Patient Access Specialist I

CommonSpirit Health; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health is seeking a Patient Access Specialist in Tacoma, WA. You will manage patient intake, verify demographics, register patients in Epic, and collect insurance information to support accurate billing and a smooth check-in/check-out process.

Daily responsibilities include scheduling, rescheduling, and canceling appointments per provider guidelines, collecting co-pays, and addressing patient inquiries with clear, professional communication.

Qualifications

• One year of customer service work experience.
• Healthcare environment experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Verify demographics and register patients in Epic.
• Obtain and verify insurance coverage.
• Schedule patient appointments and manage changes.
• Promote MyChart activation and patient engagement.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Critical thinking

Problem solving

Scheduling

Tools

Epic Systems

Job description

Job Summary and Responsibilities

As a *Patient Access Specialist*, you manage administrative duties related to the patient intake process, adhering to established guidelines and procedures. You serve as a key point of contact for patients, ensuring efficient scheduling, accurate registration, and a seamless, high-quality patient experience.

Every day, you will nteract with patients in person and by phone to support check-in and check-out processes, while scheduling, rescheduling, and canceling appointments in alignment with provider guidelines and availability. You will collect and update patient demographic and insurance information to ensure accurate registration and billing, verify insurance eligibility and benefits to reduce claim denials and reimbursement delays, and collect co-pays and applicable payments at the time of service. Additionally, you will process referrals and authorizations according to clinic and payer requirements and respond to patient inquiries with clear, professional communication.

To be successful, you will demonstrate strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced environment while delivering exceptional, patient-centered customer service. You will maintain a working knowledge of insurance processes, billing practices, and medical terminology, and effectively navigate Epic systems, including scheduling and registration tools. Success also requires the ability to manage multiple tasks with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail, along with clear communication and effective collaboration with patients, providers, and care teams.

Work includes: 1) verifying demographics and registering patients in Epic; 2) obtaining and verifying insurance coverage; 3) scheduling patient appointments and 4) promoting MyChart activation. An incumbent may also schedule for special projects (e.g. Healthgrades; Seven Corners virtual visits etc.) as assigned.

Day shift work schedule with excellent opportunity for growth. Monday-Friday, 9:30am-6:00pm with occasional weekends required.

Job Requirements

• Job Requirements*Required
• One year of customer service work experience

Preferred

• Healthcare environment experience

Where You'll Work

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has a rich history of providing exceptional healthcare, dating back to 1891. Building upon a legacy of compassionate care and innovation, our organization has evolved over the years through strategic partnerships and integrations to expand our reach and services across the Puget Sound area. Today, as Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we remain deeply committed to healing the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – in the communities we serve. This commitment is strengthened by the diverse expertise and shared values brought together through our growth. Our dedicated providers offer a full spectrum of health care services, from routine wellness to complex disease management, all grounded in rigorous research and education. Our comprehensive network of 10 hospitals and nearly 300 care sites strategically located across the greater Puget Sound region reflects our ongoing commitment to accessibility and comprehensive care. We are proud of our pioneering medical advances and numerous awards and accreditations that reflect our dedication to excellence. When you join Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, you become part of a team that delivers top-quality, professional healthcare in modern, well-equipped facilities, and contributes to a legacy of service built on collaboration and shared purpose.

Pay Range

$23.90 - $34.79 /hour