Patient Access Specialist

Job Title: Patient Access Specialist

Location: Bakersfield, CA

Employment Type: Full-Time/Temp-to-Hire

Compensation: $21 as a temp, increased once hired on

Position Overview

Legacy Staffing is seeking a detail-oriented and service-focused Patient Access Specialist on behalf of a confidential healthcare client. This role is critical in facilitating timely patient access to care by verifying eligibility and benefits, coordinating authorizations, assisting with patient financial programs, and supporting accurate billing and check-out processes. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced healthcare environment and demonstrates strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

Key Responsibilities

Patient Access & Eligibility

• Verify eligibility and benefits for scheduled and same-day patient appointments
• Resolve registration, eligibility, and authorization issues prior to patient visits
• Coordinate with health plans to assist patients in selecting or transferring to an appropriate primary care provider
• Obtain prior authorizations for services and procedures when required

Billing & Check-Out Support

• Ensure all required billing and authorization information is collected before patient checkout
• Post charges for completed encounters at checkout
• Review daily error reports and correct identified issues prior to patient appointments
• Update patient accounts with pertinent billing and eligibility information

Patient Support & Coordination

• Assist patients in identifying appropriate financial assistance programs based on eligibility
• Coordinate patient financial needs with leadership, scheduling teams, and patient navigators
• Research and clarify documentation with providers or clinical staff as needed
• Maintain effective working relationships with providers, leadership, and operational teams

Additional Duties

• Perform other related duties as assigned by billing or operational leadership

Compliance & Organizational Participation

• Maintain strict HIPAA compliance and confidentiality of patient information
• Ensure compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal healthcare regulations
• Participate in Quality Assurance / Quality Improvement (QA/QI) initiatives
• Learn and effectively utilize Electronic Health Record (EHR) and Practice Management Systems
• Participate in patient-centered care models consistent with organizational policies

Qualifications, Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED required
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in billing and accounts receivable within a healthcare environment
• Working knowledge of coding rules, billing regulations, and third-party payer requirements preferred
• Strong customer service skills and professional demeanor when interacting with patients, staff, and external partners

Required Skills & Competencies

• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
• Strong multitasking, organizational, and follow-through skills
• Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to problem-solve and make decisions in alignment with organizational policies
• Ability to work independently while maintaining accountability
• Understanding of community-based organizations and healthcare services
• Ability to engage respectfully with individuals from diverse cultural, ethnic, religious, and economic backgrounds

Reporting Relationship

• Reports to Billing or Revenue Cycle Leadership