Patient Access Representative

Legacy Health; Vancouver (WA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Legacy Health seeks a Patient Access Representative to greet and register patients, verify insurance, collect co-pays, and guide families through financial responsibilities. You will ensure accurate medical and financial records across care teams, supporting EMTALA compliance and state regulations.

The role requires strong communication, customer service, and multitasking abilities in a busy hospital setting, with attention to detail and teamwork to improve patient experience.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Two years college education including satisfactory completion of college level Health Records coursework preferred.
• A minimum of one year of healthcare experience or equivalent in Patient Access, Medical Records/Health Information or applicable clerical support experience.
• Six months customer service experience required.
• Understanding of health plan and benefit structures preferred.
• Previous registrar and third-party payor experience preferred.
• Knowledge of EMTALA guidelines preferred.

Responsibilities

• Greeting, registering, checking in, and admitting patients according to scope and service line.
• Collecting patient demographics, identifying medical providers involved in care, and documenting medical decision-makers.
• Verifying insurance coverage and benefits, and determining patient financial responsibilities.
• Assisting patients and families in understanding active insurance coverage and providing guidance on accessing financial and insurance resources.
• Collecting copayments, coinsurances, deposits, and payments as appropriate.
• Collaborating with Revenue Cycle departments and hospital units to ensure accurate medical and financial records.
• Collecting and submitting required legal documentation to meet State and Federal compliance regulations.

Skills

Communication skills

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Problem solving

Multitasking

EMTALA knowledge

Health terminology

Keyboard & MS Office

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Health Records coursework (college level)

Tools

Electronic medical records

Microsoft Office

Job description

You are the first face patients see — setting the tone for a welcoming and positive experience. Simply put, you are the face of Legacy.

As we work to fulfill our mission of making life better for others, we need compassionate and capable individuals to guide patients through every step of their healthcare journey. As a Patient Access Representative, you’ll use your strong communication and interpersonal skills to collect insurance and other essential information, assist patients and families in understanding their financial responsibilities, collect co-payments, and ensure required legal documentation is obtained for state and federal compliance.

Your attention to detail in creating accurate medical and financial records will make a meaningful difference for both patients and our medical teams.

Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center is Southwest Washington’s most modern hospital, offering the latest technology in a setting designed for comfort and care for the whole family. We feature innovations in joint replacement, robotic surgery, pelvic health for women, cancer care, intensive care for newborns, neurosurgery, medical care for children and more.

Responsibilities

• Greeting, registering, checking in, and admitting patients according to scope and service line.
• Collecting patient demographics, identifying medical providers involved in care, and documenting medical decision-makers.
• Verifying insurance coverage and benefits, and determining patient financial responsibilities.
• Assisting patients and families in understanding active insurance coverage and providing guidance on accessing financial and insurance resources.
• Offering self-pay information and applicable discounts.
• Collecting copayments, coinsurances, deposits, and payments as appropriate.
• Collaborating with Revenue Cycle departments and hospital units to ensure accurate medical and financial records.
• Collecting and submitting required legal documentation to meet State and Federal compliance regulations.

Qualifications

Education

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Two years college education including satisfactory completion of college level Health Records coursework preferred.

Experience

• A minimum of one year of healthcare experience or equivalent education in at least one of the following areas required: Patient Access, Medical Records/Health Information or applicable clerical support experience.
• Six months customer service experience required.
• Previous registrar and third - party payor experience preferred.
• An understanding of health plan and benefit structures preferred.

Skills

• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills required.
• Ability to work efficiently with minimal supervision, exercising independent judgment within stated guidelines.
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal skills which promote cooperation and teamwork.
• Ability to withstand varying job pressures and organize/prioritize related job tasks.
• Ability to perform multiple tasks at the same time.
• Excellent public relations skills and demonstrated ability to communicate in calm, succinct, business-like manner.
• Ability to deal with people in emergent and/or stressful situations.
• Ability to identify alternative means of communication as needed.
• Ability to adapt to change.
• Keyboard skills and ability to navigate electronic systems applicable to job functions.
• Ability to maneuver through several applications including electronic medical records, Microsoft Office applications, different software, website, and databases.
• Demonstrated understanding of complex collection issues.
• Demonstrated knowledge of multi-payor systems, and understanding and applying e-coverage results preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of billing/collection, past balances, deposits and knowing State and Federal rules and regulations preferred.
• Ability to understand and adhere to EMTALA (Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act) guidelines.
• Able to communicate patient financial communication, offer financial aid services, educating patients on eligibility and in and out of network status.
• Ability to enroll patients into Presumptive Medicaid services – which entails a detailed questionnaire with the patient to determine eligibility
• Knowledge of medical terminology.

Pay Range USD $22.32 - USD $31.90 /Hr.

Our Commitment to Health and Equal Opportunity

Our Legacy is good for health for Our People, Our Patients, Our Communities, Our World. Above all, we will do the right thing.

If you are passionate about our mission and believe you can contribute to our team, we encourage you to apply—even if you don't meet every qualification listed. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can grow and succeed.

Legacy Health is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion or creed, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

To learn more about our employee benefits click here: www.legacyhealth.org/For-Health-Professionals/careers/benefiting-you