Patient Access Specialist I

OverviewIn 2020, united in a fierce commitment to deliver the highest quality care and exceptional patient experience, Virginia Mason and CHI Franciscan Health came together as natural partners to build a new health system centered around the patient: Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. Our combined system builds upon the scale and expertise of our nearly 300 sites of care, including 11 hospitals and nearly 5,000 physicians and providers. Together, we are empowered to make an even greater impact on the health and well-being of our communities.CHI Franciscan and Virginia Mason are now united to build the future of patient-centered care across the Pacific Northwest. That means a seamlessly connected system offering quality care close to home. From basic health needs to the most complex, highly specialized care, our patients can count on us to meet their needs with convenient access to the region’s most prestigious experts and innovative treatments and technologies.ResponsibilitiesFranciscan Medical Group, as part of Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, is currently looking for a full-time Patient Access Specialist I for the fast-paced Franciscan Patient Access team in Tacoma. Flexible work schedule with excellent opportunity for growth. Monday-Friday, 9:30am-6:00pm with occasional weekends required. Ability to work remotely after successfully completing training and meeting productivity requirements.Job Summary:This job is responsible for performing general patient access duties in a centralized call center environment in accordance with establishes standards and procedures. An incumbent answers incoming phone calls and assists patients with registration, scheduling, insurance and medication refill needs for all providers within an assigned specific specialty. Work is instrumental in promoting positive outcomes for providers, clinic staff and patients.Work includes: 1) verifying demographics and registering patients in Epic; 2) obtaining and verifying insurance coverage; 3) scheduling patient appointments and 4) promoting MyChart activation. An incumbent may also schedule for special projects (e.g. Healthgrades; Seven Corners, virtual visits, etc.) as assigned.An incumbent demonstrates full competency in the nuanced scheduling for all providers within the assigned specialty, requiring significant attention to detail, capacity for remembering/applying multiple guidelines and the ability to troubleshoot/problem-solve independently within established parameters. Employee productivity is measured and results shared on a scheduled basis to assure continued expertise and competency in meeting established standards.Work requires knowledge of patient registration and insurance verification processes, privacy/confidentiality standards, as well as knowledge of medical terminology and the ability to utilize all available resources/tools to problem-solve in a timely, efficient and effective manner. An incumbent follows proper channels of communication in handling daily and routine problems and recognizing issues that need referral/escalation to management. Strong customer service skills are also necessary.QualificationsEducation/Work Experience:One year of customer service work experience is required. Healthcare environment experience is preferred.Pay Range$21.09 - $27.32 /hourWe are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.