Patient Access Specialist - HUC II

Fairview Health Services•Woodbury, MN

About The Position

This dual-role position combines patient registration with ER Health Unit Coordinator (HUC II) duties. As part of Revenue Cycle Management, the Patient Access Specialist helps create a positive first impression and an exceptional experience for patients, families, and other stakeholders. The role gathers accurate demographic and insurance information, verifies eligibility and benefits, communicates and collects patient financial obligations, and supports price transparency and access to financial assistance resources. The position also coordinates communication among unit-based staff, providers, other departments, and transcription of orders to support care progression for emergency department and inpatient patients. The role requires professionalism, critical thinking, a strong work ethic, flexibility, and the ability to demonstrate M Health Fairview’s commitments to Integrity, Service, Compassion, Innovation, and Dignity. This is a casual position requiring a minimum of 40 hours per monthly schedule, with shifts that may include days, evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays.

Requirements

At least 2 years of combined customer service, healthcare revenue cycle, or equivalent Level 1 position experience.
Ability to work accurately and efficiently in EPIC, Microsoft Office Suite, and other computer programs.
Patient collections experience in a medical setting.
Effective written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, self-direction, and a positive attitude.
Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

Nice To Haves

Post-secondary education.
Experience serving as a subject matter expert and willingness to support team questions.

Responsibilities

Interview patients to obtain and document accurate demographic and insurance information in the medical record, and provide on-site, in-person scheduling.
Use insurance knowledge and available resources to code insurance accurately and verify eligibility through online, web-based, or phone systems.
Complete patient check-in, including collecting co-pays, obtaining signatures, scanning insurance cards or IDs, and providing required regulatory notices.
Support price transparency by educating patients, collecting estimated financial responsibilities, and referring patients to financial assistance or counseling resources when appropriate.
Facilitate transfers to units or other facilities; place ED and inpatient provider orders; coordinate provider phone consultations; and assist with communication and documentation of emergency codes on units.
Interact with patients and families in challenging situations, using de-escalation skills when needed.
Manage daily worklists and work queues and resolve assigned tasks accurately, efficiently, and on time.
Assist with mentoring new staff.
Confirm insurance benefits for services, including coverage limitations, referral or authorization requirements, and patient liabilities.
Provide proactive price estimates, explain financial responsibilities, collect amounts due, inform patients of coverage gaps, explain available options, and refer patients to financial counseling when needed.
Prepare and communicate or deliver notices of non-coverage, such as HINN, ABN, waiver, and Medicare lifetime reserve day notices.
Follow up with payers on active authorized referral requests to verify determinations or the payer’s progress in the determination process.