Patient Access Rep

ochsner; Lafayette (LA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Ochsner in Lafayette, LA seeks a patient access specialist to greet patients and guests, schedule appointments, and complete the registration or admission process. You will verify identifications, collect co-pays, and explain insurance benefits while maintaining confidentiality.

This role requires strong communication, clerical accuracy, and experience in a fast-paced healthcare setting. The position emphasizes patient satisfaction and cross-training to support multiple payer types.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree preferred.
• At least 1 year of hospital/clinical customer service experience.
• Knowledge of insurance verification and patient financial clearance.
• Strong data entry and clerical accuracy; comfort with billing rules.

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent customer service to patients, guests, and family.
• Create and complete patient scheduling, registration, or admission.
• Gather and verify demographic and financial information; explain benefits and collect payments.
• Balances cash drawer daily and processes deposits.
• Collaborate with departments to ensure smooth check-in and accurate records.
• Uphold privacy and confidentiality of patient information.
• Handle other duties as required.

Skills

Data entry

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Clerical skills

Insurance knowledge

Time management

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate's degree (preferred)

Tools

Windows applications

Healthcare software

Job description

Exceptional care starts with exceptional people.For us, this is more than a job- it's a calling. It's waking up each day, looking for ways to make a difference with a compassionate, inclusive and talented team. Ochsner empowers you to discover your passion, reach your potential, and Pursue Your Purpose. Exceptional care starts with exceptional people and teams. Together we are leading the way.This job greets patients and guest in a courteous manner whether via telephone contact or in person; initiates scheduling an appointment or completing the check-in process/admission for patients; obtains and verifies accurate identification and demographical data for the patient's permanent medical record which assist in accurate reimbursement while recognizing the necessity of maintaining the confidentiality of all patient information. Responsible for point-of-service collections, face-to-face patient interactions related to completing the patient registration and admission process; responsible for the verification of insurance via electronic verification, telephone, or web application; improves patient satisfaction through consistently representing the company professionally and cross trained to support multiple functions across all patient and payer types. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at the company's discretion.

Education

• Required - High school diploma or equivalent
• Preferred - Associate's degree

Work Experience

• Required - Minimum of 1 year of experience in a hospital, clinic, medical office, business services/revenue cycle, or other customer service-related environment. Experience may include front line registration, financial counseling, banking, retail, or similar roles involving direct customer or patient interaction.

Certifications

• Preferred - Certification in Healthcare Access Manager (CHAM), Certification in Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA), Certification as a Medical Assistant (or other medical specialty-based certification)

Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Must have computer skills and dexterity required for data entry and retrieval of information.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present information clearly and professionally.
• Must be proficient with Windows-style applications, various software packages specific to role and keyboard.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Must have clerical skills and exhibit technical knowledge of healthcare insurance benefits, various payor guidelines on referral and authorization processes as well as have current knowledge of Federal, State and Local billing regulations.
• Skills to effectively present information and respond to questions from patients and customers, with proficiency.
• Skills to solve practical problems and deal with high stress situations while maintaining a high quality of professionalism.
• Good organizational, time management, and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent decision making skills; good analytical skills with a strong attention to detail are necessary.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other departments.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in handling/escalating difficult situations.

Job Duties

• Provide excellent customer service to all patients, guests, and family members.
• Create, activate, and complete the patient scheduling, clinic registration, or hospital admission process.
• Ensures all required forms are completed and other paperwork/documents are gathered and accurate.
• Efficiently and accurately gathers and inputs patient/guarantor demographic and financial information; explains insurance benefits and collects co-pays, deductibles and self-pay portions due.
• Performs financial analysis of each case and informs patient of financial responsibility
• Balances Cash drawer daily, prepares deposit slips and follow closing cash drawer process at the end of each shift.
• Demonstrates respect and cooperation in all staff relationships, and a genuine willingness to prevent or resolve inter-personal conflicts.
• Adapts behavior to the specific patient population, including but not limited to: respect for privacy, method of introduction to the patient, adapting explanation of services or procedures to be performed, requesting permissions and communication style.
• Other related duties as required.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. They are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. Other duties may be added, or this descrip