Patient Access Representative

Hillsboro Health; Hillsboro (IL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Hillsboro Health is seeking a Patient Access Representative to be the first point of contact for patients and visitors, ensuring a welcoming and efficient registration process. You will verify demographics, confirm insurance eligibility, collect payments, and coordinate with clinical staff to support smooth patient flow.

Ideal candidates demonstrate empathy, strong communication, and accuracy while maintaining HIPAA compliance and exceptional patient service in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required.
• Familiarity with medical terminology, insurance processes, and electronic health records is a plus.
• Proficiency in general clerical office duties, keyboarding and typing.
• Excellent customer service skills required.
• Previous receptionist or switchboard experience preferred.
• Must maintain an average accuracy of 98.7% or above.

Responsibilities

• Greets patients, families, and visitors with warmth and professionalism.
• Accurately registers patients and verifies demographics in the system.
• Confirms insurance eligibility and explains financial responsibilities.
• Collects co-pays and payments while remaining considerate of patient circumstances.
• Maintains HIPAA compliance and privacy of information.
• Coordinates with clinical staff to ensure timely patient flow.
• Provides directions and assists patients in navigating the facility.
• Handles challenging situations with patience and problem-solving.
• Ensures all documentation is complete and compliant with standards.
• Accurately scans paperwork and IDs; adheres to dress code.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Empathy

Interpersonal skills

Multitasking

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma

Medical terminology familiarity

Electronic health records familiarity

Clerical duties proficiency

Switchboard console experience

Tools

Switchboard console

Keyboarding

Typing

Job description

Description

The Patient Access Representative serves as the first point of contact for patients and visitors, creating a welcoming and compassionate experience from the moment they arrive. This role is essential in ensuring accurate registration, smooth access to services, and clear communication. The ideal candidate combines strong attention to detail with empathy, professionalism, and a commitment to excellent patient care.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Demonstrates Competency in the Following Areas:
• Greets patients, families, and visitors with warmth, professionalism, and respect, fostering a positive first impression.
• Accurately registers patients, verifies demographics, and ensures all required information is collected and entered into the system.
• Confirms insurance eligibility, obtains necessary authorizations, and explains financial responsibilities in a clear and compassionate manner.
• Collects co-pays, deductibles, and other payments while maintaining sensitivity to patient circumstances.
• Maintains strict confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and organizational policies.
• Coordinates effectively with clinical staff to ensure timely patient flow and service delivery.
• Provides clear directions and answers questions to help patients navigate the facility with ease.
• Handles challenging situations with patience, empathy, and problem-solving skills.
• Ensure all documentation is complete, accurate, and compliant with regulatory standards.
• Accurately scans paperwork, insurance information, and photo identification.
• Adheres to the Patient Access Dress Code
• Completes other duties as assigned.

Professional Requirements

• Supports and promotes an environment conducive with the Mission, Vision, and Values of the hospital.
• Is knowledgeable of general hospital and department specific policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates excellent customer service skills with a focus on empathy and patient-centered care.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize responsibilities, and remain composed in a fast-paced environment.
• Maintains professionalism and a positive attitude in all interactions.
• Commitment to teamwork, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

Education and/or Experience

• High school diploma required.
• Familiarity with medical terminology, insurance processes, and electronic health records is a plus.
• Required proficiency in general clerical office duties, i.e., computer keyboarding, average typing skills, and switchboard console.
• Excellent customer services skills required.
• Previous experience as receptionist, secretary or switchboard is preferred.
• Must maintain an average accuracy of 98.7% or above.

Certificates and Licenses

• None required; relevant certifications in healthcare access or customer service are a plus.

Physical Demands

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position without compromising patient care.

CORPORATE COMPLIANCE

Receives training and/or attends necessary meetings to meet the criteria as outlined in Hillsboro Health’s Corporate Compliance Plan and Code of Conduct. Understands the responsibilities related to compliance and knows to contact the Corporate Compliance Officer should there be any instance of question or concern regarding fraud and/or abuse.

BENEFITS

Please use the link below to visit our website for a list of benefits offered.

https://www.hillsborohealth.org/careers