Patient Services Specialist - Gastroenterology

Cayuga Medical Center; Ithaca (MI); On-site; USD 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Cayuga Health is seeking an administrative professional to support providers and patients at Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca, NY. The role focuses on front-desk check-ins, insurance verification, and clerical support within Epic and MS Office environments.

Responsibilities include updating patient records, handling balances and co-pays, assisting with labs or imaging scheduling, and coordinating communications with patients and providers. Excellent customer service is essential.

Qualifications

• Excellent customer service and professional communication.
• Ability to think through issues and solve problems.
• Strong time management and ability to prioritize tasks.
• Proficient computer skills; experience with Epic and MS Office.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.

Responsibilities

• Check in patients; verify demographics and scan insurance cards.
• Obtain signatures on required forms and update status in Epic.
• Collect balances and co-pays; assist with scheduling tests or procedures.
• Handle phone triage, messages, and patient portal emails.
• Print schedules, manage provider meetings, and confirm appointments.
• Process referrals/preauthorizations and organize patient records.

Skills

Excellent customer service skills

Problem solving

Time management & prioritization

Computer skills (Epic and MS Office)

High school diploma or equivalent

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Epic

Microsoft Office

Job description

About Cayuga Health
Cayuga Health offers patient-centered, comprehensive health services at Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca; Schuyler Hospital in Montour Falls; and more than 40 medical offices in the Finger Lakes and Central New York. Cayuga Health employs more than 450 providers from 40+ specialties. Additional services include a neo-natal intensive care unit, a home health care agency, an addiction recovery organization, and a skilled nursing facility.

Cayuga Health is a member of Centralus Health, a community-based integrated delivery system. Our mission is to deliver high-quality care, empower our teams to succeed, and improve the wellbeing of the communities we serve.

Our commitment to quality personalized care begins with our exceptional team—over 6500 employees strong. At Cayuga Health, you will work in a collaborative environment that values excellence, integrity, compassion and stewardship. Together, we create an environment where empathy, honesty and a dedication to quality thrive, empowering us to make a positive impact on the lives we touch.

We offer competitive wages, comprehensive benefits, and professional development opportunities to help our employees grow and thrive. Whether you are just starting your career or taking the next step in healthcare, we invite you to join us in shaping the future of care in our communities.

Learn more at www.cayugahealth.org.

Summary: To support providers and assist patients with the administrative and clerical needs of the practice.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Check in patients upon arrival
• Verify/update patient demographics
• Scan insurance cards
• Obtain signatures on required forms (HIPPA, etc.)
• Update status in Epic (arrived, waiting, etc)
• Collect outstanding balances and copays
• Assist with additional scheduling such as labs, x-rays, procedures or testing, send orders
• Take messages or triage phone calls
• Schedule patient appointments
• Initiate paperwork for insurance referrals and preauthorizations
• Mail new patient questionnaire
• Print schedules for the next day
• Place provider meetings in Outlook
• Appointment confirmation calls
• Check out patient and print AVS
• Responsible for daily cashout
• Answer telephone and triage as appropriate
• Make appointments over phone with appropriate provider
• Place new and returning patients in provider schedule according to office protocols/provider template
• Make follow-up appointments
• Open/organize templates for providers
• Assist with physician meeting scheduling (in some practices)
• Call for insurance referrals and preauthorizations
• Send emails to patients in regard to patient portal
• Records releases
• Fax tank and scan records
• The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required for successful performance of this role. Yoou may be asked to work in another department on occasion if staff shortages occur and if your home practice has the ability to float from one department to cover another. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned as necessary.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Excellent customer service skills
• Ability to think through potential solutions to issues and problem solve
• Good time management and prioritization skillsGood computer skills-Epic and Micosoft Office are utilized
• High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Previous medical office experience preferred
• College level training/education in a healthcare support field preferred
• Previous EMR use/training helpful

Physical Requirements:

• Sitting - 90%
• Standing - 10%
• Reaching - 50%
• Bending - 20%
• Lifting - must be able to lift 25 lbs
• Persons in this job may be exposed to communicable disease through patient care and interaction

Location, Travel and Shift Requirements:

• 1020 Craft Rd. Ithaca, NY.

Pay Range Disclosure:

• Standard Rate of $18.50 - $23.00 per hour plus benefits

Centralus and its affiliates are committed to treating all patients, providers, staff and volunteers equitably and with dignity, ensuring the highest levels of safety, care and respect, and striving to recognize and overcome biases and policies that contribute to disparities in healthcare access, equitable care and positive health outcomes for all.

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, supporting the growth and health of our employees and community by embracing the rich diversity, needs and circumstances of all peoples and prioritizing opportunities to build a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable protected characteristics.

If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, a job interview or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact the Centralus Talent Acquisition team at [e-mail].