Patient Navigator Specialist

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 40 hours per week
Shift Options: 8:00 AM–4:30 PM, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM, or 9:30 AM–6:00 PM

Job Summary

Cottage Health is seeking a customer-focused and detail-oriented Patient Navigator Specialist to support patient access, healthcare scheduling, and insurance authorization services. This role will primarily assist with a high volume of incoming calls while providing additional support for outbound calls and patient follow-up.

The ideal candidate has experience in healthcare scheduling, patient access, insurance verification, and prior authorizations. Candidates must be comfortable working in a fast-paced healthcare environment, navigating Epic, and delivering exceptional customer service to patients, families, and clinical teams.

Schedule Flexibility: The client is flexible with coverage times between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Please specify the contractor's available shift or preferred coverage hours in the submission notes.

Key Responsibilities

• Answer high volumes of incoming patient calls using professional greetings, established scripts, and appropriate communication procedures.
• Make outbound calls to patients and complete follow-up activities as needed.
• Schedule, coordinate, and update patient appointments across multiple healthcare service lines.
• Communicate with patients, clinical staff, and medical offices to coordinate care and resolve scheduling inquiries.
• Verify and maintain accurate patient demographics, insurance information, and financial account details.
• Review, edit, and obtain insurance pre-authorizations before scheduled services, as required.
• Contact insurance companies, patients, and clinical departments to obtain missing information and resolve pending or denied authorization issues.
• Monitor and maintain centralized work queues to ensure timely follow-up and accurate documentation.
• Explain insurance benefits, provide estimates of patient financial responsibility, and collect payments when appropriate.
• Respond to patient account inquiries and direct patients to available financial assistance resources when needed.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with applicable privacy policies and procedures.
• Assist with employee onboarding and training as assigned.
• Perform additional duties as directed by the supervisor or manager.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• At least 2 years of experience in an office, hospitality, or customer service environment.
• At least 2 years of patient access, healthcare scheduling, or related healthcare administrative experience.
• Experience scheduling appointments and coordinating patient services.
• Experience verifying insurance benefits and reviewing, editing, or obtaining pre-authorizations.
• Previous experience using Epic or a comparable electronic health record system, with Epic experience required for this role.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.
• Typing speed of at least 35 words per minute.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent customer service, organization, and problem-solving abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Revenue Cycle Representative (CRCR).
• Certified Patient Access Specialist (HBI).

Skills and Competencies

• Ability to manage high call volumes while maintaining accuracy and professionalism.
• Strong attention to detail when handling patient records, insurance information, and authorizations.
• Empathy, patience, and a positive attitude when assisting patients.
• Ability to make independent decisions and use available resources appropriately.
• Flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing priorities and workload demands.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Commitment to patient confidentiality and the responsible handling of sensitive information.

InSync Consulting Services is a staffing agency specializing in Healthcare, Commercial, and EOR staffing services.