Patient Access Representative

Legacy Health • Vancouver, WA

3d • $22 - $32

About The Position

The Patient Access Representative is the primary non-clinical contact for hospital-based patient visits and helps create a welcoming, positive experience. The role guides patients and families through the healthcare journey by collecting insurance and other essential information, explaining financial responsibilities, collecting payments, and obtaining required legal documentation for state and federal compliance. The representative maintains accurate medical and financial records for patients and care teams.

The position is at Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center, a hospital in Southwest Washington offering a range of services and technologies, including joint replacement, robotic surgery, pelvic health, cancer care, neonatal intensive care, neurosurgery, and pediatric medical care.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least one year of healthcare experience or equivalent education in Patient Access, Medical Records/Health Information, or applicable clerical support.
• At least six months of customer service experience.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work efficiently with minimal supervision and exercise independent judgment within stated guidelines.
• Interpersonal skills that promote cooperation and teamwork.
• Ability to withstand varying job pressures and organize and prioritize tasks.
• Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong public relations skills and ability to communicate calmly, succinctly, and professionally.
• Ability to work with people in emergent or stressful situations.
• Ability to identify alternative means of communication as needed.
• Ability to adapt to change.
• Keyboard skills and ability to navigate electronic systems applicable to job functions.
• Ability to use multiple applications, including electronic medical records, Microsoft Office applications, software, websites, and databases.
• Understanding of complex collection issues.
• Ability to understand and adhere to EMTALA guidelines.
• Ability to communicate patient financial information, offer financial aid services, educate patients about eligibility and in-network and out-of-network status, and enroll patients in Presumptive Medicaid services using a detailed eligibility questionnaire.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.

Nice To Haves

• Two years of college education, including satisfactory completion of college-level Health Records coursework.
• Previous registrar and third-party payor experience.
• Understanding of health plan and benefit structures.
• Knowledge of multi-payor systems and ability to understand and apply e-coverage results.
• Knowledge of billing and collection, past balances, deposits, and applicable state and federal rules and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Greet, register, check in, and admit patients according to scope and service line.
• Collect patient demographic information, identify medical providers involved in care, and document medical decision-makers.
• Verify insurance coverage and benefits and determine patients’ financial responsibilities.
• Help patients and families understand active insurance coverage and access financial and insurance resources.
• Provide self-pay information and applicable discounts.
• Collect copayments, coinsurance, deposits, and other payments as appropriate.
• Collaborate with Revenue Cycle departments and hospital units to maintain accurate medical and financial records.
• Collect and submit required legal documentation for state and federal compliance.

What This Job Offers

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