Patient Access Specialist

Blacktail Health•Dillon, MT

19d•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Access Specialist (PAS) performs clerical and administrative duties in a fast-paced healthcare environment under the general direction of the Patient Access Manager. The PAS serves as a primary point of contact for patients and supports patient access, registration, scheduling, financial processes, and communication with the care team. This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week, benefit-eligible position at Blacktail Medical Clinic in Dillon, Montana. The role is FLSA non-exempt, pays $16.48 per hour and up based on qualifications and experience, and requires passing a criminal background check. Candidate review begins on 11/01/2026; the position remains open until filled. The PAS registers and checks patients in and out, verifies demographic, insurance, and financial information, determines sliding fee eligibility, schedules appointments, prepares documentation, and collects and records payments at the time of service. The position maintains accurate patient information, communicates messages to care team members, uses reminder and notification systems to support patient engagement, and helps maintain smooth patient flow. The PAS may work in multiple areas throughout the facility and may be responsible for opening or closing the clinic. The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent and two years of prior experience in an office or high-volume customer service setting. Some higher education is preferred, as is one year of healthcare office experience and prior experience with Epic. The PAS must communicate professionally, handle sensitive information confidentially, work accurately under pressure, and provide courteous service to diverse patients and others.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Two years of prior experience in an office or high-volume customer service setting required.
Must be able to pass a criminal background check.
Competence in dealing with diverse populations.
Ability to perform mathematical calculations.
Ability to operate a personal computer and software, including an internal EHR and Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to operate office machines such as multi-line telephones, printers, copiers, and scanners.
Knowledge of health information management services.
Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
Ability to exercise good judgment and solve problems in complex situations.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Very strong attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to maintain a positive attitude under pressure.
Customer service and de-escalation skills.
Ability to manage multiple simultaneous responsibilities and prioritize work scheduling.
Working knowledge of clinical operations and HIPAA.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of medical, financial, and legal information.
Ability to complete assignments accurately and in a timely manner.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Ability to handle difficult situations involving patients, providers, or others professionally.
Consistent attendance and flexibility to work varying days and hours according to clinic needs.
Skills in speaking, active listening, service orientation, critical thinking, reading comprehension, social perceptiveness, coordination, and writing.

Nice To Haves

Some higher education.
One year of prior healthcare office experience.
Prior experience with Epic.

Responsibilities

Register patients in the EHR, verify demographic, insurance, and financial information, and organize encounter and patient face sheet information for providers.
Collect and review patient financial information to determine sliding fee eligibility, and educate patients about the Sliding Fee Scale.
Collect and maintain patient registration and utilization data for the UDS report.
Schedule appointments and interact with patients or automatic callback systems.
Collect upfront insurance co-payments and time-of-service payments using EPIC, and balance receipts daily.
Use patient reminder and notification systems.
Communicate professionally with the public, patients, peers, other departments, and providers.
Request verification and record patient demographic changes in the electronic computer system.
Scan information into the Electronic Medical Record.
Participate in Performance Improvement and continuous Quality Improvement activities.
Attend regular staff meetings and in-services as directed.
Work in multiple areas throughout the facility as needed.
Greet and assist patients courteously and professionally, provide needed information, and maintain strict confidentiality.
Observe patients in the waiting room and report apparent illness or distress to clinical staff.
Prepare medical charts and help maintain smooth patient flow throughout the clinic.
Gather third-party payment information for patient billing charges.
File records accurately and appropriately.
Monitor incoming faxes and correspondence when necessary.
Open and/or close the clinic as assigned.
Respond to records requests related to patient care, quality review, and audits when assigned.
Maintain confidentiality of patient information in accordance with HIPAA and company policy.
Maintain good working relationships within the department and with other departments.
Maintain regular, predictable attendance and follow established policies and procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned.