Patient Access Rep Float, PRN - MTS Coolidge

Ochsner Health; Lafayette (LA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Ochsner Health in Lafayette, Louisiana, is seeking a Patient Access Representative to provide excellent customer service and manage admissions and scheduling for patients. The role includes verifying patient information, collecting payments, and maintaining accurate records.

The ideal candidate has at least 1 year of relevant experience, effective communication skills, and strong attention to detail. Preferred qualifications include an Associate’s degree or medical specialty certification.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year experience in a healthcare environment.
• Preferred certifications: CHAM, CHAA, Medical Assistant.

Responsibilities

• Greet patients and guests courteously.
• Manage patient scheduling and admissions.
• Collect and input demographic and financial information.
• Analyze financial responsibility for each patient case.
• Balance cash drawer daily.

Skills

Computer skills for data entry

Effective verbal and written communication

Proficiency with Windows applications

Strong interpersonal skills

Clerical skills with knowledge of billing regulations

Problem-solving skills

Organizational and time-management skills

Analytical skills with attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate’s degree

Job description

This position is responsible for greeting patients and guests courteously, initiating appointments or completing check‑in and admission processes, verifying patient identification and demographics for accurate registration, handling point‑of‑service collections, verifying insurance coverage, and maintaining patient confidentiality. The role requires consistent professional representation and cross‑training to support multiple functions across all patient and payer types.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide excellent customer service to all patients, guests, and family members.
• Manage patient scheduling, clinic registration, and hospital admission processes.
• Ensure completion of all required forms and gather accurate paperwork/documentation.
• Collect and input patient/guarantor demographic and financial information; explain insurance benefits and collect co‑pays, deductibles, and self‑pay portions.
• Analyze financial responsibility for each case and communicate the information to patients.
• Balance cash drawer daily, prepare deposit slips, and close the drawer at shift end.
• Maintain respectful and cooperative staff relationships; assist in resolving interpersonal conflicts.
• Adapt communication style to patient population, observing privacy and obtaining necessary permissions.

Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent (required). Associate’s degree is preferred.

Work Experience: Minimum 1 year in a hospital, clinic, medical office, revenue cycle, or customer service environment involving direct patient interaction.

Preferred Certifications: Healthcare Access Manager (CHAM), Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA), Medical Assistant or other medical specialty certification.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Computer skills and dexterity for data entry and information retrieval.
• Effective verbal and written communication; ability to present information clearly and professionally.
• Proficiency with Windows applications and relevant software packages.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Clerical skills with technical knowledge of insurance benefits, payer guidelines, and billing regulations.
• Ability to present information and respond to patient and customer questions with proficiency.
• Problem‑solving skills and ability to handle high‑stress situations while maintaining professionalism.
• Organizational, time‑management, and conflict‑resolution skills.
• Excellent decision‑making and analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Collaboration with other departments.
• Judgment in handling or escalating difficult situations.

Physical and Environmental Demands

Primarily sedentary duties, with occasional lifting of up to 10 pounds. Must be able to stand or walk briefly. Work involves exposure to communicable diseases and potential hazardous medications and waste. Occupational risks are inherent in a healthcare setting.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Ochsner Health is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status.