Patient Access Associate| 36 hours per week

Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center•Mt. Pleasant, IA

About The Position

The Patient Access Associate is the first point of contact for patients, families, and visitors, providing a welcoming, professional, and efficient experience. The role handles patient registration, appointment scheduling, coordination with clinical teams, verification of patient demographics and insurance, payment collection, consent documentation, and accurate, confidential patient-data management. The associate also responds to inquiries and concerns, supports registration and scheduling, and helps ensure compliance with applicable regulations and organizational policies. This position is scheduled for 36 hours per week on a night schedule from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. It requires work every third Friday, participation in an every-third-weekend rotation, and two holidays per year. Minimum hiring wage is $18.89 per hour.

Requirements

High school diploma or General Education Degree (GED) preferred.
Less than one year of previous healthcare experience preferred.
Ability to communicate effectively and provide exceptional customer service.
Organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Commitment to maintaining patient-data confidentiality and accuracy.

Nice To Haves

Previous healthcare experience of less than one year.

Responsibilities

Serve as the first point of contact for patients, families, and visitors.
Register patients accurately and collect necessary personal and medical information.
Schedule appointments, coordinate with clinical teams, and prepare appointment reminders and follow-up communications.
Verify patient demographics, insurance details, benefits, eligibility, and required prior authorizations.
Collect and process co-payments and outstanding balances.
Obtain signatures for required consents and legal documentation.
Answer incoming calls, direct callers, and record and relay messages.
Maintain confidentiality and accurate patient records and documentation in the electronic medical system.
Comply with applicable state and federal patient-access and data-privacy regulations.
Address patient inquiries, concerns, or complaints promptly and courteously.
Communicate with clinical and administrative staff to coordinate patient care and workflow.
Troubleshoot registration and scheduling issues, escalating when necessary.
Verify provider orders for accuracy, completeness, and compliance; validate orders from outside providers (Conversion Physicians) for proper documentation and authorization.
Manage multiple tasks while maintaining attention to detail and accuracy.
Monitor appointment availability and make adjustments to accommodate patient needs.
Educate patients about organizational procedures, financial policies, and available resources or assistance programs.
Collaborate with clinical teams to complete pre-registration and pre-visit requirements.
Maintain a clean and organized work area that meets safety and efficiency standards.
Operate a multi-line switchboard and announce emergency codes overhead when required.

Benefits

Competitive base pay
Matching retirement programs
Health, dental, and vision plans
Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts
Employee discounts, including car rental and cell-phone plans
Employer-paid long-term disability, life, and AD&D insurance
Paid time off (PTO)
Education Assistance Program
Employee Assistance Program
Employee Referral Bonus Program
Discounted cafeteria meals
Paid parental leave
Employee Service Recognition program
Voluntary life, AD&D, short-term disability, critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity plans