Patient Service Representative

Meharry Medical College; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Meharry Medical College is seeking a Front Office Specialist to manage patient check-in, scheduling, registration, and insurance verification. You will greet patients, answer calls, and guide them through the visit workflow while ensuring accuracy of records and payments.

Responsibilities include directing patient flow, verifying insurance, and handling cash transactions in a fast-paced clinical setting, with strict HIPAA compliance and courteous communication with patients and staff.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate’s degree or relevant certification preferred.
• 1–2 years of experience in a fast-paced medical office, clinic, or hospital setting required.
• Knowledge of CPT/CDT and ICD-10 coding standards.
• Strict adherence to patient confidentiality (HIPAA) and release of information protocols.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the first point of contact: answer phones, greet patients, confirm appointment times.
• Direct patients to appropriate clinical areas and monitor waiting room for safety and cleanliness.
• Schedule new and return appointments based on physician availability and specialty protocols.
• Obtain, verify, and record patient demographics and insurance information.
• Verify insurance eligibility and obtain necessary authorizations as required.
• Handle point-of-service collections including co-pays and self-pay balances.
• Process payments and balance the cash drawer daily.

Skills

Medical Terminology

CPT/CDT & ICD coding

Insurance Proficiency

Office Procedures

Records Management

Technology Proficiency

Communication

Customer Service

Work Ethic

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate degree or Medical Office Certification

Job description

Responsible for performing all aspects of the patient encounter from scheduling appointments, registering new patients, screening by phone or in person all patients through the check-out process.Essential Functions (Principal Duties and Job Responsibilities):A. Front Office & Patient FlowCustomer Service: Serves as the first point of contact, answering phones in a professional manner, greeting all patients upon arrival, and confirming appointment times.Patient Flow: Directs patients to appropriate clinical areas to ensure smooth operational activity and monitors the waiting room to maintain safety and cleanliness standards.Communication: Explains walk-in and appointment procedures to prospective patients, referral sources, and the general public.B. Scheduling & RegistrationAppointment Management: Accurately schedules new and return patient appointments based on physician or student doctor availability and medical specialty protocols.Registration: Obtains, verifies, and records patient demographic and insurance information required by the appointment system.Insurance Verification: Verifies financial eligibility for all scheduled patients and obtains necessary authorization based on specific insurance requirements.C. Financial & Revenue CycleCollections: Responsible for point-of-service collections, including co-payments, deductibles, non-covered services, and self-pay balances.Cash Handling: Receives and processes payments according to cash management policy; balances the cash drawer at the end of every shift/day using the daily balancing proof sheet.Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:Medical Terminology: Sufficient proficiency in medical terminology to accurately identify and explain medical procedures to patients, third-party payers, and facility personnel.Coding & Billing: Knowledge of CPT/CDT and current ICD coding standards (e.g., ICD-10).Insurance Proficiency: Sufficient knowledge of insurance plans to correctly interpret patient financial information and assess the need for prior authorizations and referrals.Office Procedures: Thorough understanding of general medical office procedures and protocols, including familiarity with substance abuse treatment environments.Records Management: Strict adherence to patient confidentiality standards (HIPAA) and release of information protocols; ability to file accurately using numerical and alphabetical systems.Technology: Proficiency with standard office hardware (computers, copiers, fax machines) and software applications.Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Preferred:Communication: Excellent oral and written communication skills, with professional and courteous telephone etiquette.Customer Service: Ability to interact positively and professionally with the general public, staff, and clients.Work Ethic: Skilled at managing multiple priorities and working effectively under pressure in a busy clinical environment.Education and Experience Required:Education: High School Diploma or GED required. Associate’s degree or relevant certification (e.g., Medical Office Specialist) preferred.Experience: One (1) to two (2) years of experience working in a fast-paced medical office, clinic, or hospital setting required.