Patient Access Representative - Emergency Department

Mercy; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 38,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision coverage

Paid time off

Tuition support

Retirement matching

Job summary

The Patient Access Representative at Mercy Hospital St. Louis Emergency Department serves as the first point of contact, handling registration, insurance verification, financial clearance and demographic data collection to ensure a smooth patient flow.

You will greet patients, verify eligibility, collect payments, assist with pre-certifications and refer to financial assistance when needed, while upholding HIPAA and EMTALA requirements in a fast-paced ED setting.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 1–3 years of customer service, registration, or clerical experience preferred.
• Healthcare, hospital, ED, or patient access experience preferred.
• Knowledge of medical terminology and insurance plans preferred.

Responsibilities

• Greet patients and verify demographic, insurance, and guarantor information.
• Register patients and ensure accurate records with two identifiers.
• Verify insurance eligibility and benefits; communicate costs to patients.
• Collect patient payments and balance cash drawers per policy.
• Maintain HIPAA confidentiality and comply with EMTALA and accreditation standards.

Skills

Customer service

Communication skills

Telephone etiquette

Attention to detail

Data entry

Computer skills

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Find your calling at Mercy!

The Patient Access Representative will facilitate all components of the patient's entrance into any Mercy facility. This may include scheduling, registration, benefit verification, pre-certification and financial clearance including pre-visit collection. The Patient Access Representative will be responsible for ensuring that the most accurate patient data is obtained and populated into the patient record. This co-worker must have an exceptional attention to detail and maintain knowledge and competence with insurance carriers, Medicare guidelines as well as federal, state and accreditation agencies.

Position Details

Patient Access Representative

Find your calling at Mercy!

The Patient Access Representative will facilitate all components of the patient's entrance into any Mercy facility. This may include scheduling, registration, benefit verification, pre-certification and financial clearance including pre-visit collection. The Patient Access Representative will be responsible for ensuring that the most accurate patient data is obtained and populated into the patient record. This co-worker must have an exceptional attention to detail and maintain knowledge and competence with insurance carriers, Medicare guidelines as well as federal, state and accreditation agencies.

Position Details

Patient Access Representative

Mercy Hospital St. Louis - Emergency Department

Full-Time | Evening Shift

Position Summary

The Patient Access Representative is often the first point of contact for our patients and families and plays a critical role in creating a positive experience that reflects Mercy's mission, values, and service standards. This position is responsible for facilitating all aspects of the patient's entry into the Emergency Department, including registration, insurance verification, financial clearance, benefit verification, and collection of accurate demographic and insurance information.

The ideal candidate demonstrates exceptional customer service, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced healthcare environment. This role supports patient satisfaction, regulatory compliance, and revenue cycle success while ensuring every patient receives compassionate and professional service.

Schedule

• Full-Time Evening Shift
• Every other weekend required
• Every other holiday required
• Located in the Emergency Department at Mercy Hospital St. Louis

Key Responsibilities

Patient Registration & Access

• Greet patients, visitors, and families with professionalism, compassion, and courtesy.
• Accurately register patients and verify demographic, insurance, and guarantor information.
• Ensure patient records are accurately identified using at least two patient identifiers.
• Facilitate timely patient access while maintaining service excellence and minimizing wait times.
• Obtain all necessary documentation, signatures, and consents required for treatment and billing.

Customer Service

• Deliver outstanding service to patients, visitors, providers, insurance representatives, and fellow co-workers.
• Demonstrate professionalism and empathy during interactions with patients experiencing urgent or stressful situations.
• Maintain positive relationships across departments to support effective patient care and operations.

Insurance Verification & Financial Clearance

• Verify insurance eligibility and benefits according to established policies and procedures.
• Review patient financial responsibility and communicate out-of-pocket costs when applicable.
• Collect patient payments and accurately document all financial transactions.
• Balance cash drawers and maintain cash-handling procedures in accordance with departmental standards.
• Refer patients to Financial Assistance or Medicaid Eligibility resources when appropriate.

Compliance & Confidentiality

• Protect patient privacy and maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and accreditation standards, including EMTALA, Medicare regulations, and Joint Commission requirements.
• Secure all patient information and dispose of confidential documents appropriately.

Quality & Accuracy

• Maintain the highest standards of accuracy when entering patient and insurance information.
• Complete all required registration, insurance, referral, and authorization processes accurately.
• Follow established procedures for insurance verification, eligibility determination, and pre-certification requirements.
• Meet departmental productivity, quality, and revenue cycle goals.

Teamwork & Professional Development

• Collaborate effectively with clinical and non-clinical departments to support patient care and departmental objectives.
• Adapt to changing priorities and patient volumes in a dynamic Emergency Department setting.
• Participate in training, continuing education, and professional development opportunities.
• Take initiative to learn new processes, systems, and healthcare regulations.

Qualifications

Required Education

• High School Diploma or GED required.

Preferred Experience

• One to three years of customer service, registration, or clerical experience.
• Previous healthcare, hospital, emergency department, or patient access experience preferred.
• Knowledge of medical terminology and insurance plans preferred.

Required Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong customer service and telephone etiquette.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with patients, physicians, staff, and insurance providers.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with computer systems, data entry, and keyboarding.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and professionalism.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to push, pull, and/or lift up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift.
• Ability to bend, kneel, twist, squat, reach, and perform repetitive movements as required.
• Ability to perform work in a fast-paced Emergency Department environment.

Why Join Mercy?

At Mercy, we believe in bringing to life a healing ministry through compassionate care and exceptional service. As a Patient Access Representative, you will play an important role in supporting our patients during critical moments while contributing to the success of one of the region's leading healthcare organizations.

Be the welcoming face of Mercy and help make a difference in every patient's experience.

Why Mercy?

From day one, Mercy offers outstanding benefits - including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, tuition support, and matched retirement plans for team members working 32+ hours per pay period.

Join a caring, collaborative team where your voice matters. At Mercy, you'll help shape the future of healthcare through innovation, technology, and compassion. As we grow, you'll grow with us.