Patient Access Representative - ED

Memorial Physician Practices; Hickory (NC); Hybrid; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Lifepoint Health in Hickory, NC is seeking a Patient Access Representative to collect demographics, insurance and payment information for outpatient and inpatient services, verify benefits, obtain authorizations, and facilitate the admitting process with a positive customer service focus.

The role requires strong data entry, communication, privacy, and ability to work in a fast-paced environment; includes shift flexibility and collaboration with the department to support operations.

Qualifications

• High School diploma preferred.
• Able to collect and verify demographic, insurance, and payment information.
• Proficient in handling confidential patient data.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.

Responsibilities

• Collects patient demographics, insurance, and financial information.
• Verifies benefits and obtains precertifications as needed.
• Collects co-pays and deductibles at point of service.
• Explains forms and provides instruction to patients.
• Maintains patient privacy and confidentiality.
• Works with performance improvement and participates in required education.
• Supports department operations across shifts as needed.

Skills

Critical thinking

Decisive judgment

Effective English communication

Software system navigation

Education

High School diploma preferred

Tools

Registration system

Job description

Patient Access Representative Position

Schedule: 7:00PM-7:00 AM

Collects patient demographic, insurance, and financial information for outpatient services and inpatient admissions. Verifies benefits, obtains authorizations as needed, and collects co-pays/deductibles at the point of service to efficiently expedite the admitting process. Provides a positive first impression of the facility. Reports to the Director or Manager of Department.

Essential Functions

• Ensures all required demographic, billing, and clinical data are obtained and accurately entered into the registration system in a timely manner.
• Distributes and explains forms, documents, and educational handouts to patients and families.
• Verifies insurance benefits and obtains precertification/authorization as necessary.
• Determines and accepts required payments (e.g., co-pays, deductibles) or refers to financial counseling as appropriate.
• Communicates professionally in‑person and by phone; provides clear instructions and excellent customer service.
• Protects patient privacy and confidentiality in all registration activities.
• Participates in performance improvement and required education.
• Works alternate shifts/areas as needed to support department operations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Additional Information

Populations Served: Does not treat or provide clinical care to patients. Protected Health Information Accessed: Demographic, Insurance, Financial. Exposure: Occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens may be present. Physical Requirements (typical): Frequent keyboard data entry, sitting, audible speech and hearing; frequent reaching and repetitive hand/arm movements; occasional walking, standing, squatting, pushing/pulling and lifting/carrying up to 25 lbs; rare climbing, kneeling, running, and higher-force tasks. Vision demands include near/far vision and depth perception (constant), color distinction (constant); smell and taste rarely required. Occasional exposure to biological and rare exposure to chemical hazards (e.g., dust, gases/vapors/fumes); latex exposure rare.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Education: High School diploma preferred. Skills: Critical thinking, decisive judgment, and ability to work with minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment. Rapid learning and navigation of multiple software systems. Effective English communication (read, write, speak, and understand). Ability to complete the Skills Competency Checklist within 90 days of hire.

Lifepoint Health is a leader in community-based care and driven by a mission of Making Communities Healthier. Our diversified healthcare delivery network spans 29 states and includes 63 community hospital campuses, 32 rehabilitation and behavioral health hospitals, and more than 170 additional sites of care across the healthcare continuum, such as acute rehabilitation units, outpatient centers and post-acute care facilities. We believe that success is achieved through talented people. We want to create places where employees want to work, with opportunities to pursue meaningful and satisfying careers that truly make a difference in communities across the country.