Patient Relations Specialist

University of Utah; Midvale, Northern (UT, KY); Hybrid; USD 33,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Utah Health is seeking a patient-focused front desk associate to greet and register patients, verify insurance, and collect payments using Epic. The role supports smooth clinic operations and assists with scheduling basic appointments, while guiding patients through MyChart and kiosks.

You will collaborate with care teams, manage phone communications, and help maintain accurate financial records as part of a dedicated patient access team.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in healthcare or customer service.
• Basic understanding of Epic scheduling, registration, and insurance verification.

Responsibilities

• Greets and assists patients and visitors with check-in and registration in Epic, including insurance verification and payments.
• Communicates with clinic staff to support a smooth patient experience.
• Schedules appointments and coordinates with doctors, radiology, and labs.
• Answers phone calls and manages voicemails.
• Reconciles cash drawers and performs basic financial reporting.
• Assists patients with MyChart and kiosks and helps with arrival processes.
• Guides patients to correct areas and provides wayfinding.
• Reviews and refines scheduling to optimize appointments and accuracy.

Skills

Epic scheduling

Insurance verification

MyChart

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Cash handling

Multitasking

Guidance to patients

Interdepartmental communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

1 year healthcare/customer service experience

Tools

Epic system

MyChart

Job description

Overview

As a patient-focused organization, University of Utah Health exists to enhance the health and well-being of people through patient care, research and education. Success in this mission requires a culture of collaboration, excellence, leadership, and respect. University of Utah Health seeks staff that are committed to the values of compassion, collaboration, innovation, responsibility, integrity, quality and trust that are integral to our mission. EO/AA

This position serves as the initial point of contact for the patient as they arrive at their care destination. Responsibilities include greeting and registering patients, scheduling basic appointments, managing phone communications, and collecting payments according to defined processes. Interaction with patients is primarily limited to the check-in process. The role involves following specific instructions and guidance from supervisors to ensure consistency and adherence to department protocols. Routine tasks include exchanging information to maintain smooth clinic operations, supporting patient interactions, and overseeing the waiting room.

Corporate Overview: The University of Utah is a Level 1 Trauma Center and is nationally ranked and recognized for our academic research, quality standards and overall patient experience. Our five hospitals and eleven clinics provide excellence in our comprehensive services, medical advancement, and overall patient outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Greets and assists patients and visitors with check-in, completing all necessary registration steps in Epic, including insurance verification, demographic updates, obtaining signatures on forms, and point-of-service payments.

• Communicates clearly to clinic staff, providers, and care teams, to support a smooth process and positive experience for everyone.

• Schedules appointments, including follow-up visits, ensuring coordinated visits with doctors, radiology, and labs when needed. Manages waitlist or basic referral coordination as needed.

• Manages phone communications by answering calls, addressing voicemails, and handling telephone encounters efficiently.

• Reconciles appointment statuses, closes and reconciles cash drawers, and ensures accurate financial reporting.

• Assists patients with self-registration and arrival processes (MyChart & kiosks), educates them on forms and requirements, and troubleshoots any issues.

• Assists with completing questionnaires and obtaining applicable release forms, guides patients to correct areas, and provides wayfinding support.

• Reviews and works to refine scheduling to optimize appointments and ensure accuracy.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Basic understanding of clinic scheduling, registration, and referral processes in Epic

• Basic knowledge of insurance entry and verification processes in Epic.

• Familiarity with patient tools such as MyChart & kiosks.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Strong organizational and time management skills.

• Ability to handle financial transactions accurately.

• Ability to multitask and manage multiple responsibilities efficiently.

• Ability to provide clear instructions and guidance to patients.

• Ability to facilitate effective communication between patients and clinical teams.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in a healthcare or customer service role.

Qualifications (Preferred)

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

• This position involves light work that may exert up to 20 pounds and may consistently require light work involving lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or otherwise moving objects. This position involves standing for extended periods of time and is not exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

Physical Requirements

Non Indicated

Multi-lingual Candidates Welcomed

EEO Statement

University of Utah Health Hospitals and Clinics, a part of The University of Utah, values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented students and patient populations.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

University of Utah Health Hospitals and Clinics, a part of The University of Utah, is an Affluent Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, please contact the University of Utah Health Hospitals and Clinics Human Resources office at 801-581-6500. If you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator's office address, electronic mail address