What are the responsibilities and job description for the Patient Services Representative - Medical Records position at Grand Valley Medical Specialists, PLC?
Patient Services Specialist
Job Type: Full-time | Day Shift (No nights, weekends, or holidays)
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Join Our Team at Grand Valley Medical Specialists
This position combines responsibilities traditionally held within scheduling/phone operations, referrals coordination, check-in, and check-out functions. Team members are expected to rotate responsibilities and cross-cover roles as operational needs require, including traveling between office locations to ensure adequate coverage.
As a key member of the care team, the Patient Services Specialist plays a vital role in ensuring efficient clinic operations, continuity of care, and a positive patient experience through accurate coordination, communication, and customer service.
What You’ll Do
Scheduling & Phone Operations
- Answer incoming patient calls in a professional and courteous manner.
- Schedule, reschedule, and cancel appointments per office guidelines.
- Respond to patient inquiries regarding appointment availability, referrals, imaging, and general office information.
- Route calls and messages appropriately and document communication accurately in the medical record.
- Monitor and manage inboxes as assigned.
Check-In Responsibilities
- Greet patients, visitors, and vendors upon arrival.
- Accurately check patients in for office visits.
- Verify and update patient demographics and insurance information at each visit.
- Scan insurance cards and required documents into the system.
- Collect co-pays, outstanding balances, and other patient payments.
- Ensure HIPAA forms and required documentation are current and on file.
- Explain office policies, including payment and mask policies, as applicable.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming workspace.
Check-Out Responsibilities
- Check patients out following office visits.
- Schedule follow-up appointments as directed by providers.
- Submit and track orders for labs, imaging, procedures, and referrals.
- Ensure orders are complete, accurate, and routed appropriately.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming workspace.
Referral Coordination
- Manage the full referral process for specialty, clinical, diagnostic, and procedural services.
- Obtain and document prior authorizations in accordance with payer requirements.
- Send required clinical documentation to external providers and facilities.
- Track referral status, follow up as needed, and ensure timely completion.
- Communicate referral details, expectations, and next steps clearly to patients.
- Serve as a liaison between patients, providers, insurance companies, and external offices.
- Coordinate scheduling and patient communication for specialized programs, including Behavioral Health Collaborative Care Management (CoCM), as applicable.
Medical Records Operations
- Answer inbound and outbound phone calls related to medical records and respond to inquiries from patients, providers, insurance companies, and external facilities.
- Process and coordinate release of information requests (ROI)
- Receive, review, scan, index, and import patient records into the electronic health record (EHR).
- Fax, mail, and electronically transmit protected health information (PHI) securely to patients, providers, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities.
- Monitor and manage inboxes as assigned.
Team Responsibilities
- Cross-cover and rotate between roles to support daily office operations.
- Travel between office locations based on coverage and staffing needs.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation in all systems.
- Comply with HIPAA, OSHA, and all regulatory and organizational policies.
- Perform additional duties assigned by leadership.
- Answer incoming private line and direct call to appropriate staff.
What We’re Looking For
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Minimum of 1 year of experience in a healthcare setting.
- Experience with medical terminology is preferred.
- Dependable, punctual, and flexible with scheduling and location coverage.
- Clear, professional communication—both verbal and written.
- Comfort with EHR systems and typical Patient Services workflows
- Strong organizational skills and a collaborative mindset
Benefits We Offer
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Short- and Long-Term Disability (STD/LTD)
- Paid Time Off (PTO) and Earned Sick Time
- Supportive, team-centered work culture