Patient Registration Specialist

Welcome to Cherry Health - video about Cherry Health

The Specialist, Patient Registration serves as a point of contact for patients and the public, managing issues related to scheduling, confirming insurance eligibility, billing and collections, and responding to patient questions and concerns. This role involves performing general office and clerical functions to ensure smooth administrative operations. Adherence to organizational policies, procedures, ethical standards, and licensing/accreditation guidelines is essential.

This is a full-time position typically working Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:45 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Some late nights and Saturdays will be required. Travel to other Cherry Health sites may also be required. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure the registration area and telephones open promptly at assigned hours and that closing procedures are carried out effectively.
• Greet patients and ensure all necessary documentation is collected, including confirming insurance eligibility and obtaining required signatures.
• Accurately collect patient information, including insurance details, update records, and process payments for services or bill patient accounts.
• Schedule, confirm, and reschedule patient appointments, ensuring productivity through established scheduling guidelines.
• Review sliding fee scale costs as necessary and communicate with patients regarding payment options.
• Monitor daily schedules for compliance with organizational guidelines, reporting variations, and recommending changes to improve efficiency.
• Maintain accurate records, patient statistics, and office productivity reports; assist in data reporting as requested.
• Manage office supply inventory to ensure availability of necessary materials.
• Perform general office duties such as filing, sorting, mail distribution, and data entry.
• Participate in ongoing education annually, including CPR and other required training.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the supervisor.
   

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities:

• Effective Communication: Ability to communicate professionally and courteously with patients, colleagues, and staff, both in person and on the phone.
• Customer Service Focus: Strong customer service skills to address and resolve patient concerns effectively.
• Attention to Detail: Ability to manage multiple tasks accurately and ensure patient information is entered correctly.
• Technology Proficiency: Knowledge of Microsoft Office and electronic health record (EHR) systems; ability to adapt quickly to new software applications.
• Confidentiality: Strict adherence to HIPAA guidelines and maintaining patient confidentiality at all times.
• Multitasking and Organizational Skills: Ability to manage time effectively and perform various administrative tasks simultaneously.
• Language Skills: Bilingual skills (Spanish preferred) and the ability to translate if applicable.
   

Competencies:

• Customer Service: Providing excellent service to patients and resolving concerns efficiently.
• Collaboration: Working well with colleagues, staff, and patients in a team environment.
• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards, confidentiality, and patient privacy.
• Respect: Demonstrating professionalism and respect in all interactions.
• Professionalism: Maintaining a professional demeanor and appearance at all times.
• Learning: Commitment to continuous learning and improving skills and knowledge.
   

Education / Licenses / Certificates:

High school diploma or GED required. Associate’s degree preferred.
 

Experience:
One year of experience in a healthcare setting with electronic medical record experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties.
 

Physical Requirements:

• Possible exposure to patients/clients with illnesses and/or infections.
• Frequent telephone and computer use, requiring manual dexterity for writing and computer tasks.
• Sitting, standing, or walking for extended periods of time.
• Specific vision requirements include the ability to focus on close and distant objects.
• May require bending, squatting, kneeling, or lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required.
   

Client Population Served:

May serve all patient populations.
 

The essential functions of this position must be able to be accomplished with or without accommodations. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel in this role.

Who we are:

Cherry Health, Michigan’s largest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), operates in six counties across the state, is based in Grand Rapids. With a team of more than 650 health care professionals at 20 locations, Cherry Health focuses on removing barriers, expanding access, and delivering comprehensive quality health care services to underserved communities, regardless of an individual’s insurance status or ability to pay. We provide primary care, dental, vision, behavioral health, pharmacy services, substance abuse services, residential re-entry services, school-based health centers and more.

Our Mission: 

Cherry Health provides comprehensive, high quality healthcare for all.

Our Vision: 

Lives are transformed by creating a healthier community where every person has their best opportunity to thrive.

Our Values:

• Collaboration – Support the Cherry Health mission by encouraging teamwork to accomplish organizational goals.
• Welcoming – We create an inclusive, respectful environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and comfortable contributing.
• Innovation – Embrace creativity to improve patient care and workplace efficiency while remaining curious and open to learning.
• Integrity – Uphold the highest ethical standards by being honest and trustworthy.
• Professionalism – Create a positive work environment where we care accountable for our decision, our action and the results.

Benefits:

Cherry Health has excellent benefit offerings dependent on employment status.  Check out a sample of the benefits available to our team members below!

• Loan repayment through the NHSC and Michigan State Loan Repayment Program for select roles
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance for you and your family
• Generous Paid Time Off benefit – 4 weeks per year for full time
• Paid holidays - 8 full day paid holidays (Including Black Friday!) and 2 half day paid holidays!
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with generous employer match - $ for $ match up to 5% 
• MET and MESP 529 Savings Plans
• Pet Insurance!
• Employee Assistance Program  

Our policy is to offer all employees and applicants for employment equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, height, weight, sexual orientation, gender identity, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, or any other protected category.