Patient Access Specialist

Patient Access Specialist

Become part of an inclusive organization with over 40000 teammates whose mission is to improve the health and well-being of the unique communities we serve.

Summary: The Patient Access Specialist serves as the primary point of contact for patients entering the Wound and Infusion Department. This position ensures efficient patient registration, accurate insurance verification, and timely completion of prior authorizations to support patient care and optimize reimbursement. The Specialist collaborates closely with providers, nurses, and administrative staff to maintain seamless patient flow, precise charge capture, and high-quality service consistent with UNC Health standards.

Responsibilities:

• Prior Authorization Management
• Verify insurance coverage and obtain required prior authorizations for wound care, infusion therapy, and related procedures.
• Communicate with insurance companies to ensure approvals are received before the date of service.
• Track and document authorization statuses, denials, and appeals in the electronic medical record (EMR).
• Work proactively with providers to ensure clinical documentation supports authorization requests.
• Patient Registration & Scheduling
• Greet and register patients accurately, collecting demographic, insurance, and consent information in compliance with HIPAA and UNC Health policies.
• Schedule patient appointments, coordinate recurring infusion visits, and confirm future appointments.
• Ensure financial clearance prior to patient visits including copay collection and benefit verification.
• Provide patients with clear communication regarding their appointments, authorizations, and any financial responsibilities.
• Charge Review & Revenue Integrity
• Review and reconcile daily charges to ensure accuracy and completeness prior to billing.
• Collaborate with clinical staff to correct documentation or coding discrepancies.
• Monitor charge capture processes and assist in resolving billing issues or denials related to registration or authorization errors.
• Provider & Clinical Team Communication
• Serve as a liaison between the access team, clinical staff, and providers to coordinate patient care and administrative workflows.
• Communicate authorization updates, schedule changes, and coverage limitations promptly to providers and nursing staff.
• Support departmental meetings by providing updates on access scheduling and insurance trends affecting patient care.
• Compliance & Customer Service
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to all UNC Health policies, payer regulations, and compliance standards.
• Deliver compassionate patient-centered service in all interactions.
• Participate in ongoing training to stay current with insurance requirements, EMR updates, and departmental protocols.

Other information:

Qualifications:

Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate degree in healthcare administration, business, or related field preferred.

Experience: Minimum of 12 years of healthcare access, registration, billing, or authorization experience required. Experience in wound care, infusion therapy, or specialty outpatient services preferred.

Skills & Competencies: Strong knowledge of insurance verification and authorization processes. Proficiency in EMR systems (Epic experience preferred). Excellent communication and organizational skills. Attention to detail, accuracy, and ability to multitask in a fast-paced clinical environment. Commitment to teamwork, professionalism, and patient-centered care.

Working Conditions:

Standard clinical office environment within a hospital-based outpatient department. Regular interaction with patients, providers, and administrative teams. May require occasional overtime to meet departmental needs.

Job Details:

Legal Employer: Lenoir Health

Entity: UNC Lenoir Health Care

Organization Unit: Wound and Infusion Center

Work Type: Full Time

Standard Hours Per Week: 40.00

Work Assignment Type: Onsite

Work Schedule: Day Job

Location of Job: LENOIR MEMEx

Exempt From Overtime: Exempt: No

Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, disability status, as a protected veteran, or political affiliation.