Patient Access & Authorization Specialist

Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH); Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) in Lexington, KY is seeking a Patient Access Coordinator to manage referrals, schedule appointments, verify insurance, and complete pre-registration to prevent denials and delays in care.

The role includes contacting patients about estimates and balances, screening for financial assistance, and coordinating pre-authorizations with payers, while delivering excellent customer service.

Qualifications

• Understanding of patient access processes, insurance eligibility, and financial counseling.
• Proven ability to assist with scheduling, authorizations, and referrals.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates and processes referral requests, guiding patients and offices through intake and scheduling.
• Receives referrals via multiple delivery methods including email, fax, phone, and EMR interface.
• Schedules patient appointments including diagnostic tests, procedures, surgeries, and follow-ups.
• Pre-registers patient appointments by calling insurers or using payer portals to document eligibility and patient responsibility.
• Calls patients before appointments to educate on out-of-pocket expectations and provide estimates; collects prepayments and balances.
• Screens patients for ARH Financial Assistance or eligibility for other funding.
• Obtains pre-authorization from insurers, submits pre-certification requests and clinical documentation, and follows up on requests.
• Contacts patients and physician offices for additional information and follow-up.
• Clears task lists in EMR daily while maintaining quality and productivity.

Skills

Communication

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Insurance knowledge

Education

High school diploma/GED

Job description

Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) in Lexington, KY is seeking a Patient Access Coordinator to manage referrals, schedule appointments, verify insurance, and complete pre-registration to prevent denials and delays in care.

The role includes contacting patients about estimates and balances, screening for financial assistance, and coordinating pre-authorizations with payers, while delivering excellent customer service.