Patient Access Specialist, Part-time

Patient Access Specialist, Part‑time, Days – Glenview, Illinois
Business Unit:
Northwestern Medicine Corporate
REQID 198177 – Customer Service Shift Day – Job (1st)
Salary: $18.40 – $27.59 per hour (based on experience)

• $10,000 Tuition Reimbursement per year ($5,700 part‑time)
• $10,000 Student Loan Repayment ($5,000 part‑time)
• $1,000 Professional Development per year ($500 part‑time)
• $250 Well‑Being Fund per year ($125 for part‑time)
• Matching 401(k)
• Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage
• Life insurance
• Annual Employee Salary Increase and Incentive Bonus
• Paid time off and Holiday pay

The Patient Access Specialist supports patients by ensuring high‑quality service and adherence to all regulatory standards. This role is essential in the patient scheduling and registration process, collaborating across departments to provide accurate, compassionate care.

• Consistently applies the Patients First philosophy and maintains exemplary customer service.
• Responds to patient inquiries and concerns, directing complex issues to the Team Lead or Operations Coordinator.
• Maintains patient confidentiality and HIPAA compliance.
• Collects correct patient demographic data and documents it accurately in organizational systems.
• Schedules patients and schedules through the NMHC systems in a patient‑friendly manner.
• Performs medical necessity checks, communicates options, and updates appointment status as needed.
• Communicates insurance eligibility and financial responsibilities to patients.
• Creates out‑of‑pocket estimations and provides necessary training to patients.
• Manages work schedules efficiently, completing tasks on time.
• Participates in Quality Assurance reviews and service recovery activities to resolve patient issues.
• Stays current on departmental policies, procedures, and compliance requirements.
• Cross‑trains among departments to ensure coverage.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Utilizes online order retrieval systems and verifies insurance eligibility through online tools.
• Logs accurate handoff instructions and notes in Epic.
• Efficiently uses all computer applications required for the position.
• Runs real‑time eligibility (RTE) for insurance verification and follows out‑of‑network policies.
• Documents all encounter details accurately in Epic.

• Prevents patient visit issues by double‑checking test types, preps required, and verifying documents.
• Collects and verifies minimum data set for registration and updates information in the system.
• Analyzes account activity, identifies problems, and resolves issues promptly.
• Suggests improvements to enhance customer service and operational efficiency.
• Participates in departmental quality improvement activities.
• Adapts processes to meet quality standards and business needs.

• 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 (40 wpm).
• Strong organizational, time management, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.

• Additional education or healthcare finance/insurance experience.
• Knowledge of patient scheduling and/or registration in a healthcare setting.
• Additional language skills.

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or any other protected status.

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history. If offered a position, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form. Results are evaluated on a case‑by‑case basis, following all local, state, and federal laws.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position. All employment decisions will be made by a person.