Patient Access Specialist I

CommonSpirit Health • Tacoma, WA

4d • Remote

About The Position

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health is hiring a Patient Access Specialist I to manage administrative duties related to patient intake in accordance with established guidelines and procedures. The position serves as a key point of contact for patients and supports efficient scheduling, accurate registration, and a high-quality patient experience.

The specialist interacts with patients in person and by phone to support check-in and check-out; schedules, reschedules, and cancels appointments according to provider guidelines and availability; collects and updates patient demographic and insurance information; verifies insurance eligibility and benefits; collects co-pays and applicable payments; processes referrals and authorizations; and responds to patient inquiries. Work includes verifying demographics and registering patients in Epic, obtaining and verifying insurance coverage, scheduling appointments, and promoting MyChart activation. The incumbent may also schedule for assigned special projects, such as Healthgrades or Seven Corners virtual visits.

The role requires patient-centered customer service, critical thinking and problem-solving in a fast-paced environment, working knowledge of insurance processes, billing practices, and medical terminology, and the ability to use Epic scheduling and registration tools. The specialist must manage multiple tasks accurately and communicate and collaborate effectively with patients, providers, and care teams.

This is a remote position. Employees who live within approximately 1–1.5 hours of the Connection Center in Tacoma, Washington, must complete on-site training for the first 3 weeks to 90 days, depending on training needs. Remote training options are available for employees outside the local commuting area. Remote work requires reliable high-speed internet with at least 100 Mbps download speed and a direct Ethernet connection to the modem or router; Wi-Fi-only connections are not sufficient.

Requirements

• At least one year of customer service work experience.
• Demonstrated critical-thinking and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to provide exceptional, patient-centered customer service.
• Working knowledge of insurance processes, billing practices, and medical terminology.
• Ability to navigate Epic scheduling and registration tools.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Clear communication and effective collaboration with patients, providers, and care teams.
• Reliable high-speed internet connection with a minimum download speed of 100 Mbps.
• Ability to connect directly to the modem or router using an Ethernet cable; Wi-Fi-only connections are not sufficient.

Nice To Haves

• Healthcare environment experience.

Responsibilities

• Interact with patients in person and by phone to support check-in and check-out.
• Schedule, reschedule, and cancel appointments according to provider guidelines and availability.
• Collect and update patient demographic and insurance information and register patients in Epic.
• Verify insurance eligibility, benefits, and coverage.
• Collect co-pays and applicable payments at the time of service.
• Process referrals and authorizations according to clinic and payer requirements.
• Respond to patient inquiries with clear, professional communication.
• Promote MyChart activation.
• Schedule for assigned special projects, such as Healthgrades or Seven Corners virtual visits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed