Patient Access Specialist (PAS)

CCHC Online•Chicago, IL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Access Specialist (PAS) serves as the first point of contact for patients and visitors at the health center. This role is responsible for delivering excellent customer service, facilitating patient access to care, and supporting efficient clinic operations in alignment with federal requirements, including access, affordability, and patient-centered service delivery.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required
1–3 years of experience in a healthcare or customer service setting
Experience with EHR systems (Epic preferred)
Knowledge of insurance verification and scheduling systems
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Cultural humility and patient-centered mindset
Attention to detail and accuracy
Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
Problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
Team collaboration across clinical and administrative functions
Experience with Sliding Fee Discount Program (SFDP)
Bilingual (English/Spanish or other languages relevant to patient population)
Experience working with underserved or vulnerable populations

Nice To Haves

Associate degree preferred

Responsibilities

Register and pre-register patients by collecting and verifying demographic, insurance, guarantor and required registration information.
Update and maintain accurate patient records in the electronic health record/practice management system.
Enter all corresponding information and ensure required UDS and registration fields are completed accurately.
Schedule, reschedule, and confirm patient appointments in accordance with provider templates and organizational scheduling guidelines.
Verify insurance eligibility, benefits, prior to and at time of service.
Collect copays, outstanding balances, and point-of-service payments; maintain cash drawer in accordance with organizational procedures.
Screen uninsured and underinsured patients for sliding fee discount program and obtain/review required documentation and create approval, pending or denial status.
Educate patients regarding monetary responsibility, payments options, and available assistance programs.
Answer high-volume inbound calls in a timely, professional manner.
Schedule, reschedule, and cancel appointments across service lines (medical and behavioral health).
Conduct outbound calls for Appointment reminders and No-show follow-up and re-engagement.
Preventive care outreach (e.g., HEDIS gaps, chronic care follow-ups) Support patient retention initiatives, especially for “lost to care” populations.
Answer and manage inbound calls through organizational call queues in a timely and professional manner.
Route calls, messages and patient inquiries to the appropriate department or staff member in accordance with established workflows.
Assist with printing and processing patient referrals to support operations workflow.
Educate and assist patients with enrollment and use of the organization’s digital patient engagement tool.
Coordinate with clinical and administrative staff to support patient flow and continuity of care.
Promote a welcoming, trauma-informed, and patient-centered environment.
Participate in quality improvement (QI) and patient-centered medical home (PCMH) workflows.
Serve as the first point of contact for patient inquiries (in person and by phone).
Manage high call volumes and provide accurate information regarding services.
Address patient concerns and escalate issues appropriately.
Works in collaboration with all areas of the revenue cycle to identify and resolve issues and/or other discrepancies.
Maintain an awareness of lobby activity to ensure patients are appropriately assisted, checked in timely and not waiting unnecessarily.
Multitask effectively between front desk, lobby, phone queue, and simultaneous patients access responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA, FQHC, payer, and organizational requirements.
If assigned as the opener: responsible for always maintaining the key in possession and making sure the clinic is open on time daily.
If assigned as the Closer: responsible for always maintaining the key in possession and making sure the building is secure after all patients have exited at the end of clinic.
Participate in training, meetings, and workflow improvement initiatives as assigned.
Perform other related duties as assigned.