Job Description

Pay Range:$25.00 - $30.04
The Imaging Access Specialist is responsible for coordinating all aspects of patient access for diagnostic imaging services, including scheduling, insurance authorization, referral management, and communication with patients, providers, and payors. This position ensures accurate and timely scheduling of imaging appointments while securing required insurance authorizations to support smooth clinical operations and reduce delays in patient care. The role requires a high level of attention to detail, strong customer service skills, and thorough understanding of imaging workflows and payor requirements.

SEARHC is a non-profit health consortium which serves the health interests of the residents of Southeast Alaska. We see our employees as our strongest assets. It is our priority to further their development and our organization by aiding in their professional advancement.

Working at SEARHC is more than a job, it’s a fulfilling career. We offer generous benefits, including retirement, paid time off, paid parental leave, health insurance, dental, and vision benefits, life insurance and long and short-term disability, and more.

Key Essential Functions and Accountabilities of the Job

Scheduling & Patient Coordination

• Schedule diagnostic imaging appointments (MRI, CT, X‑ray, Ultrasound, Mammography, etc.) according to clinical guidelines, modality requirements, and provider priorities.

• Verify patient demographics, insurance, order accuracy, and exam preparation requirements at the time of scheduling.

• Communicate exam instructions, preparation procedures, arrival times, and follow-up needs to patients in a clear and supportive manner.

• Coordinate reschedules and cancellations promptly to optimize imaging department capacity.

Authorization & Payor Coordination

• Review imaging orders and referrals for completeness, accuracy, and medical necessity requirements.

• Obtain prior authorizations from commercial, federal, and tribal payors within required timeframes.

• Track authorization status, update records in the EHR, and notify schedulers, providers, and imaging departments of approvals or denials.

• Resolve authorization issues by working with providers to obtain additional clinical information when needed.

Referral & Worklist Management

• Monitor daily worklists for incoming imaging referrals requiring scheduling or authorization actions.

• Route referrals appropriately to scheduling, imaging, clinical review, or authorization work queues based on workflow standards.

• Identify incomplete or incorrect referrals and coordinate with ordering clinics to obtain missing information.

Customer Service & Communication

• Serve as a primary point of contact for patients, providers, imaging staff, and external partners regarding imaging scheduling and authorization status.

• Provide timely updates and maintain professional, empathetic communication with patients.

• Support imaging departments with schedule planning, add‑on coordination, and workload balancing.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in EHR and patient records.

• Follow HIPAA, organizational, and departmental standards for information handling.

• Stay current on payor changes, imaging authorization requirements, and internal workflow updates.

Performance Metrics

• Turnaround Time: Meet established benchmarks for scheduling and authorization processing.

• Accuracy: Maintain high accuracy in documentation and payer requirements.

• Compliance: Adhere to regulatory and payer standards during audits.

Additional Details:

Education, Certifications, and Licenses Required

• Required: High School Diploma or equivalent.

Experience Required

• Preferred: EHR in a hospital or multi-clinic setting experience.

• Preferred: 1 year of role-related experience or 2 years’ general healthcare experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Understanding of insurance plans, prior authorization processes, and medical terminology.

• Knowledge of Patient Access, Customer Service, Referrals, Authorizations.

• Maintain up to date education and knowledge of Revenue Cycle Operations.

• Proficient using a keyboard and 10 key.

• Proficient in EHR systems and Microsoft Office applications.

• Highly motivated, self-starter.

• Attention to detail and accuracy.

• Strong organizational skills.

• Strong organizational and communication skills.

• Problem solving and decision-making skills.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.

• Ability to collaborate within cross-functional teams.

Other Qualifications

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Strong organizational & time management abilities

• Teamwork

• Proficient in EHR systems

Position Information:

Work Shift:OT 8/40

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!