Patient Access Specialist

Northwestern Medicine

. Provide exceptional customer service to patients and establish a positive first impression .

Posted 10/30/2026full-timeRemote • Illinois • United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $18 - $28 per hourWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates strong customer service skills in a healthcare setting, with proficiency in patient scheduling, registration, and insurance verification. Capable of effectively communicating with patients and resolving issues while maintaining compliance with HIPAA regulations.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Customer Service OrientationPatient Scheduling ExperienceHIPAA ComplianceData Entry ProficiencyHealthcare Insurance Knowledge

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Data EntryPatient RegistrationInsurance VerificationAppointment SchedulingMedical Necessity ChecksFinancial Account ManagementQuality AssuranceProcess ImprovementTyping Speed 40 WPMAnalytical Problem-Solving

Soft Skills

Interpersonal CommunicationOrganizational SkillsTime ManagementMulti-taskingVerbal and Written Communication

Tools & Technologies

Epic SystemsOnline Verification Systems

Industry Keywords

HealthcarePatient ConfidentialityService RecoveryCross-TrainingQuality Improvement

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide exceptional customer service to patients and establish a positive first impression
Respond to patient questions and concerns, escalating extraordinary issues as necessary
Maintain patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations
Identify and collect patient demographic information
Schedule and direct patients through Northwestern Medicine systems
Contact patients to schedule appointments
Perform medical necessity checks and communicate options when appointments fail
Inform patients about financial account issues and complete out-of-pocket estimates
Provide training and education as needed
Participate in cross-training between departments
Participate in quality assurance reviews and quality improvement activities
Resolve service breakdowns using service recovery skills
Communicate information about physician referrals, insurance referrals, and consultations
Collect authorization numbers and provide handoff instructions to scheduling staff
Verify orders, insurance eligibility, and benefit levels using online systems and telephone
Document accurate notes and Epic messages/telephone encounters in Epic
Prevent visit issues by checking tests, preparation requirements, locations, times, duplicate records, and order retrieval
Collect and verify registration data and monitor registration, scheduling, and insurance verification
Analyze account activity, identify problems, and initiate resolutions
Suggest process improvements and act as a training resource for staff
Complete other assigned duties and adapt schedules to changing business needs

Requirements

What you’ll need

High School diploma or equivalent
2-3 years customer service or medical office experience
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
Proficiency in computer data-entry/typing
Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English
Basic computer skills
Ability to type 40 wpm
Ability to multi-task
Customer service orientation
Excellent organizational, time management, analytical, and problem-solving skills
Additional education preferred
Additional language skills preferred
Healthcare finance and/or healthcare insurance experience preferred
Knowledge and experience in a healthcare setting, especially patient scheduling and/or registration, preferred
Must complete background check authorization and disclosure if offered the position

Benefits

Comp & perks

Tuition reimbursement
Loan forgiveness
401(k) matching
Lifecycle benefits
Competitive benefits supporting physical, emotional, and financial well-being
Background check and employment process compliant with applicable laws