Patient Access Specialist - Per Diem, Variable Shifts

Grays Harbor County Public Hospital District No. 1 /DBA Summit Pacific Medical Center; Elma (WA); On-site; USD 30,238 - 42,195; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Prescription, Dental coverage

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Wellness program with on-site gym

Job summary

Grays Harbor County Public Hospital District No. 1 /DBA Summit Pacific Medical Center is seeking a Patient Access Specialist I. This role focuses on accurate patient scheduling and registration, providing exceptional customer service, and managing financial responsibilities. Ideal candidates are adaptable, thrive in fast-paced environments, and demonstrate effective communication skills.

Candidates are expected to have a high school diploma with healthcare experience preferred. The position offers competitive compensation along with benefits such as medical, dental, and a retirement 403(b) plan.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Schedule and register patients into software systems with data accuracy.
• Verify referrals and pre-authorizations.
• Conduct registration interviews with patients.

Skills

Customer service

Insurance verification

Problem-solving skills

Professional communication

Education

High School Diploma

Associate’s Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Multi-line telephones

Insurance registry systems

Job description

Job Overview

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 clinic and hospital services, and supports patients through their entire care experience, including financial liability management.

Pay Range (depending on experience): $21.95 - $30.63

Per Diem, Variable Shifts.

Responsibilities

• Schedule and register patients into applicable software systems, ensuring data integrity and accuracy of 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 responsibility, including co‑payments, co‑insurances, and statement balances; generate payment receipts and manage daily cash drawer.
• Operate multi‑line telephone system to receive, route, and respond to incoming calls in a timely, professional manner, relaying necessary information to relevant staff.
• Respond to patient inquiries and requests, completing timely and accurate patient intake while ensuring comfort, dignity, safety, and confidentiality.
• Complete daily work queue assignments and perform general administrative tasks.
• Accurately process incoming, outgoing, and inter‑office mail.
• Research and analyze alternatives for improving workflows.
• Perform special projects and other related duties as assigned.

Essential Job Functions – Staff Member Responsibilities

• Adapt to changes in the work environment, asking clarifying questions and providing constructive input.
• Build and maintain working relationships with supervisors and co‑workers.
• Create positive experiences for patients, customers, and co‑workers, consistently providing service that meets SPMC standards.
• Demonstrate ongoing learning and development through participation in skills training and competency development.
• Exhibit effective work skills by performing job duties in accordance with SPMC expectations for quality, accuracy, quantity, and timeliness; re‑prioritize or shift focus as needed.
• Facilitate teamwork by actively engaging in team activities and welcoming new team members to promote a positive work environment.
• Foster an environment of trust, treating others with courtesy and respect and avoiding gossip or triangulation.
• Support SP mission, vision, and values by developing awareness of departmental contributions and participating in strategies and tactics.

Education & 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.

Licenses, Certifications & Registrations

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification encouraged.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Thrives in a fast‑paced setting while delivering timely, exceptional customer service with a positive and professional demeanor.
• Develops and maintains proficiency with insurance verification processes via multiple online and telephone insurance registry systems.
• Strong computer and technology skills; proficient in Microsoft Office, email, copy machines, scanners, multi‑line telephones, credit card machines, and fax machines.
• Strong problem‑solving and organizational skills; prioritizes work effectively.
• Maintains calm, professional, on‑task behavior during emergencies, high‑volume or stressful times.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing workloads, locations, and task assignments.
• Professional and effective written and verbal communication skills; employs appropriate communication strategies for diverse audiences.
• Handles confidential information with discretion; maintains accurate documentation and records.
• Basic mathematics skills and knowledge of healthcare revenue functions.
• Maintains a clean, organized, and professional work environment.
• Works well in a team environment and engages collaboratively with others.

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation
• Medical, Prescription, Dental (including Orthodontia), Vision
• Health Care FSA and Daycare FSA; subsidized daycare benefit
• Life Insurance; Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D)
• Short‑ and Long‑Term Disability
• Generous 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; on‑site gym; instructor‑led fitness classes (Yoga, Kettlebells, Bootcamps); walking trails on site
• Employee Committees (e.g., Spirit Team)

Equal Opportunity Statement

Summit Pacific Medical Center is an equal opportunity provider and employer committed to a policy of non‑discrimination on the basis of race, sex, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, arrest and court record, sexual orientation, and status as a covered veteran. This policy covers admission and access to, and participation in, treatment and employment in the hospital’s programs, activities, services, and employment. The organization participates in E‑Verify.