Patient Access Rep - Outpatient Registration

3M HEALTHCARE; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Ochsner is seeking a Patient Access Specialist to assist with frontline registration, scheduling, and admissions in a hospital setting. You will guide patients through the process, ensuring accurate forms and timely processing.

The role requires strong communication, precise data entry, and knowledge of insurance benefits, with the ability to work with diverse patient populations while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in hospital/clinic/customer service environments.
• Associate’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent patient service at registration and scheduling.
• Gather and input demographic and financial information; explain insurance benefits and collect payments.
• Balance cash drawer daily and process deposits at end of shift.
• Demonstrate professionalism and conflict-resolution skills with staff and patients.
• Adapt communication to patient population and privacy requirements.

Skills

Customer service

Data entry

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Clerical skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate’s degree preferred

Tools

Windows

Billing software

Job description

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, ensuring all required forms and documents are accurate and complete.
• Efficiently and accurately gather and input patient/guarantor demographic and financial information; explain insurance benefits and collect co‑pays, deductibles, and self‑pay portions due.
• Perform financial analysis of each case and inform patients of financial responsibility.
• Balance cash drawer daily, prepare deposit slips, and complete the closing cash drawer process at the end of each shift.
• Demonstrate respect and cooperation in all staff relationships and exhibit a genuine willingness to prevent or resolve interpersonal conflicts.
• Adapt behavior to the specific patient population, including respecting privacy, establishing a proper introduction, explaining services or procedures, and requesting permissions in an appropriate communication style.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in a hospital, clinic, medical office, business services/revenue cycle, or other customer service–related environment (front‑line registration, financial counseling, banking, retail, or similar roles).

Preferred Certifications

• 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)

• Computer skills and dexterity required for data entry and retrieval of information.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present information clearly and professionally.
• Proficiency with Windows‑style applications, various software packages specific to the role, and keyboard proficiency.
• Strong interpersonal skills and clerkial skills.
• Technical knowledge of healthcare insurance benefits, payer guidelines on referral and authorization processes, and current knowledge of federal, state, and local billing regulations.
• Ability to present information and respond to questions from patients and customers with proficiency.
• Problem‑solving skills and the ability to handle high‑stress situations while maintaining professionalism.
• Good organizational, time‑management, and conflict‑resolution skills.
• Excellent decision‑making skills with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other departments.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in handling or escalating difficult situations.

Physical and Environmental Demands

• Primarily sedentary work; may involve walking or standing for brief periods.
• Occasional lifting or moving of objects up to 10 pounds.
• No exposure to blood, body fluid, or tissue under normal routine; not required to perform emergency care or first aid.
• Work with patients who may have communicable diseases and may enter isolation rooms.
• Occupational risk for exposure to hazardous medications or hazardous waste within the environment through various activities.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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