PATIENT ACCESS SPECIALIST

Overview

Description

NATURE OF WORK

Fairfield Memorial Hospital is seeking a detail‑oriented, customer focused Patient Access Specialist to join our hospital admitting team. This role is essential in creating a positive first impression for patients, families, and visitors by ensuring accurate registration, timely admissions, and exceptional customer service. Working closely with clinical and administrative staff, the Patient Access Specialist supports smooth patient flow, maintains accurate demographic and insurance information, and contributes to a welcoming, professional environment consistent with FMH's mission and standards of care. The Patient Access Specialist plays a vital role in ensuring a positive patient experience by arranging inpatient admissions, registering outpatients and emergency room visits, and supporting accurate data collection. This position also operates the hospital switchboard, performs cashier functions, and provides directions and assistance to patients, families, and visitors. The role contributes to performance improvement initiatives and supports the hospital's mission of delivering high‑quality, compassionate care.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Interview patients or representatives to collect and enter demographic, insurance, and guarantor information into the MedHost system.
• Obtain necessary signatures for consent and release of information, and assist with required forms (e.g., MSP questionnaire, accident/injury reports).
• Prepare patient identification bracelets, arrange room assignments, and coordinate patient escorts.
• Support discharge processes, bed transfers, and census reporting.
• Operate a multi‑line switchboard and provide paging services as needed.
• Perform cashiering functions and process daily registration reports.
• Provide directions and orientation to patients and families regarding hospital services.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and adhere to hospital policies and standards of professionalism.

COMPENSATION: $18.50 per hour

SCHEDULE: As Needed

BENEFITS

• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Illinois Paid Leave (1 hour for every 40 hours worked)

WHAT FMH HAS TO OFFER
Fairfield Memorial Hospital is a mission focused healthcare organization dedicated to providing exceptional care to the patients and families we serve, with a strong commitment to improving the health and well‑being of our community through compassionate service, clinical excellence, and a supportive culture that empowers employees to do their best work. We value teamwork, professional growth, and a positive work environment where every team member plays a meaningful role in advancing our mission. FMH offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, well‑being, and long‑term professional development, and we strive to ensure employees feel valued, supported, and equipped to make a meaningful impact for the communities of Southern Illinois. FMH is a drug‑free workplace, and all candidates must complete a pre‑employment drug screening in accordance with Illinois law. We proudly uphold Equal Opportunity Employment practices and welcome applicants of all backgrounds without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status.

Qualifications

EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS

• Required: High School Diploma or equivalent.

EXPERIENCE

• Preferred: Previous experience in data entry or patient admitting functions; previous patient registration experience.

SKILLS

• Ability to type at least 40 words per minute.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; able to interact tactfully with patients, families, and staff.
• Ability to comprehend written and oral instructions and work independently.
• Attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Commitment to patient privacy, safety, and customer service excellence.

Salary : $19