Provider information; and ensure required forms and signatures are complete.
- Collect and process copayments, deposits, and other payments in accordance with OHSU policies.
- Answer, triage, and route calls promptly, with clear communication and accurate documentation.
- Maintain organized and confidential workspaces and uphold HIPAA standards.
- Flexibly 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 efficient appointment flow and timely 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; gather relevant information to reduce unnecessary contacts and delays in patient care.
- Monitor schedules for accuracy, efficiency, and opportunities to improve access.
- Support follow-up scheduling and ensure scheduling and documentation are accurate.
- Gather and verify patient insurance coverage, financial status, and eligibility before visits.
- Confirm patients’ financial situations, network requirements, and authorization needs for clinical care, procedures, and diagnostic studies.
- Obtain required prior authorizations and referrals and update authorization information in Epic referral or related systems.
- Follow up on pending authorizations and communicate status updates to patients and care teams.
- Collaborate with financial clearance staff on authorization status and obtaining authorizations or referrals as assigned.
- Work collaboratively with clinical and administrative teams to support daily operations and patient care.
- Participate in staff meetings, training, and process improvement initiatives.
- Maintain required competencies and complete ongoing PAS training and updates.
- Adhere to OHSU’s Code of Conduct, policies, and confidentiality standards.
- Contribute to a positive and inclusive work environment reflecting OHSU’s mission and values.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
