Emergency Department Patient Access Specialist

$2,000 SIGN ON BONUS FOR EXTERNAL APPLICANTS Join a dynamic team at Optum, a global organization focused on delivering quality healthcare through innovative technology. Your role as an Emergency Department Patient Access Specialist will be pivotal in improving health outcomes by connecting patients with essential care resources. Experience a culture of inclusion, opportunities for professional growth, and a chance to make a meaningful impact on community health. This is a Full-Time position requiring flexibility to work any of our 8-hour evening shift schedules, including rotating weekends. Our office is based at 1 Atwell Rd, Cooperstown, NY. As part of our team, you will receive 6-8 weeks of comprehensive on-the-job training, with hours from 8 AM to 4:30 PM EST. Regular shift hours will be 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM, including a weekend shift every other weekend. Key Responsibilities: Provide welcoming and patient-centered service, greeting and checking in patients efficiently. Collect and verify patient demographics, insurance information, and health details through in-person and phone interactions. Use computer systems accurately to maintain real-time patient data and process necessary documentation. Process referrals, pre-certifications, and authorizations in line with insurance requirements. Collect co-pays and discuss financial obligations with patients transparently. Identify and pursue collection of outstanding balances from previous visits. Ensure scheduled appointments for patient services are confirmed with both patients and referring providers. Address and respond to patient inquiries regarding sensitive topics with compassion and respect. Review and analyze patient data for inconsistencies, following up as necessary. Stay updated on registration requirements for various departments, including Emergency and Maternity. Why Optum? Enjoy a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. Accrue Paid Time Off from your first pay period, plus 8 Paid Holidays. Benefit from Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans, along with Short-term and Long-Term Disability coverage. Access a 401(k) Savings Plan and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Receive education reimbursement and employee discounts. Participate in an Employee Assistance Program and a Referral Bonus Program. Explore additional Voluntary Benefits like pet insurance and legal assistance. Your performance will be recognized and rewarded in a role focused on your success. Development opportunities will be offered for advancement within the organization. Required Qualifications: High School Diploma/GED or higher. 1+ years of experience in a hospital, office setting, or customer service role. Ability to work onsite at 1 Atwell Rd, Cooperstown, NY. Flexibility to work various 8-hour shifts, including weekends. Must be at least 18 years old. Preferred Qualifications: Familiarity with Microsoft Office. Experience in a Hospital Patient Registration Department or similar medical setting. Knowledge in insurance reimbursement processes. Basic understanding of medical terminology and ability to perform basic math for financial transactions. Soft Skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for effective customer service. Physical Environment: Ability to stand for extended periods while utilizing a workstation on wheels. Note:

The sign-on bonus is exclusively available to external candidates. Current employees of UnitedHealth Group or its subsidiaries are not eligible for this bonus. The salary range for this role is $16.00 to $28.85 per hour, based on several factors, including local labor markets and work experience. In addition to your salary, UnitedHealth Group offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes various incentives and 401k contributions, subject to eligibility. At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to promote healthier lives and improve the healthcare system for everyone, with a commitment to health equity and addressing health disparities. UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and a drug-free workplace. Candidates will be required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.