Patient Access Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Patient Access Specialist - Blacktail Medical Clinic, Dillon Montana:

• Full-time 40 hours/week, benefit-eligible.
• FLSA non-exempt.
• $15.75/hr and up based on qualifications and experience.
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check.
• Candidate review begins on 6/24/2026, position open until filled.
  

Position Summary:

Under the general direction of the Patient Access Manager, the Patient Access Specialist (PAS) works in various areas of the clinic as part of the clinic team performing clerical duties necessary to prepare patients for a visit. The PAS will check patients in and out, verify patient income, arrange for payment, and to make appointments and reappointments when necessary. PAS greets patients, prepares medical charts, gathers third-party payment information, and collects and records payments at the time of service.

The PAS answers and triages incoming phone calls, as well as delivers messages to departments, clinicians, and providers. The Patient Access Specialist is also responsible to verify insurance coverage, sliding-fee eligibility, and assist with system used for providing reminders to patients.

Position Requirements:
Education:

• High School diploma or equivalent required; some higher education preferred.

Experience:

• Two years prior experience in an office or high-volume customer service setting required.
• One-year prior health care office experience strongly preferred.
• Prior experience with Epic preferred.

Essential Functions, Roles, and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for patient registration using the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system, including verifying demographic, insurance, and financial information, and organizing encounter and patient face sheet information for provider.
• Collects and reviews patient financial information to determine eligibility for sliding fee.
• Collects and maintains patient registration and utilization data for the UDS report.
• Schedules appointments and interacts directly with patients or automatic callback systems.
• Using the EPIC system, collects upfront payment for SWMTCHC, including insurance co-pay and time of service payments, and balances receipts daily.
• Works within patient reminder/notification systems.
• Communicates effectively and professionally to the public, patients, peers, other departments, and providers.
• Requests verification and records patient demographic change information using the electronic computer system.
• Scans information into the Electronic Medical Record.
• Participates in Performance Improvement (PI) and continuous Quality Improvement (QI) activities .
• Attends regular staff meetings and in-services as directed.
• Performs work in multiple areas throughout the facility.
• Greets and interacts with patients in courteous and professional manner.
• Ensures strict patient confidentiality and provides patients with needed information.
• Observes patients in waiting room and reports any apparent illness or distress to clinical staff.
• Prepares medical charts and maintains smooth patient flow throughout clinic.
• Gathers third party payment information for charges for patient billing.
• Establishes that each patient is advised of the Sliding Fee Scale and makes appropriate adjustments to patient record.
• Files records accurately and appropriately.
• Monitors incoming faxes and correspondence when necessary.
• Responsible for opening and/or closing the clinic.
• Some members of this class may respond to records requests related to patient care, quality review, and audits in a timely manner.
• Maintains strict confidentiality of all patient related information according to HIPAA and SWMTCHC policy.
• Maintains a good working relationship within the department and with other departments.
• Regular, predictable attendance.
• Follows established SWMTCHC policy and procedure.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Competent in dealing with diverse populations.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations.
• Ability to operate personal computer and software including internal EHR, Microsoft Office Suite, etc.
• Ability to operate a variety of office machines such as multi-line telephones, printers, copiers, scanners.
• Knowledge of health information management services.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and solve problems in complex situations.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Very strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude under pressure.
• Skill in customer service and de-escalation.
• Ability to manage multiple and simultaneous responsibilities and to prioritize scheduling of work.
• Working knowledge of clinical operations and HIPAA.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of all medical, financial, and legal information.
• Ability to complete work assignments accurately and in a timely manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to handle difficult situations involving patients, providers, or others in a professional manner.
• Ability to show consistent attendance, and flexibility to work varying days and hours according to clinic needs.
• Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
• Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
• Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
• Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Supervision: This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Immediate Supervisor: Patient Access Manager; in their absence, COO.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions:

General office/clinic conditions are pleasant; good, clean working conditions where accident and hazards are negligible. Clear diction and acute hearing are necessary for effective communication with the staff and public. Work is scheduled and performed during clinic hours of M-F 8am-5pm. Work in varying degrees of temperature (heated or air conditioned). Work under pressures and timelines. With or without accommodation, position generally requires sitting for approximately 4-6 hours per day and walking for 2 hours per day, light to moderate work with 20 pounds maximum weight to lift and carry, reaching, bending, stooping, and handling objects with hands and/or fingers, talking and/or hearing, and seeing.  Blacktail Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer