Description
Patient Access & Financial Service Specialist - Full-time positions,
Full-time benefits are the following:
Medical, dental, vision, paid time off, paid sick time, 403(b) retirement program, life insurance plans, shift differentials, workers' compensation
The deadline to apply is May 11, 2026
Leadville, Colorado is a historic Victorian-era mining town and the highest incorporated city in the United States, situated at 10,152 feet—nearly two miles above sea level. Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains and surrounded by iconic 14,000-foot peaks such as Mount Elbert and Mount Massive, Leadville offers breathtaking alpine scenery and a truly authentic mountain-town experience.
Unlike larger resort communities known for luxury retail and high tourist traffic, Leadville retains its genuine Colorado character. The town is known for its welcoming, community-focused atmosphere, historic architecture, and rich mining heritage. With no major chain stores and a vibrant mix of long-time residents, outdoor enthusiasts, and local families, Leadville offers a distinctive environment where neighbors know each other and small-town values remain strong.
Leadville has a close-knit population of approximately 2,600–3,000 residents, with roughly 7,700 people across Lake County. The area offers a peaceful rural-suburban setting without the congestion of larger mountain destinations. Residents enjoy exceptional year-round outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking, and fishing at nearby lakes such as Turquoise Lake and Twin Lakes. Winter activities include skiing and snowshoeing at Ski Cooper, a family-friendly ski area just outside town. The community also hosts renowned endurance events such as the Leadville Race Series, attracting athletes from around the world.
St. Vincent General Hospital District—commonly known as St. Vincent Health—has served the Leadville community since the late 1800s, with roots dating back to 1879. As a critical access hospital, the organization provides essential healthcare services to local residents and visitors across Lake County and the surrounding high-country region.
St. Vincent Health offers a comprehensive range of services, including:
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24/7 emergency department and ambulance services
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Primary and family medicine
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Visiting specialty care (including cardiology, urology, general surgery, pain management, podiatry, and ophthalmology)
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Minor elective outpatient procedures
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Physical therapy and rehabilitation services
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Diagnostic imaging and laboratory services
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Occupational health and sleep studies
The organization is known for its collaborative, team-oriented culture, where healthcare professionals work closely together in a supportive rural hospital environment. Employees often cite the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a small community, maintain a strong work–life balance, and enjoy competitive benefits—including retirement plans, shift differentials, and benefits eligibility for many part-time roles.
Working at St. Vincent Health offers the unique opportunity to combine a rewarding healthcare career with an exceptional mountain lifestyle. For individuals seeking purposeful work, strong community connections, and access to world-class outdoor recreation, Leadville provides a rare and inspiring place to live and serve.
Requirements
- High School Diploma
- Associate Degree in Business Administration, Office Management, or related field preferred
- Three years (3) experience in front desk clerical, scheduling and customer service in a hospital or medical office environment preferred.
- Excellent customer service skills and interpersonal communication skills
- Strong verbal and written communication abilities
- Ability to maintain professionalism and compassion in stressful or sensitive situations
- Knowledge of medical terminology, insurance verification, prior authorizations, and healthcare registration processes
- Understanding of insurance plans, patient financial responsibility, payment plans, and financial assistance programs
- Ability to explain complex billing and insurance information in a clear and patient-friendly manner
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced environment
- Attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and documentation
- Proficient computer skills, including electronic medical records (EMR), Microsoft Office, and scheduling systems
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA regulations
- Strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment
- Dependable attendance and flexibility to assist in multiple registration or patient access areas as needed
- Ability to handle high call volumes and multiple patient interactions simultaneously
- Knowledge of revenue cycle processes preferred
- Ability to adapt to changing workflows, policies, and technology systems
- Professional telephone etiquette and customer-focused communication skills
Summary
The Patient Access & Financial Services Specialist serves as a vital resource to patients, families, and visitors by providing exceptional customer service and compassionate support throughout the patient experience. Often serving as the first point of contact at St. Vincent Health, this position is responsible for welcoming, registering, scheduling, and assisting patients at all points of entry within the hospital and clinics. Responsibilities include accurately entering patient demographic, insurance, and medical information into the electronic medical record system; verifying insurance eligibility and benefits; obtaining authorizations when required; and assisting patients with questions related to services and financial responsibilities.This role also provides clear, accurate, and compassionate guidance regarding healthcare costs, insurance coverage, payment options, and available financial assistance programs. The Patient Access & Financial Services Specialist helps patients navigate insurance requirements, payment plans, and charity care resources while promoting understanding of financial obligations and access to care.In addition, this position serves as a primary point of contact for incoming phone calls, appointment scheduling, and patient inquiries while collaborating with clinical and administrative departments to support efficient patient flow and timely financial clearance of services. The position may assist with coverage for lunches, breaks, or staffing needs within other registration areas during scheduled hours and performs additional duties as assigned in support of hospital operations and patient satisfaction
- Serves as the first point of contact for patients, families, and visitors at St. Vincent Health, providing a welcoming, professional, and patient-centered experience.
- Greetings and assists patients and visitors in person and over the phone while maintaining excellent customer service and professional telephone etiquette.
- Directs incoming calls and patient inquiries to the appropriate department or staff member in a timely and courteous manner.
- Serves as the “Keeper of the Gates” by ensuring all visitors are greeted, properly signed in and out, and assisted with their needs before entering the facility.
- Maintains a clean, organized, and professional front registration and waiting area environment.
- Registers new patients and updates existing patient demographic, insurance, and financial information accurately within the electronic medical record system.
- Interviews patients to complete required insurance, privacy, specialty-specific, and Medicare documentation, including inpatient Medicare paperwork and notices of prior authorization when applicable.
- Verifies insurance eligibility and assists with authorization and other registration requirements as needed.
- Collects co-payments and outstanding balances, posts payments to patient accounts, and assists patients with payment plan arrangements.
- Provides compassionate financial counseling by educating patients on healthcare costs, insurance coverage, payment options, financial assistance programs, and resolving financial barriers to care.
- Performs follow-up calls regarding outstanding balances and collections while maintaining professionalism and excellent customer service.
- Scrubs schedules as needed to ensure registration accuracy and efficient patient scheduling processes.
- Communicate effectively with patients, providers, clinical staff, and other hospital departments regarding delays, scheduling concerns, or other patient-related matters.
- Responds to patient, visitor, and prospective patient inquiries in a courteous and confidential manner while maintaining HIPAA compliance.
- Protect patient confidentiality by safeguarding protected health information (PHI) and following all privacy and security procedures.
- Maintains adequate registration desk and waiting room supplies by monitoring inventory and coordinating replenishment needs.
- Demonstrate teamwork and a caring attitude toward patients, visitors, and coworkers while contributing to a positive and collaborative work environment.
- Assists with coverage for other registration or patient access functions as needed within scheduled working hours.
- Performs all other duties as assigned in support of hospital and clinic operations.