Patient Services Specialist - Patient Access - Limited Term (Open)
San Mateo County, CA
Patient Services Specialist - Patient Access - Limited Term (Open)
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Patient Services Specialist - Patient Access - Limited Term (Open)
Salary
$72,321.60 - $90,459.20 Annually
Location
County of San Mateo, CA
Job Type
Limited Term
Job Number
POSTING ONLY (E414B)
Department
San Mateo Medical Center
Opening Date
06/24/2025
Bargaining Unit
37
+ Description
+ Benefits
+ Questions
Description
San Mateo Medical Center (SMMC) is seeking an experienced Patient Services Specialist (PSS) – Limited Term. This position is expected to last for about 1 year.
This position will play a key role in processing HPSM Medi-Cal Service Support Unit (SSU) Treatment Authorization Requests (TARs). Primary responsibilities include:
- Reviewing provider notes and CPT codes to determine which procedures require TARs
- Preparing and submitting all required TAR forms and supporting documentation to HPSM in a timely manner
- Entering TAR dispositions into the EPIC system upon receipt
- Performing related follow-up tasks to ensure timely and accurate processing
Ideal Candidate will possess:
- At least 1–2 years of recent experience working in a healthcare administrative or patient services role, preferably within a public health or hospital setting. Experience processing Medi-Cal or other insurance Treatment Authorization Requests (TARs) is strongly preferred.
- Familiarity with CPT and ICD codes, and understanding of procedures requiring authorization
- Knowledge of Medi-Cal guidelines and Health Plan of San Mateo (HPSM) processes
- Proficiency in EPIC or other electronic health record (EHR) systems
- Understanding of HIPAA and patient confidentiality regulations
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data entry
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Ability to communicate effectively with providers, insurance representatives, and other staff
- Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment
Note: This is a limited term, at-will position. Limited Term Employees are assigned to assignments not to exceed three years. They receive medical and dental benefits, similar to regular employees, and a defined contribution retirement plan.
Examples Of Duties
+ Perform difficult, complex, technical, and/or specialized patient services office support and business office support work, which may require the exercise of independent judgment, the application of technical skills, and/or a knowledge of detailed or specialized activities related to the area to which assigned.
+ Research and assemble information from a variety of sources for the completion of forms or the preparation of reports; make arithmetic or statistical calculations related to the billing for patient medical services.
+ Provide information to the public or to County staff regarding fees, insurance coverages, etc., that requires the use of judgment and the application and interpretation of policies, rules or procedures.
+ Interview patients to provide information and obtain necessary financial responsibility and personal data.
+ Collect co-payments, assist with payor and recodes accounts if needed.
+ Type varied materials/processes using a computer; proofread and check such materials for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with departmental policies and regulations.
+ Enter and retrieve data and prepare reports using an on-line or personal computer system; review such reports for accuracy and make corrections as required.
+ Oversee and personally perform a variety of office administrative details such as ordering supplies, arranging for the repair of equipment, transmitting information, and keeping reference material up to date.
+ May train others in work procedures or direct the work of others on a project or relief basis.
+ Check the Patient Access work queues daily to identify accounts that may need immediate attention and resolve them appropriately.
+ To be willing and able to work holidays, if needed, to support the department needs.
+ Perform related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Knowledge of:
+ Medical terminology as related to patient services support work.
+ Policies and procedures related to patient services office support and hospital or clinic business office activities.
+ Office administrative practices and procedures, including filing and the operation of standard office equipment.
+ Basic business data processing principles and the use of word processing or computing equipment.
+ Proper form for typed materials.
+ Business arithmetic, including percentages and decimals.
+ Correct English usage, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.
+ Record keeping principles and procedures.
Skill/Ability to:
+ Perform technical, specialized, complex or difficult patient services office support work.
+ Organize, prioritize and coordinate work activities.
+ Read, interpret and apply rules, policies and procedures.
+ Organize, research and maintain patient and general office files.
+ Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
+ Compose routine correspondence from brief instructions.
+ Make arithmetic calculations with speed and accuracy.
+ Use initiative and sound independent judgment within established guidelines.
+ Operate standard office equipment, including a word processor, personal or on-line computer, and centralized telephone equipment.
Note: Specific positions may require the ability to type at a rate of 40 net words per minute from printed copy.
Education and Experience:
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:
+ One year of journey level office support experience in a patient-services setting.
Application/Examination
This is an Limited-Term recruitment. Anyone may apply. Thorough and detailed responses to the supplemental questions must be submitted in addition to the standard San Mateo County employment application. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required employment application and supplemental questionnaire.
IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply" button. If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org to apply.
Apply immediately. This recruitment is open on a continuous basis and selections may be made at any time within the process.
The department will screen application materials, and they will contact qualified candidates directly for a departmental interview.
About the County
San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.
The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.
The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels.
We invite you to explore our Benefits-at-a-Glance (https://www.smcgov.org/sites/default/files/2025-05/Benefits%20at%20a%20Glance%204.29.25.pdf) page for a snapshot of the comprehensive and competitive benefits available to eligible employees of the County of San Mateo. From health and wellness to financial security, our benefits are designed to support you at every stage of your career. (Please note that benefits are subject to change.)
In addition to core benefits, the County is proud to offer a variety of wellness and professional development programs to help you grow both personally and professionally. Most of these enriching opportunities are available during work hours and come at no cost to you.
As a County employee, you’ll also be covered by the federal Social Security system, earning valuable retirement benefits based on your salary and years of service.
01
IMPORTANT: Applicants for this position are required to submit responses to the following supplemental questions. Your responses will give us additional information about your background and experience related to this position and will be used in the selection process. Be concise and specific. Neatness, clarity of expression, grammar, spelling and ability to follow instructions will be considered in the evaluation process. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for your responses to these questions.
+ I have read and understand these instructions.
02
Please describe your experience performing administrative tasks in a healthcare setting. In your response, include any experience you have with processing authorizations or referrals, working with electronic health record (EHR) systems, and coordinating with healthcare providers or insurance plans.
03
This position requires the ability to manage multiple tasks and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. Please describe a time when you had to juggle several responsibilities at once. What strategies did you use to stay organized and ensure accuracy?
04
Describe a time when you collaborated with other staff members, departments, or external partners to complete a task or resolve an issue. What was your role, and how did your communication and teamwork contribute to a successful outcome? Describe the methods and process you used to be successful. Be specific.
05
How did you learn about this position?
+ County of San Mateo Website
+ County of San Mateo Job Interest Card Notification
+ County Hosted Virtual Event
+ County Hosted Job Fair
+ CalOpps.org
+ College/University Career Center
+ Community-based Organization Posting
+ Facebook/Instagram
+ Friend or Relative
+ GovernmentJobs.com
+ Indeed
+ Job Fair
+ LinkedIn
+ Professional Publication/Website (Please specify in next question)
+ X (formerly called Twitter)
+ Zip Recruiter
+ Other (Please specify in next question)
06
If you answered, "Professional Publication/Website" or "Other" to the above question, please indicate below how you learned about this position. Your response to this question will help us in better marketing County jobs. Type NA if not applicable.
Required Question
Employer
County of San Mateo
Address
County of San Mateo Human Resources Department 500 County Center, 4th Floor Redwood City, California, 94063-1663
Phone
(650) 363-4343
Website
https://jobs.smcgov.org
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