Patient Access Representative - Pulmonary

PeaceHealth • Bellingham, WA

21h

About The Position

PeaceHealth is hiring a full-time Patient Access Representative for its Pulmonary area in a day position. The role coordinates activities among scheduling, insurance verification, and pre-certification, and acts as a clinical liaison with physician practices and pre-visit services.

The representative registers patients, records demographic and financial information, collects payments, verifies insurance coverage, and obtains required authorizations or referrals before patients arrive. The position also responds to customer inquiries, manages appointment schedules and referral calls, and provides departmental coverage as needed. Depending on the location, the representative may transport patients using escort or wheeled transport equipment. Additional location-specific duties may apply.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent; the posting lists this as preferred.
• At least 1 year of medical office or related customer service experience.
• Strong customer service background may be considered in lieu of medical office or related experience in the Care Delivery Area and Outpatient Clinics.
• Ability to manage conflict effectively and professionally.
• Excellent time management skills, with an emphasis on meeting time-sensitive deadlines.
• Good customer service and interpersonal skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Knowledge of medical terminology and CPT/ICD-10 coding.
• Knowledge of insurance processes and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Pre-register and register patients, ensuring demographic and financial information is accurate.
• Collect patient balances, co-payments, co-insurance, and other payments.
• Verify insurance coverage and ensure insurance requirements are met.
• Obtain prior authorizations and referrals as appropriate before patient arrival.
• Respond to customer inquiries.
• Assist with departmental coverage as needed.
• Manage daily appointment schedules, which may include reminder calls and calling referrals.
• Transport patients using escort or wheeled transport equipment when required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• At St. Joseph Medical Center, manage incoming ED phone calls, provide switchboard coverage if required, monitor the OB Prosec/McKinley alarm system, and potentially assist with Cardiac Rehab departmental charge entry.
• At St. John Medical Center, potentially assist with scheduling for other imaging or ancillary services.

Benefits

• Full medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer base and matching contributions
• Paid time off
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance, with additional buy-up coverage options
• Tuition and continuing education reimbursement
• Wellness benefits
• Expanded employee assistance program and mental health program

What This Job Offers

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