Patient Access Associate

PCA Medical Group • Anaheim, CA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Access Associate is the welcoming first point of contact for patients, families, and visitors at a clinic. The role combines patient-facing service with administrative work, including registration, insurance verification, appointment coordination, payment processing, and maintaining accurate patient records. The associate also handles escalated scheduling and registration issues, mentors new team members, and provides cross-clinic support as needed. The position is described as full-time and on-site, with a location listed as Anaheim, California; the posting also refers to an Irvine clinic and team.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• 1–2 years of insurance verification experience in a healthcare setting.
• 1–2 years of experience in a patient-facing clinical or healthcare role.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and a strong customer service orientation.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as other computer systems and software.
• Strong organizational and planning abilities, with attention to detail.
• Ability to remain professional and composed when handling complex or sensitive situations.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with the NextGen EHR system.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish, English and Farsi, or English and Mandarin.
• Previous experience training or mentoring team members.
• Certification as a Patient Access Associate or a similar healthcare administration credential.

Responsibilities

• Greet patients, families, and visitors with warmth and professionalism, providing exceptional customer service and upholding the Patient's Bill of Rights.
• Register patients by collecting, verifying, and entering demographic, insurance eligibility, and health information into the EHR system.
• Verify insurance and analyze benefits, generate accurate estimates, conduct reverifications, and clearly communicate patients' financial responsibilities.
• Manage appointments, including scheduling, rescheduling, confirmations, follow-ups, and referral coordination with clinical staff and provider offices.
• Process patient co-payments and outstanding balances accurately and discreetly.
• Obtain and maintain patient signatures for consents, financial agreements, and regulatory compliance documents.
• Handle incoming calls professionally and direct patients to appropriate clinic areas.
• Identify and resolve patient data discrepancies to maintain data integrity across systems.
• Independently resolve escalated scheduling and registration issues.
• Mentor new Patient Access Associates and contribute to team development.
• Provide cross-clinic support as needed to maintain operational coverage.
• Assist patients professionally and empathetically in high-volume settings, including when they are frustrated or distressed.
• Perform additional administrative duties as assigned to support clinic operations.

What This Job Offers

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