Patient Access Specialist – Compassionate Scheduling & Support

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Northwestern Medicine is seeking a Patient Access Specialist in Chicago to support patient scheduling, eligibility checks, and registration with a focus on customer service and HIPAA compliance.

The role emphasizes accurate data collection, interdepartmental coordination, and providing a positive first impression for patients and families. Familiarity with Epic systems and healthcare workflows is valued.

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.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• 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

• 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.
• 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.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Typing 40 wpm

English proficiency

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

Northwestern Medicine is seeking a Patient Access Specialist in Chicago to support patient scheduling, eligibility checks, and registration with a focus on customer service and HIPAA compliance.

The role emphasizes accurate data collection, interdepartmental coordination, and providing a positive first impression for patients and families. Familiarity with Epic systems and healthcare workflows is valued.