Patient Access Associate Specialist

Ensemble Health Partners • Johnson City, TN

19d • Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Access Associate Specialist manages patient registration and access processes within the healthcare revenue cycle. The role supports data integrity, regulatory compliance, patient experience, and revenue cycle outcomes, including registration accuracy, point-of-service collections, and first-pass claim rates. This is an entry-level opportunity performed on-site at Ballad - Franklin Woods Community Hospital in Johnson City, Tennessee. The position pays $17.00–$18.15 per hour based on experience.

The specialist is often the first point of contact for patients at the facility. The work includes registration, pre-registration, insurance and medical-necessity checks, processing orders and forms, collecting payments, auditing accounts, and communicating with patients and colleagues. The role requires a customer-focused approach, accuracy, and openness to innovation, including AI, to improve processes and patient and client experiences.

Requirements

• At least 1 year of customer service experience.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Must be inquisitive and open to innovation, including AI, to explore improved processes and reduce friction in patient and client experiences.
• CRCR certification is required within 6 months of hire; the company pays for it.
• Must be able to work on-site at Ballad - Franklin Woods Community Hospital in Johnson City, Tennessee.
• Must reside and be authorized to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Assign accurate medical record numbers (MRNs), complete medical necessity and compliance checks, provide patient instructions, collect insurance information, receive and process physician orders, and use an overlay tool while providing customer service.
• Operate the telephone switchboard to relay incoming, outgoing, and inter-office calls, following policies and providing compassionate customer service.
• Meet assigned point-of-service goals.
• Use quality auditing and reporting systems to identify and correct accounts, including accounts associated with other employees, departments, and facilities.
• Audit accounts, ensure forms are completed accurately and on time to meet audit standards, and provide statistical data to Patient Access leadership.
• Pre-register patient accounts before visits, including making inbound and outbound calls to obtain demographic, insurance, and other patient information.
• Explain patient financial liabilities and collect point-of-service payments and past-due balances, including offering payment plan options.
• Explain general consent-for-treatment forms to patients, guarantors, or legal guardians; obtain required signatures and witness names.
• Explain and distribute patient education documents and required forms, including Medicare and Tricare notices, observation forms, MOON forms, and consent forms.
• Review insurance eligibility responses, select the applicable insurance plan code, and enter benefit data to support point-of-service collection and billing processes.
• Screen medical necessity using Advanced Beneficiary Notice (ABN) software, inform Medicare patients of possible non-payment for tests, and distribute ABNs as appropriate.
• Distribute and document other designated forms and pamphlets.

Benefits

• Bonus incentives
• Paid certifications
• Tuition reimbursement
• Comprehensive benefits, including healthcare, time off, retirement, and well-being programs
• Professional development and a relevant professional certification
• Quarterly and annual incentive programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED