Patient Access Specialist - AZ - Eye Institute

Midwestern University•Glendale, AZ

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Access Specialist provides assistance to faculty, clinical staff, students, and patients within the Eye Institute as part of the Arizona College of Optometry. The role primarily supports the Ophthalmology department by scheduling appointments and surgical procedures, organizing patient schedules, and communicating with patients about appointments, insurance benefits, pre- and post-operative care, and financial responsibilities. The position coordinates with the Ophthalmic Medical Technician, Assistant Manager of Patient Accounts, and Clinic Manager to support patient flow and coordination of care. It also includes educating and training students where appropriate. The position reports to the Assistant Manager of Patient Accounts. The role requires regular, predictable in-person attendance and interaction with the public and internal customers. The employee must maintain a professional demeanor, develop positive rapport, be detail-oriented, and help promote a welcoming atmosphere. The position involves frequent standing, walking, and other physical activities, with frequent lifting or moving of up to 10 pounds and occasional lifting or moving of up to 25 pounds. The work environment generally has moderate noise.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
A minimum of 5–7 years of experience working in a healthcare setting or medical office environment required.
Knowledge of ICD-10, CPT, HCPCS, and medical terminology required.
Experience working with Medicare, Medicaid, and third-party payers required.
Experience working with minimal supervision in a customer-service-oriented environment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Computer proficiency in MS Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Experience working in an electronic health record system (EHR).
Ability to develop positive rapport with the public and internal customers.
Ability to maintain a professional demeanor, be detail-oriented, and promote a welcoming atmosphere.
Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner, with regular, predictable, in-person attendance.
Frequently stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear; and lift or move up to 10 pounds. Occasionally climb or balance, sit, and lift or move up to 25 pounds. Required vision abilities include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree preferred.
Ability to become familiar with an electronic health system (EHR).

Responsibilities

Schedule in-office appointments and procedures in Ophthalmology and Optometry services.
Coordinate surgical patient scheduling with ambulatory surgical centers.
Obtain insurance authorizations and referrals for in-office and outpatient procedures.
Assist the Ophthalmic Medical Technician by providing patients with procedure information and obtaining necessary information, including informed consent, pre- and post-operative instructions, and surgical clearance.
Monitor the Ophthalmology schedule and backfill appointment cancellations as appropriate.
Dispense over-the-counter products.
Communicate with patients in person, by telephone, through the patient portal, and through other modalities.
Guide and advise students on professional conduct and ethical behavior.
Train students in different areas within the College as assigned.
Follow professional standards of care and clinical protocols.
Register patients and collect demographic and insurance information.
Answer phones and collect payments.
Assist with organization of office and clinical procedures.
Assist with proper documentation of treatment records.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Life insurance
Short- and long-term disability
Pet insurance
Flexible spending accounts, including healthcare reimbursement and child/dependent care accounts
Paid holidays, sick/flex days, personal days, and vacation days
403(b) retirement plan
Tuition reimbursement
Child care subsidy reimbursement program
Identity theft protection
Employee assistance program
On-site wellness facility with a fully equipped fitness facility