Medical Front Office - Patient Service Specialist
Company : Select Medical
Location : Columbia, MD, 21045
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 7 January 2026
Overview
Position: Patient Service Specialist
Location: Columbia, MD
Type of Employment: Full-time
Schedule: 4-5 days a week (hours vary)
Compensation: $17.50 - $18.00/hour (pending experience)
When patients enter our outpatient physical therapy center in Columbia, we want them to have an exceptional experience – starting at the front desk. That’s where you come in. As a patient service specialist, you’ll manage both the patient side and the business side of our center. Don’t underestimate the impact you can make on every patient’s care experience, even before they leave the waiting room.
Why Join Us: (benefits for full-time at 32+ hours/week)
- Start Strong: Our mentorship and orientation programs ensure a successful transition
- Recharge & Refresh: Generous PTO to maintain a healthy work-life balance
- Your Health Matters: Comprehensive medical/RX, health, vision, and dental plan offerings
- Invest in Your Future: Company-matching 401(k) retirement plans as well as life and disability protection
Check out the video below for additional insight into the work of our Patient Service Specialists!
Responsibilities
- Greet and register patients and provide information about what to expect during their visit and information about their next appointment as they check out
- Schedule patient appointments in person and via phone
- Regular communication with parties such as attorney offices, insurance companies and translation companies, market operational leaders, and business development team
- Collect co-pays from patients, manage payer approvals, and conduct insurance authorizations and verifications
Qualifications
Minimum:
- High School Diploma or GED
Preferred:
- 1 Year Front Desk experience
- Healthcare experience
- Previous leader experience
Additional Data
Equal Opportunity Employer/including Disabled/Veterans
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Frequently asked questions
In Columbia, MD, a Medical Front Office - Patient Service Specialist plays a vital role by managing patient interactions from check-in to scheduling follow-ups. Their front desk presence ensures smooth communication and helps build a welcoming atmosphere that significantly enhances outpatient care experiences.
Applicants should emphasize customer service skills, healthcare familiarity, and administrative experience. A high school diploma is often required, but showcasing previous front desk or leader experience in medical settings can greatly increase chances for this Patient Service Specialist position.
Routine duties include greeting patients, scheduling appointments, verifying insurance, managing co-pays, and maintaining communication with insurers and legal offices. These diverse responsibilities ensure efficient patient flow and support clinical teams in outpatient physical therapy centers.
Columbia’s suburban layout means candidates often consider transit time and parking availability near medical centers. The local demand for patient service roles is steady, with employers valuing adaptability due to a competitive but stable healthcare job market.
At Select Medical, the hourly wage for Patient Service Specialists ranges from $17.50 to $18.00, depending on experience. This competitive compensation aligns with regional standards for full-time front office medical positions in outpatient settings.
Select Medical invests in mentorship and orientation programs, fostering career development. Their benefits, including PTO and 401(k) matching, create a supportive environment that can encourage advancement within healthcare administration roles.
Select Medical emphasizes patient experience from the first interaction, blending administrative tasks with compassionate care. Their structured training and comprehensive benefits package set this role apart among front office healthcare jobs locally.
The Columbia job market maintains moderate competition for front office healthcare roles due to a growing aging population requiring outpatient services. Candidates with healthcare experience and strong communication skills often have a hiring advantage.
Yes, candidates with previous leadership or team coordination roles in medical settings demonstrate valuable organizational skills. This experience can differentiate applicants by showing readiness to handle complex patient service challenges.
While a high school diploma or GED is the minimum, certifications in medical administrative assistance or familiarity with healthcare software systems are advantageous. These credentials can strengthen applications amid Maryland's healthcare employment standards.