Dental Patient Access Representative - Bilingual Preferred

Northshore Health Centers; Portage (IN); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

NorthShore Health Centers in Portage, IN seeks a Patient Access Representative to be the first point of contact for patients and to help schedule appointments while collecting accurate information. The role collaborates with clinical teams to ensure patients are scheduled properly, prepared for visits, and informed of visits requirements.

The position emphasizes HIPAA compliance, data entry accuracy, and clear guidance on insurance and payment options to support access to affordable care.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience in healthcare settings preferred
• Excellent communication and customer service skills required

Responsibilities

• Answer incoming calls professionally and determine the reason for the call.
• Schedule appointments per guidelines and templates; update patient demographics and insurance information.
• Explain financial requirements, including insurance, sliding fee eligibility, and Medicaid enrollment.
• Ensure HIPAA compliance and protect patient confidentiality during interactions.
• Educate patients on NorthShore Health Centers services and scheduling options.

Skills

First contact with patients

Scheduling appointments

HIPAA compliance

Data entry accuracy

Customer service

Communication skills

Time management

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Microsoft Office

Ability to explain insurance

Education

High School Diploma

Associate’s Degree in Health Services/Healthcare Administration

Job description

Job Details

Job 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 positionis responsible forscheduling appointments and ensuringaccuratepatient 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,identifiesthe reason for the call,and directs non-scheduling inquiries to theappropriate departmentto ensure a positive patient experience.


• When scheduling appointments, ask appropriate questions to determine patient needs, visit type, and provider preference.Scheduling appointmentsin accordance withscheduling 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,tohelp 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.


• Assistswith rescheduling appointments as directed by the Senior Patient Access Representative or Patient Access Manager, ensuringtimelycommunication with patients.


• Contactspatients 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