Patient Access Services Specialist

Department Overview

The Patient Access Services (PAS) Specialist serves as a key first point of contact for patients, families, and referring providers, both in person and by phone. This position provides welcoming, professional, and efficient support to ensure a seamless patient experience from initial contact through completion of care.

Flexibility is essential, as responsibilities may shift between scheduling, registration, and coordination functions based on clinic needs. Based on department needs, the PAS Specialist may be responsible for gathering and recording accurate patient information, verifying insurance coverage and financial eligibility, obtaining necessary authorizations, completing registration in the electronic health record, and scheduling appointments. The role may support front desk and point-of-service operations, including greeting patients, collecting payments, validating insurance documentation, and ensuring required signatures and forms are complete.

This position requires strong organizational and multitasking skills, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and professionalism. The PAS Specialist communicates effectively with patients, providers, and care teams, demonstrating empathy, discretion, and service excellence. Through these efforts, the PAS Specialist directly supports OHSU’s mission of advancing access, quality, and compassionate care for every patient.

Function/Duties of Position

Patient Access and Support

• Provide professional, welcoming, and efficient customer service to patients, families, visitors, and staff, both in person and by phone.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for patient inquiries, appointment assistance, and general clinic information.
• Check patients in and out; verify demographics, insurance, and referring provider information; ensure required forms and signatures are complete.
• Collect and process copayments, deposits, and other payments per OHSU policies.
• Answer, triage, and route calls promptly, ensuring clear communication and accurate documentation.
• Maintain organized and confidential workspaces; uphold HIPAA standards in all interactions.
• Demonstrate flexibility to support both front desk and telephone operations as needed. 

Scheduling and Administrative Support

• Schedule, reschedule, and cancel patient appointments in EpicCare following standard workflows and clinic protocols.
• Schedule across multiple providers, services, and departments to support efficient appointment flow and timely access to care.
• Arrange special services such as interpreters, transportation, or mobility assistance when required.
• Communicate clearly with providers, staff, and referring offices regarding appointment details and patient needs.
• Processing messages, routing complete and actionable messages, gathering the relevant information to reduce the number of touches and patient care delays.
• Monitor schedules for accuracy, efficiency, and opportunities to improve access.
• Support patients with follow-up scheduling and ensure return appointments are accurately arranged and documented. 

Financial Clearance

• Gather and verify patient insurance coverage, financial status, and eligibility prior to visits.
• Confirm the patient’s financial situation, network requirements, and authorization needs for clinical care, procedures, and diagnostic studies.
• Obtain prior authorizations and referrals as required, ensuring timely and accurate completion. 
• Record and update insurance and authorization information in the Epic referral or related systems.
• Follow up on pending authorizations and communicate status updates to patients and care teams.
• Collaborate with financial clearance staff to determine authorization statuses and/or assist with obtaining authorizations and referrals as assigned, ensuring timely and accurate completion of financial clearance activities. 

Other Duties as Assigned

Required Qualifications

• Six months of work experience in a medical office setting, including high volume direct patient contact OR
• One year of work experience in a high-volume direct public contact position 
• Note: Successful completion of a formal OHSU Administrative Internship Program will substitute for one year of experience.  

Knowledge and Skills Required:

• Basic computer keyboarding skills including typing of 30 - 45 wpm.
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation

Preferred Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Successful completion of the OHSU Language Services Exam

Additional Details

Schedule will vary depending on site location. Most locations are open Monday - Friday 8:00am-5:30pm, with some offering extended hours Monday - Friday until 7pm and Saturdays 8:00am - 2:00pm. Noisy, high volume environment in clinics. Compliant with personal appearance policies.

Why apply to OHSU?

We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact [email protected]