Patient Access Representative

At Palo Alto County Health System , we are proud to serve as the healthcare hub of choice in Northwest Iowa, delivering personalized, compassionate, and efficient care to every patient we serve. As a Patient Access Representative , you will play a critical role in shaping the patient experience by serving as a welcoming first point of contact and ensuring accurate, timely access to care across hospital and clinic services. In this role, you will support patient registration and scheduling by preparing inpatient and outpatient admissions, completing required documentation, and coordinating registrations for family practice and specialty clinics. You will greet and assist patients and visitors, direct them to appropriate departments, and help ensure a smooth flow of patients throughout the facility. Accuracy and attention to detail are essential, as you will verify demographic and insurance information, document eligibility findings, collect and post copays, and assist patients with insurance-related questions, including Medicaid presumptive eligibility. You will serve as an information and communication hub for patients, families, providers, and hospital staff. Responsibilities include answering phones, routing calls, preparing and delivering messages, coordinating with departments regarding patient arrivals, and maintaining awareness of patient locations by monitoring hospital systems. During evening shifts, you may assist with initial needs of emergency patients until nursing staff respond and handle emergency calls calmly and professionally when needed. Additional duties include maintaining accurate electronic and paper documentation, reviewing admission and discharge information for accuracy, assisting with mail handling and clerical tasks, following security procedures at shift close, and helping train new registration staff as needed. You will present a professional appearance at all times and reflect PACHS values through courteous, respectful interactions with everyone you encounter. To be successful in this role, candidates should have a high school diploma or GED, strong customer service skills, basic computer proficiency, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced healthcare environment. Prior experience in healthcare registration, office administration, or insurance verification is preferred, along with familiarity with Medicare and other insurance processes. Flexibility to work varied shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, is required. Employee Benefits PACHS offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your overall well-being and work-life balance, including: Health & Wellness Two medical plan options (PPO and HDHP) with no-cost preventive care Employer HSA contributions for eligible participants Dental insurance with 100% preventive coverage Vision insurance through VSP Discounted membership at the Arthur & Audrey Smith Wellness Center Financial Security Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System (IPERS) Employer-paid Basic Life and AD&D insurance Optional voluntary life insurance Employer-paid Short-Term Disability Employer-paid Long-Term Disability Voluntary Accident and Critical Illness coverage Time Off & Lifestyle PTO begins accruing on your first day PTO cash-out program available up to four times per year Holiday Club payroll savings option Support & Resources Employee Assistance Program offering 24/7 confidential counseling, financial guidance, legal support, coaching, and more About Palo Alto County Health System Palo Alto County Health System is the healthcare hub of choice in Northwest Iowa, committed to delivering exceptional, patient-centered care supported by a culture of teamwork, respect, and compassion. Our employees thrive in a warm, family-focused environment where they are valued, supported, and encouraged to grow. When you join PACHS, you become part of a mission-driven team dedicated to caring for our community — and each other.