Patient Access & Scheduling Specialist

Northwestern Medicine; Huntley (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Northwestern Medicine in Huntley, IL seeks a Patient Access Specialist to support scheduling, patient registration, and insurance coordination. The role emphasizes patient service, data accuracy, and collaboration with hospital departments to ensure smooth check-ins and efficient care access.

The ideal candidate will have 2–3 years of customer service or medical office experience, strong communication skills, and proficient data entry abilities.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• 2-3 years customer service or medical office experience.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in computer data-entry/typing.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Basic Computer Skills.
• Ability to type 40 wpm.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Customer service oriented.
• Excellent organizational, time management, analytical, and problem solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Consistently practices Patients First philosophy and adheres to high standards of customer service.
• Responds to questions and concerns.
• Forwards, directs, and notifies Team Lead or Operations Coordinator of extraordinary issues as necessary.
• Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA regulations.
• Provides exceptional customer service to patients which establish a positive first impression of Northwestern Medicine.
• Exceeds all consumer requests and alerts management of issues or concerns that require escalation.
• Correctly identifies and collects patient demographic information in accordance with organization standards.
• Interacts with various hospital departments and physicians offices to effectively schedule and direct patients through the NMHC systems in a patient/customer friendly manner.
• Reaches out to patients to schedule an appointment as defined.
• Performs medical necessity checks as necessary for scheduled services, communicates options to patient if appointment fails.
• Informs patients of any issues with securing the financial account for their encounter.
• Completes out-of-pocket estimations as requested by patients.
• Provides training and education as needed.
• Manages work schedule efficiently, completing tasks and assignments on time.
• Completes other duties assigned by manager.
• Cross-training between various departments will take place to ensure coverage.
• Participates in Quality Assurance reviews to ensure integrity of patient data information.
• Uses effective service recovery skills to solve problems or service breakdowns when they occur.
• Utilizes department and hospital policies and procedures to complete assigned tasks.
• Adheres to all department policies and compliance requirements.
• Avoids putting patient in financial or safety risk.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Data entry

Typing 40 wpm

English proficiency

Multitasking

Teamwork

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Epic systems

Computer skills

Job description

Northwestern Medicine in Huntley, IL seeks a Patient Access Specialist to support scheduling, patient registration, and insurance coordination. The role emphasizes patient service, data accuracy, and collaboration with hospital departments to ensure smooth check-ins and efficient care access.

The ideal candidate will have 2–3 years of customer service or medical office experience, strong communication skills, and proficient data entry abilities.