Patient Access Specialist - Per Diem, Variable Shifts

Summit Pacific Medical Center; Elma (WA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Medical, prescription, and dental coverage

Vision coverage

Life insurance

Short- and long-term disability

Tuition reimbursement

Employee wellness program

Access to on-site gym and fitness classes

Job summary

Summit Pacific Medical Center in Elma, Washington, is seeking a Patient Access Specialist I to provide compassionate customer service and assist patients in scheduling and registration for clinic and hospital services. This role is critical in ensuring accurate patient identification, insurance verification, and completion of financial responsibilities.

The ideal candidate will thrive in a dynamic environment, possess strong problem-solving abilities, and demonstrate excellent communication skills. Benefits include competitive compensation and health coverage.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s degree preferred.
• Healthcare experience preferred with knowledge of medical terminology.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced setting while maintaining accurate records.

Responsibilities

• Schedule and register patients ensuring data integrity for patient identification.
• Conduct registration interviews with patients and verify insurance.
• Handle daily cash drawer operations and point-of-service collections.

Skills

Customer service

Insurance verification

Problem-solving

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associate’s Degree preferred

Job description

Job Summary

The Patient Access Specialist I is responsible for providing excellent quality and compassionate customer service. The role ensures patients are accurately scheduled and registered for their clinic and hospital services, and supports patients through their entire care experience, including financial liability management.

Job Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Schedule and register patients in applicable software systems, ensuring data integrity and accuracy for patient identification, insurance, and benefit verification.
• Verify acquisition of referrals and pre-authorizations for applicable services.
• Conduct registration interviews with patients prior to initial visits.
• Perform point‑of‑service collections for patient financial responsibilities, including co‑payments, co‑insurances and statement balances, generate payment receipts, and handle daily cash drawer operations.
• Operate a multi‑line telephone system to receive, route, and respond to incoming calls in a timely, professional manner.
• Respond to patient inquiries and requests, completing intake promptly while ensuring patient comfort, dignity, safety, and confidentiality.
• Complete daily work queue assignments and general administrative tasks.
• Accurately process incoming, outgoing, and inter‑office mail.
• Research and analyze alternatives to improve workflows.
• Assist with special projects and other related duties as assigned.

Staff Member Responsibilities

• Adapt to changes in the work environment and provide constructive input.
• Build and maintain working relationships with supervisors and coworkers.
• Create positive experiences for patients, customers, and coworkers, meeting organizational standards.
• Participate in ongoing skills training and competency development.
• Perform job duties with quality, accuracy, quantity, and timeliness, re‑prioritizing as needed.
• Actively engage in team activities, supporting new members and fostering a positive work environment.
• Maintain a respectful, trustworthy environment without gossip or triangulation.
• Support the organization’s mission, vision, and values, contributing to departmental strategies.

Required Education And Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s Degree preferred.
• Healthcare experience preferred.
• Knowledge of medical terminology preferred.
• Knowledge of healthcare revenue cycle preferred.

Required Licenses, Certifications and/or Registrations

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification encouraged.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced setting while delivering exceptional customer service and maintaining accurate records.
• Proficiency with insurance verification processes using multiple online and telephone systems.
• Strong computer and technology skills; proficiency with Microsoft Office, email, fax machines, and related equipment.
• Strong problem‑solving, organizational, and prioritization skills.
• Calm, professional demeanor during emergencies and high‑volume periods.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing workloads, locations, and task assignments.
• Effective written and verbal communication, with sensitivity to patients’ emotional, social, and mental health needs.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and maintain accurate documentation.
• Basic mathematics skills and knowledge of healthcare revenue functions.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and professional work environment.
• Work well in a team and collaborate constructively with others.

Physical Requirements

• Can lift <10 lbs, 10‑35 lbs, and >35 lbs (as indicated).
• Can carry <10 lbs, 10‑35 lbs, and >35 lbs.
• Can push/pull 0‑35 lbs.
• Can sit, stand, walk, bend/star, and crouch as required.
• Exposure to blood, body fluids, and other potential exposure is acceptable.
• Vision, hearing, and speech within normal ranges with or without corrective devices.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Medical, prescription, and dental (including orthodontia)
• Vision coverage
• Health care FSA and daycare FSA
• Daycare subsidized benefit
• Life insurance and AD&D
• Short‑ and long‑term disability
• Employer 403(b) match contributions for retirement
• 457 retirement account for additional funds
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Smoking cessation assistance
• Employee wellness program
• Access to on‑site gym and fitness classes (Yoga, Kettlebells, bootcamps)
• Walking trails on site

Work Shift and Location

Contract position with 10‑hour shifts in a 40‑hour work week. The role is based in Elma, Washington.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Summit Pacific Medical Center is an equal opportunity provider and employer. We are committed to non‑discrimination on the basis of race, sex, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, arrest and court record, sexual orientation, and veteran status. This policy covers all admission and employment activities.

This organization participates in E‑Verify. E‑Verify is a service that verifies authorization to work in the U.S. through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of Social Security. For further information on E‑Verify contact DHS at 1‑888‑464‑4218.