Per Diem Patient Access Specialist

Position Overview

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology, to help millions live healthier lives. Your work will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data, and resources they need to feel their best. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

The Per Diem Patient Access Specialist is responsible for ensuring smooth patient flow in the registration area. This role involves greeting patients, providing essential information, answering phones, registering patients, and entering exam orders as needed. You will obtain demographics, insurance information, appropriate codes, and authorizations from patients, representatives, and physicians in a courteous and efficient manner for billing.

Schedule: About 10–20 hours per week with variable shifts (day, evening, and weekend) based on business needs.

Location: Foothills Location – 4747 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, CO 80303

Key Responsibilities

• Interview patients to obtain demographic, billing, and insurance information and complete all registration steps.
• Locate and process provider requisitions.
• Determine insurance eligibility.
• Determine patient payment and collect payments on insured and self-pay accounts.
• Obtain signatures for necessary paperwork including financial agreements and medical releases.
• Demonstrate thorough knowledge of EMTALA regulations.
• Resolve account registration issues using reports and patient feedback.
• Prioritize work according to departmental needs.
• Maintain proficiency with all necessary software modules.
• Exercise sound judgment by referring complex situations to appropriate leadership.
• Respond to patient questions, concerns, and feedback promptly.
• Adhere to all regulatory requirements including Joint Commission Standards.
• Follow Environment of Care guidelines including Life Safety, Utilities Management, and Emergency Preparedness.
• Adhere to Universal Precautions by using appropriate protective barriers (gloves, masks, gowns, pocket masks, safety glasses), proper disposal of infectious waste, and hand washing.
• Keep up to date with hospital policies and procedures.
• Assist with shift coverage as needed and attend all mandatory meetings and trainings.
• Report supply needs, work-related issues, or injuries to leadership.
• Maintain accurate timekeeping including clocking in/out and reporting absences as per policy.
• Ensure the registration area is stocked with necessary supplies and forms.
• Perform additional duties as requested.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED (or higher).
• 1+ years of customer service experience.
• Ability to work 10–20 hours per week with flexible shifts (day, evening, weekend).
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Microsoft Office products.
• Prior customer service role experience.
• Experience with Medical Records handling.
• Experience in a Hospital Patient Registration Department, physician office, or similar medical setting.
• Experience in insurance reimbursement and financial verification.
• Proficiency in requesting and processing financial payments.
• Working knowledge of medical terminology.
• Understanding of insurance policies and procedures.
• Ability to perform basic mathematics for financial transactions.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive Base Pay: Hourly pay ranging from $16.00 to $27.69 per hour based on various factors such as local labor markets, education, and experience.
• Comprehensive Benefits: A full benefits package that includes Paid Time Off (accrued from your first pay period), 8 Paid Holidays, and multiple Medical Plan options (with options for a Health Spending Account or Health Saving Account).
• Dental, Vision, Life & AD&D Insurance, along with Short-term and Long-term Disability coverage.
• 401(k) Savings Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Additional perks such as Education Reimbursement, Employee Discounts, Employee Assistance Program, Employee Referral Bonus Program, and Voluntary Benefits (pet, legal, LTC insurance, etc.).
• More information can be downloaded at: http://uhg.hr/uhgbenefits