Patient Access Representative

Job DetailsJob Location: Portage, IN 46368

Summary/Objective 

The Patient Access Representative serves as the first point of contact for patients and plays a key role in creating a positive patient experience. This position is responsible for scheduling appointments and ensuring accurate patient information is collected and documented. Patient Access Representatives work closely with clinical teams, Pre-Service Clearance, and Patient Service Representatives to ensure patients are scheduled appropriately, prepared for their visit, and informed of any requirements prior to approval.    

Essential Functions 

Answers incoming calls in a courteous and professional manner, identifies the reason for the call, and directs non-scheduling inquiries to the appropriate department to ensure a positive patient experience. 

When scheduling appointments, ask appropriate questions to determine patient needs, visit type, and provider preference. Scheduling appointments in accordance with scheduling guidelines and templates. 

Consistently follows HIPAA policies and procedures to protect patient confidentiality during all patient interactions.  

Accurately enters and updates patient demographics, insurance, and contact information at the time of scheduling.  

Provides patients with clear guidance on financial requirements for their visit, including insurance, sliding fee eligibility, and Medicaid enrollment, to help ensure access to affordable care. 

Ensures all patient questions are addressed before ending the call and provides clear next steps when needed. 

Educates patients on available services offered at NorthShore Health Centers.  

Attends required meetings and training sessions. 

Maintains a working knowledge of department policies, procedures, and scheduling guidelines. 

Assists with rescheduling appointments as directed by the Senior Patient Access Representative or Patient Access Manager, ensuring timely communication with patients.  

Contacts patients to schedule appointments based on self-scheduling requests. 

Supports scheduling of internal referrals.  

Executes other verbal or written specific assigned tasks, requiring similar or lesser skills and abilities, some which are continuing while others are occasional in nature.   

*These essential functions are a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the position and are not intended to be a comprehensive listing of all duties and responsibilities.  The position will include other duties as assigned and duties are subject to change at management's discretion. 

Competencies 

Planning and strategic foresight 

Responsible Decision Making 

Integrity and accountability 

Innovation and creativity 

Adaptive and flexible 

Leadership, teamwork, and conflict resolution 

Professionalism and work ethic 

Empathy 

Work Environment 

Work is performed in an office environment. Involves frequent personal and telephone contact with patients, physicians, and other healthcare personnel. Work may be stressful at times. Interaction with others is constant and interruptive. This role may be eligible for hybrid/remote opportunities, at the discretion of the Patient Access Manager.  

Travel 

Travel within Northshore locations will be rare for this position. Travel outside of Northshore locations will be rare for this position. 

Required Role Qualifications 

High School Diploma, Transcripts, or Equivalent 
 

Preferred Role Qualifications 

Associate’s Degree in Health Services, Healthcare Administration, or related field 

Two years of experience working within a healthcare setting 

Required Skills 

Ability to analyze situations and solve problems at strategic and tactical levels  

Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills 

Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply the appropriate sections of applicable laws, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, and policies 

Ability to acquire a thorough understanding of the organization's hierarchy, jobs, qualifications, compensation practices, and the administrative practices related to those factors 

Practiced at organization and planning 

Employ Critical thinking and problem solving 

Maintains composure and operates with emotional intelligence 

Ethical reasoning and decision-making 

Strong attention to detail 

Receptive and responsive to feedback 

Excellent verbal and written communication skills 

Time management, prioritization, and sense of urgency 

Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software 
 

Qualifications