Patient Access Representative | Southridge Clinic Family Medicine - Bismarck, ND

Role Overview

As a Patient Access Representative at Sanford Health's Southridge Clinic Family Medicine in Bismarck, North Dakota, you will be the first point of contact for patients, playing a crucial role in creating a positive and welcoming environment. This position is vital for ensuring patients have a seamless and efficient experience, whether they are visiting for routine check-ups, specialized treatments, or urgent care. Your primary responsibilities will include patient registration, appointment scheduling, insurance verification, payment collection, and providing exceptional customer service. You will be an integral part of the healthcare team, supporting both patients and medical staff to deliver high-quality care.

This role requires a detail-oriented individual with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. You should be comfortable interacting with patients from diverse backgrounds, addressing their concerns with empathy and professionalism. Additionally, proficiency in computer systems, electronic health records (EHR), and multi-line phone operation is essential. Your ability to multitask, prioritize tasks, and work collaboratively with other team members will contribute significantly to the smooth operation of the clinic.

A Day in the Life

Your day as a Patient Access Representative begins by preparing the reception area to ensure it is clean, organized, and welcoming. You greet patients as they arrive, verify their demographic information, and update their records in the system. You explain necessary paperwork, collect signatures, and answer any questions patients may have about clinic policies and procedures. Additionally, you establish and assign financial responsibility, assisting patients with payment arrangements when needed.

Throughout the day, you schedule appointments, coordinate referrals, and obtain pre-authorizations for medical services. You work closely with the nursing team and providers to optimize schedules and accommodate patient needs. You also manage incoming calls, address inquiries, and resolve any issues related to appointments or billing. In addition, you may handle tasks such as chart preparation, organizing provider documents, and assisting with patient financial assistance programs. You also may be asked to help with Telemed appointments and to make reminder calls.

Other essential duties include collecting co-payments, pre-payments, and payments on account balances. You must adhere to strict policies and procedures to ensure accurate and secure handling of financial transactions. You also resolve registration errors, address denied insurance claims, and manage recall and waitlists to maintain efficient patient flow. Your ability to remain calm and composed in a fast-paced environment is crucial for providing exceptional customer service.

Why Bismarck, North Dakota?

Bismarck, North Dakota, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities, making it an excellent place to live and work. Known for its friendly community, affordable cost of living, and high quality of life, Bismarck provides a welcoming environment for professionals and families alike. The city boasts a thriving economy, excellent schools, and a wide range of recreational activities.

Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate Bismarck's proximity to numerous parks, lakes, and trails. Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, or boating, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors. The city also has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with museums, theaters, and music venues offering entertainment for all tastes. Bismarck's central location makes it easy to travel to other parts of the state and region.

Bismarck has a strong sense of community, with numerous events and festivals throughout the year. The city's low crime rate and safe neighborhoods make it an ideal place to raise a family. Additionally, Bismarck's growing healthcare industry provides ample opportunities for professional growth and advancement, particularly at Sanford Health, a leading healthcare provider in the region.

Career Path

The Patient Access Representative position at Sanford Health offers a clear career path with opportunities for advancement and professional development. Starting in this role provides a solid foundation in healthcare administration, customer service, and patient care. With experience and dedication, you can progress to more senior roles within the patient access department, such as Patient Access Supervisor or Team Lead. These positions involve overseeing daily operations, training new staff, and ensuring the delivery of exceptional patient service.

Sanford Health also encourages employees to pursue additional education and certifications to enhance their skills and knowledge. You can take advantage of tuition reimbursement programs and professional development opportunities to advance your career. Moreover, Sanford Health offers various career paths in other departments, such as billing, coding, and healthcare management, providing diverse avenues for growth within the organization.

By demonstrating strong performance, leadership qualities, and a commitment to continuous learning, you can unlock numerous opportunities to advance your career at Sanford Health. The organization is dedicated to supporting its employees' professional growth and helping them achieve their career goals.

Salary & Benefits

The starting rate for the Patient Access Representative position at Southridge Clinic Family Medicine ranges from $16.25 to $23.00 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications. In addition to competitive pay, Sanford Health offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance (medical, dental, vision), paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, and a retirement plan (401k or similar) with employer match. The benefits package also features life insurance, disability insurance (short-term and long-term), flexible spending accounts (FSA) or health savings accounts (HSA), and an employee assistance program (EAP).

Sanford Health is committed to providing its employees with a supportive and rewarding work environment. The organization offers various employee discounts, wellness programs, and professional development opportunities. Additionally, Sanford Health provides tuition reimbursement or assistance to help employees pursue further education and advance their careers. The benefits package is designed to promote the overall well-being and financial security of employees and their families.

Specific details about salary and benefits will be discussed during the interview process. Sanford Health is dedicated to offering competitive compensation and benefits packages to attract and retain top talent in the healthcare industry.

Sanford Culture

Sanford Health is known for its strong culture of caring, innovation, and community involvement. The organization is committed to providing exceptional healthcare services to patients while fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its employees. Sanford Health values teamwork, collaboration, and continuous improvement. The organization encourages employees to share their ideas and contribute to the ongoing success of the health system.

Sanford Health is also dedicated to giving back to the communities it serves. The organization supports numerous charitable initiatives and encourages employees to participate in volunteer activities. Sanford Health believes in making a positive impact on the health and well-being of the communities it serves, and employees are an integral part of this mission.

At Sanford Health, you will be part of a team that is passionate about providing high-quality care and making a difference in the lives of patients. The organization values diversity, equity, and inclusion, and is committed to creating a welcoming and respectful environment for all employees.

How to Apply

To apply for the Patient Access Representative position at Sanford Health's Southridge Clinic Family Medicine in Bismarck, North Dakota, please visit the Sanford Health careers website. Search for the job title or location to find the specific job posting. Review the job description and qualifications carefully before submitting your application. Ensure that your resume and cover letter highlight your relevant experience, skills, and education.

The online application process is straightforward and user-friendly. You will need to create an account or log in to an existing account to submit your application. Be prepared to answer questions about your work history, education, and professional references. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation for help with your online application, please call 1-877-673-0854 or send an email to sanfordhr@sanfordhealth.org.

After submitting your application, you may be contacted for an interview. The interview process typically involves a phone screening, followed by an in-person interview with the hiring manager and other team members. Be prepared to discuss your experience, skills, and career goals. Also, take the time to research Sanford Health and the specific role to demonstrate your interest and knowledge.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the key responsibilities of a Patient Access Representative?

   The key responsibilities include patient registration, appointment scheduling, insurance verification, payment collection, and providing exceptional customer service.

2. What qualifications are required for this position?

   A high school diploma or equivalent is preferred, along with one year of work experience, preferably in a medical office setting. Customer service skills are essential, and knowledge of medical terminology is helpful.

3. What is the starting rate for this position?

   The starting rate ranges from $16.25 to $23.00 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications.

4. What benefits does Sanford Health offer?

   Sanford Health offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, a retirement plan, and various other benefits.

5. Where is the Southridge Clinic Family Medicine located?

   The clinic is located in Bismarck, North Dakota.

6. What is the work schedule for this position?

   The schedule is 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, with no weekends or holidays.

7. What opportunities for advancement are available at Sanford Health?

   Sanford Health offers various career paths and professional development opportunities to help employees advance their careers.

8. What is the culture like at Sanford Health?

   Sanford Health has a strong culture of caring, innovation, and community involvement. The organization values teamwork and collaboration.

9. How can I request an accommodation for help with my online application?

   If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation, please call 1-877-673-0854 or send an email to sanfordhr@sanfordhealth.org.

10. What is the interview process like at Sanford Health?

    The interview process typically involves a phone screening, followed by an in-person interview with the hiring manager and other team members.