Patient Access Specialist

TEKsystems•Happy Valley, OR

23d•$22 - $22•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Access Specialist provides a consistent, compassionate, and professional experience for patients and families throughout registration and admission in inpatient and surgical settings. The role ensures accurate and timely registration, supports regulatory and compliance requirements, and serves as a liaison between patients, clinical staff, and other hospital services to facilitate safe, efficient, and respectful care. This is a fast-paced, patient-facing, highly collaborative role based on-site in a Portland, Oregon hospital. Work takes place at registration desks and occasionally at the bedside, with interaction among patients, families, clinical staff, and visitors. The role uses Epic and other electronic health record systems, online payer access tools, and automated work drivers. Staff may also support the Information Desk and guest housing coordination.

Requirements

Demonstrated service excellence and strong customer service skills, including empathy and professionalism with patients, families, sponsors, caregivers, and team members.
Effective and respectful face-to-face, telephone, and interpersonal communication skills.
Sound judgment and ability to work within delegated authorities.
Ability to identify, resolve, and escalate issues that may affect patient care or operations.
Excellent attention to detail and a strong focus on accuracy and completeness in registration and documentation.
Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment in a positive and professional manner.
Organizing and planning skills, effective time management, and ability to achieve results in a fast-paced setting.
Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously and work effectively despite interruptions.
Ability to read, understand, and follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to identify and solve complex problems using critical thinking and sound judgment.
Knowledge of HIPAA rules and regulations and commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
Ability to perform in alignment with the organization’s mission and values, including compassion, service, and whole-person care.
Experience with Epic and electronic health record systems.
Comfort using electronic and automated work tools, including online payer access tools and work drivers.
Familiarity with CMS, JCAHO, EMTALA, COBRA, and other healthcare regulatory requirements.
Ability to support inpatient registration, surgery admissions, and compliance notifications in a hospital environment.

Nice To Haves

Basic knowledge of insurance and managed care payers, healthcare registration processes, Medicare Secondary Payer rules, EMTALA, and ABN requirements.
Knowledge of CPT and ICD coding and medical terminology.
Experience in patient registration, patient access, or a related healthcare administrative role.

Responsibilities

Deliver a consistent, compassionate, and professional experience during registration and admission interactions.
Assess patients’ ability to complete registration before services or room placement and perform bedside registration when needed.
Notify clinical staff immediately if a patient appears to need urgent medical attention.
Complete registrations accurately and on time to ensure accounts are compliant and billable and avoid rework.
Verify patient information, promptly issue armbands, and confirm identity in accordance with organizational policies.
Collect and document co-pays when appropriate, following EMTALA and other regulatory guidelines.
Escort or direct patients and families to the appropriate location after registration.
Secure, document, store, and return patient valuables according to established policies.
Complete order entry, manage work queues, enter account notes, and perform system updates accurately and promptly.
Scan, index, and maintain required documentation to support accurate medical and financial records.
Complete workers’ compensation and Labor & Industries forms and obtain required patient signatures.
Present required forms, including ABNs, Advance Directives, and Patient Rights and Responsibilities, and obtain signatures when needed.
Maintain confidentiality of patient demographic, medical, and financial information in compliance with HIPAA.
Follow applicable federal, state, local, and organizational policies and regulations, including CMS, JCAHO, EMTALA, COBRA, and HIPAA.
Identify service issues that may affect patient care or operational success, resolve them when possible, and escalate them appropriately.
Maintain schedule adherence and meet established time and productivity standards.
Support the Information Desk as needed by providing directions, information, and assistance to patients and visitors.
Obtain complete and accurate patient data to support the Master Person Index and maintain patient-record integrity.
Coordinate bed assignments, placements, and transfers with nursing units when applicable.
Accurately enter Diagnostic Imaging and ancillary test orders using established guidelines.
Facilitate guest housing rentals, payments, housekeeping, maintenance, and security coordination when applicable.
Use Epic, electronic and automated work tools, and online payer access tools to perform registration and related tasks.
Demonstrate service excellence with patients, families, sponsors, caregivers, and team members.
Apply sound judgment and work within delegated authorities while managing complex situations in a fast-paced environment.