Patient Access Associate - Emergency Department

MaineHealth; Biddeford (ME); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

MaineHealth is seeking a Patient Access Associate I in the 24/7 Emergency Department. This non-clinical role collaborates with clinical teams to identify patients, verify demographics and insurance, and assist with admissions.

You will support visitors, handle checkout, and may assist with transfers while maintaining accurate billing and patient records. The position operates in a busy ED and requires a caring, professional attitude toward patients and families.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required or preferred.
• Related healthcare or customer service experience preferred.
• Computer and data entry experience required with Microsoft Word, e-mail and internet communication; ability to work accurately with electronic systems.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the first point of contact in the Emergency Department; identify patients accurately and apply armbands.
• Capture demographic information and perform insurance verification; obtain signatures for consent and coordinate admissions.
• Assist with financial navigation, copay collections, check-out and transfers/direct admits as needed.
• Ensure accuracy of patient bills and account follow-up post-discharge within a high-volume, fast-paced setting.

Skills

Data entry

Customer service

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Word

Email

Internet

Job description

Patient Access Associate - Emergency Department

Clerical/Administrative Support

Req #: 97666

The first level of a three level Career Path is the Patient Access Associate I within the 24/7 Emergency Department. While this is a non-clinical role, the Associate I will perform functions side by side with members of clinical care teams, embedded within the clinical care environment. Will serve as the first point of contact within the Emergency Department to perform accurate and timely patient identification, arrival and application of the armband. Provides customer service and support for visitors and families. Additional functions are performed at the patient’s bedside including accurate capture of demographic and insurance verification, obtaining signatures for consent and completing admissions. May also include financial navigation, copay collections, check-out and coordination of transfers/direct admits. Ensures the accuracy of the patient’s bill including account follow-up five days post discharge. Functions are performed in a high volume, fast paced environment utilizing mobile workstations. Emergency Department team members serve all patient populations including trauma, mental health, pediatrics, critical care, etc. and are exposed to varying levels of acuity, disease and sensitive patient and visitor situations. Must convey a caring and professional attitude to all patients and visitors.

This role provides coverage for open shifts due to PTO, callouts, and fluctuating volumes, with hours that vary week to week based on departmental needs and are not guaranteed. Candidates must be flexible and willing to pick up shifts as they become available, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Required Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Education: High school diploma or GED preferred.
• License/Certifications: N/A
• Experience: Related experience in healthcare or customer service is preferred.
• Additional Skills/Requirements Required: Computer and data entry experience is required with Microsoft Word, e-mail, and internet communication, as well as the ability to work accurately and effectively with electronic systems.
• Additional Skills/Requirements Preferred: N/A

Additional Information

MaineHealth is committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive environment where care team members can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve across Maine and New Hampshire. We offer competitive benefits including paid parental leave, flexible work options, student loan assistance, professional development opportunities, and well-being resources—so you can grow your career while feeling supported both personally and professionally.

We recognize the value each team member brings to our organization. Any offer of employment will depend on qualifications such as skills, relevant experience, education, certifications, and other job‑related factors. The base range is an estimate and does not reflect the full value of our total compensation package.

The pay range for this position is $20.27 to $24.36 per hour.

Compensation for part-time positions is determined on a prorated basis consistent with the scheduled hours and applicable full‑time equivalent (FTE).

In addition to base pay, MaineHealth offers comprehensive benefits, recognition programs, career growth opportunities, and, where applicable, shift differentials or other incentives.

MaineHealth will never request financial information during the interview or pre‑hiring process. All legitimate communications will come from an email address ending in @mainehealth.org. If you suspect fraudulent activity, please report it immediately to [e-mail].

Notice Regarding Maine Employer Surveillance Statute

Pursuant to Maine's Employer Surveillance Statute, prospective care team members are notified that MaineHealth may monitor, collect, record, review, or retain information related to the use of its systems, networks, applications, files, data, communications platforms (including notified recordings), smart badges, building access, company vehicle GPS data, business calls, and workplace security cameras.

Information collected may be used for legitimate business purposes, including security, safety, compliance, investigations, training, quality assurance, and operational management.

MaineHealth policy requires all care team members to be vaccinated, including for influenza, subject to eligibility for medical or religious exemptions which can only be granted in compliance with applicable law.

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