Patient Access Specialist

Lake Charles Memorial Health; Lake Charles (LA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Lake Charles Memorial Health is seeking a Patient Access Specialist to perform administrative duties across scheduling, referrals, and patient records within our EMR system.

The role emphasizes accurate data entry, insurance processing explanations, and courteous patient interaction to support efficient clinic operations.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of medical terminology and CPT coding concepts is preferred.
• Strong clerical and scheduling skills are required.
• Excellent communication with patients, providers and payers is essential.

Responsibilities

• Greet patients and verify demographics and insurance information.
• Process referrals, scheduling, precertifications, and medical records requests.
• Enter data and update EMR with accuracy and timeliness.
• Explain insurance deductibles, co-pays, and processing steps to patients.
• Schedule testing and procedures per physician orders and maintain schedules.
• Complete referrals and ensure documentation is properly scanned into EMR.
• Maintain professional interaction with patients and staff and perform related duties as assigned.

Skills

Medical terminology

Clerical skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma

Healthcare office training

Tools

EMR software

Microsoft Office

Job description

• The patient access specialist performs administrative duties including, but not limited to: referrals, maintain provider schedules, prior authorizations for procedures/tests/medications, schedule outside procedures/testing, and performs related processing duties for all patients being served by respective clinic. Duties are performed in the EMR system as appropriate. The patient access specialist is trained in performing a wide range of skilled administrative and clerical duties

SUPERVISION: Reports directly to Practice Manager

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Knowledge of CPT coding and Medical Necessity of testing. Ensures criteria met prior to scheduling testing and/or procedures, including surgery.
• Greets each patient warmly and cheerfully.
• Knowledgeable about insurance processing and able to explain deductibles, co-insurance, co-payments, and how processing occurs.
• Answers phone with correct salutation. Takes messages when appropriate.
• Records all messages into electronic EMR.
• Verifies patient information, demographics and insurance coverage is correct. If changes are required, changes the information in the EMR.
• Updates and scans updated information and forms into appropriate EMR system.
• Scan and attach all paperwork received into EMR system and attach and send appropriately.
• Schedules all testing after obtaining precertification per physician checkout orders.
• Completes and sends medical records request per physician orders.
• Completes all referrals through the EMR following correct protocol.
• Verification of insurance should be performed when necessary.
• Performs other job duties as assigned.

The above statements are only meant to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those stated in this description.

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Knowledge and training in medical terminology, keyboarding, and computer skills preferred.
• Basic skills in Microsoft Office preferred.
• Previous experience preferred in the areas of scheduling.
• Broad range of administrative and technical skills in the context of the healthcare environment.
• Impacts activities in other work areas on a frequent basis and contributes in multiple work areas.
• Make decisions based on departmental policy.
• Demonstrates critical thought process and can work independently.
• Provides feedback to assist with decision making process.
• Works well with others.
• Documents detailed information in patient chart.
• Requires listening skills to maintain cooperative associations.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• Work requires a variety of physical activities, including moving about within and outside of all hospital properties for long periods of time.
• Must be able to respond quickly and effectively to emergency and non-emergent situations.
• May be required to assist in controlling disorderly conduct or combative patients.
• Must be able to exchange accurate information with patient, family, peers and medical personnel.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

"Experience Memorial" is more than a slogan, it’s the care we provide our patients and it’s the commitment to our community and our team members. As a nationally certified Great Place to Work, at Lake Charles Memorial Health System you will have the opportunity to be a part of an organizational culture that supports not only exceptional patient care but also the well-being and professional growth of our employees. Join us and be a part of a team where your contributions are valued, your growth is nurtured, and your success is celebrated.