Program Specialist, Full Time 1.0 FTE - Days

Summit Pacific Medical Center•Elma, WA

12h•$23 - $32•Onsite

About The Position

The Program Specialist is responsible for coordinating and managing the administrative tasks related to patient care for their assigned clinical service line. They serve as a primary point of contact for patients, assisting them with scheduling appointments, providing information about clinical services and insurance processes, submitting necessary orders, processing referrals, confirming authorizations, and ensuring a smooth and efficient patient experience. The Program Specialist works closely with healthcare professionals, including providers, technicians, clinical support staff, and the Patient Access Department, to facilitate the delivery of high-quality care to patients.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required, Associate Degree preferred.
Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a healthcare setting, preferably in patient access related functions.
Knowledge of relevant medical terminology.
Familiarity with medical insurance processes, including verification, authorization, and claims submission.
Proficiency in using electronic medical records (EMR) systems and other office software applications.
Strong organizational skills: ability to prioritize, and reprioritize, work as needed to meet objectives.
Professional and effective written and verbal communication skills. Ability to identify and employ communication strategies appropriate to the audience. Grammar and punctuation skills as needed to compose professional documents.
Proficient in the use of current technology and software, including intermediate to advanced Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, Outlook).
Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion. Ability to develop and maintain accurate documentation and records.
Demonstrated teamwork and collaboration skills. Strong customer service and interpersonal skills; ability to maintain composure and interact calmly and professionally with co-workers, providers, patients and visitors in a fast-paced, high-stress environment.
Ability to work independently using good judgment, problem-solving, organization, and prioritization skills to complete assignments in a timely, accurate, and effective manner.

Responsibilities

Schedule appointments, consultations, follow-up visits, and other related appointments for patients within their service line(s).
Coordinate with Patient Access, management, providers, technicians, and other healthcare staff to ensure optimal scheduling and utilization of resources. Coordinates durable medical equipment (DME) as needed by department.
Communicate appointment details and instructions to patients, including any necessary preparations.
Serve as the expert on patient access workflows for their assigned service line(s), address inquiries, provide information, and ensure effective communication.
Educate patients on pertinent procedures and policies, including preparation instructions, duration, and expected outcomes.
Answer phone calls, respond to emails, and handle other forms of communication promptly and professionally.
Maintain patient records, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality of information.
Coordinate referrals to and from other healthcare providers/service lines, as needed, and ensure appropriate documentation is obtained. Obtain necessary authorizations, insurance verifications, and pre-certifications needed for services. Verify acquisition of referrals and pre-authorizations for applicable services. Monitors for referral or authorization expirations and proactively seeks extensions. Monitors and closes inactive referrals when unable to schedule due to lack of patient contact.
Support department initiatives by working waitlists and special projects/patient lists as needed.
Collaborate with providers, clinical staff, and technicians to ensure seamless coordination of patient care.
Follow up with patients to provide test results, orders, answer questions, and address concerns.
Perform all functions according to established policies, procedures, regulatory and accreditation requirements, as well as applicable professional standards. Consistently demonstrate SPMC values and provide all patients/customers with an excellent service experience.
Performs special projects and other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical
Prescription
Dental (including Orthodontia)
Vision
Healthcare FSA and daycare FSA
Daycare subsidized benefit
Life Insurance
Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D)
Short- and long-term disability
Generous employer 403b match contributions for retirement
457 retirement account for additional funds
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Tuition reimbursement
Smoking Cessation Assistance
Employee Wellness Program
Employee Committees to participate in such as Spirit Team
Beautiful on-site gym for employees
Instructor led fitness classes for employees, including Yoga, Kettlebells and Bootcamps
Walking trails on site