Patient Access Representative (Per Diem)
Company : Sonoma Valley Hospital
Location : Sonoma, CA, 95476
Job Type : Per Diem
Date Posted : 3 January 2026
Overview
Under the direction of the Patient Access Manager the Patient Access Representative is responsible for interviewing patients or their representatives in order to determine and record all demographic and financial information necessary to accurately and effectively process the registration, billing and payment functions. The Patient Access Representative will perform these services within the context of Sonoma Valley Hospital's mission, goals and objectives.
Responsibilities
Demonstrates excellent customer service continuously, greeting all patients and visitors warmly. Follows-up with customers to ensure no one feels forgotten or lost in the process. Consistently answers the phone with a smile and a friendly hello. Deals with challenging customers without becoming aggressive. Knows when to ask for additional support from team management.
Maintains efficient communications with other hospital departments to facilitate the admission process.
Interviews patient or their representative and obtains complete, accurate, personal demographic and financial information necessary for each admission, always utilizing AIDET when serving customers
Verifies patient financial information to assist in the billing process of the hospital. Corrects insurance errors in a timely manner to ensure quicker billing of claim.
Takes patient payments, assigning correct patient account number to payments. Completes process of entering payment information for reconciliation with Patient Accounting department
Returns all calls on the Pre-Registration voice mail and alerts all lab or x-ray orders that are FAXED or received electronically. Maintains order files according to 1 year policy. Maintains daily work files according to 3 month policy
Receives and returns patient valuables to facilitate admitting and discharge process. Maintains lost and found hospital wide, logging all items and emptying out on a regular basis.
Adheres to established departmental policies, procedures and objectives. Participates in organizational performance improvement program. Follows safety, environmental and infection control standards.
Qualifications
Education: High School Diploma or equivalent.Experience: Customer Service, Office/Clerical; Previous experience in a hospital/healthcare setting preferred; Bilingual preferred.Licenses & Certifications: N/ARequired Skills & Knowledge: Must have strong customer service experience. Must have strong knowledge of entering data accurately into computer. Have ability to work in a fast paced environment while maintaining a professional attitude.
Compensation
Actual compensation takes into account several factors including but not limited to a candidate’s experience, education, skills, licensure and certifications, department equity, training and organizational needs. Eligible roles also qualify for a comprehensive benefits package.Minimum:
USD $26.95Maximum:
USD $35.03Related Jobs
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Frequently asked questions
Sonoma's healthcare environment values personalized patient interaction, especially in per diem roles like Patient Access Representative. The region's smaller hospital settings, like Sonoma Valley Hospital, emphasize community-centric service, influencing daily tasks and communication styles distinct from larger metropolitan hospitals.
Yes, Sonoma Valley Hospital adheres to strict privacy and data accuracy standards tailored to California's healthcare regulations, ensuring patient information is handled with utmost confidentiality and precision in the Patient Access Representative position.
Candidates with bilingual abilities, prior healthcare customer service experience, and strong data entry skills tend to stand out in Sonoma. Familiarity with local insurance providers and patient demographics also enhances suitability for this position.
Progression often leads to roles like Lead Patient Access Representative or Patient Access Manager. Gaining expertise in billing systems, mastering insurance claim processes, and enhancing communication skills are crucial for upward mobility.
Managing high patient volume during peak hours, resolving insurance discrepancies swiftly, and maintaining empathy with distressed patients are typical hurdles. Adaptability and teamwork are essential to navigate these situations effectively.
Sonoma's healthcare sector shows moderate demand for patient access roles, partly due to its expanding aging population. Per diem positions offer flexibility but may have variable competition based on seasonal hospital census.
Compensation typically ranges between $26.95 and $35.03 per hour, reflecting factors like experience, skills, and departmental needs. This aligns with Sonoma's local market rates for per diem healthcare support roles.
The hospital emphasizes thorough onboarding and ongoing training to accommodate fluctuating per diem schedules, ensuring representatives are equipped to handle varied patient interactions and administrative duties efficiently.
Besides standard registration and billing tasks, they manage hospital-wide lost and found items and ensure prompt communication with labs and imaging departments, reflecting Sonoma Valley Hospital’s commitment to seamless patient experience.
Yes, motivated individuals can pursue advancement into patient access management, leveraging experience gained in per diem roles. Demonstrated leadership and mastery of hospital systems are key factors considered for promotion.