Patient Access Scheduler I

Tucson Medical Center; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Tucson Medical Center in Tucson, AZ is seeking a Patient Access Scheduler I responsible for scheduling patient appointments, verifying insurance coverage, and ensuring accurate outpatient registration. You will serve as a liaison among patients, providers, and departments to support timely access to care.

The role requires strong communication, familiarity with EHR and scheduling systems, data entry accuracy, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of medical terminology, insurance plans, and scheduling protocols.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Proficiency in EHR systems and scheduling software.

Responsibilities

• Schedule diagnostic, surgical, and/or outpatient procedures using EHR and scheduling systems.
• Verify insurance eligibility, benefits, and authorization requirements.
• Register patients and ensure accurate demographic and financial data entry.
• Provide patients with procedure preparation instructions and cost estimates.
• Collect co-pays, deductibles, and outstanding balances; reconcile daily cash drawer.
• Communicate with physicians, office staff, and departments to confirm procedure details and resolve scheduling conflicts.
• Document all insurance and authorization information in the registration system.
• Respond to incoming calls and assist patients with scheduling, rescheduling, and inquiries.
• Support outpatient departments with system maintenance tasks (e.g., opening/closing resources, overbooking).
• Adhere to HIPAA and organizational confidentiality standards.

Skills

Medical terminology

Customer service

EHR proficiency

Scheduling skills

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or GED

Vocational medical office training

Tools

EHR systems

Scheduling software

Job description

Patient Access Scheduler I

Job Category Clerical

Schedule Full time

Shift 1 - Day Shift

SUMMARY

The Patient Access Scheduler I is responsible for scheduling patient appointments, verifying insurance coverage, and ensuring accurate registration for outpatient and ancillary services. This role serves as a key liaison between patients, providers, and departments to ensure timely and efficient access to care while supporting revenue cycle operations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Schedule diagnostic, surgical, and/or outpatient procedures using EHR and scheduling systems.
• Verify insurance eligibility, benefits, and authorization requirements.
• Register patients and ensure accurate demographic and financial data entry.
• Provide patients with procedure preparation instructions and cost estimates.
• Collect co-pays, deductibles, and outstanding balances; reconcile daily cash drawer.
• Communicate with physicians, office staff, and departments to confirm procedure details and resolve scheduling conflicts.
• Document all insurance and authorization information in the registration system.
• Respond to incoming calls and assist patients with scheduling, rescheduling, and inquiries.
• Support outpatient departments with system maintenance tasks (e.g., opening/closing resources, overbooking).
• Adhere to HIPAA and organizational confidentiality standards.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION: High school diploma or GED required; vocational training in medical office administration preferred.

EXPERIENCE: One (1) year in a medical office or hospital setting, including 6 months of scheduling or insurance verification experience.

LICENSURE OR CERTIFICATION: Heartsaver CPR certification required within 90 days for specific departments (e.g., Pediatric or Adult Therapies).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of medical terminology, insurance plans, and scheduling protocols.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Proficiency in EHR systems and scheduling software.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in data entry.
• Basic computer and office equipment proficiency.