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Patient Access Specialist - Radiation Therapeutic Services
Patient Access Specialist
The Patient Access Specialist role at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center supports the Radiation Oncology department by ensuring patients receive timely, accurate, and compassionate financial clearance and access to care. Radiation Oncology provides advanced, multidisciplinary cancer treatment across main campus, satellite locations, and the Proton Therapy Center, working closely with clinical teams to deliver coordinated and patient-centered care. The Patient Access Specialist is a critical partner in managing the full referral and financial access process for patients receiving radiation services.
The Patient Access Specialist contributes directly to the mission of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center by helping remove financial and access barriers to care through clear communication, accurate insurance verification, and comprehensive financial counseling. UT MD Anderson is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention, and the Patient Access Specialist plays an essential role in creating a positive and informed patient experience. The Patient Access Specialist works collaboratively with patients, providers, and payors to support efficient operations and optimal reimbursement outcomes.
Ideal candidates for the Patient Access Specialist role bring experience in insurance verification, authorizations, and pre-authorization processes, with helpful exposure to coding using ICD10 and CPT codes. CPC certification is beneficial, along with the ability to communicate clearly with patients and payors, analyze insurance benefits, and manage detailed financial information accurately and professionally in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
Minimum $21.88 – Midpoint $27.40 – Maximum $32.93
Why Us?
The Patient Access Specialist role offers an opportunity to directly support UT MD Anderson’s mission by helping patients understand and navigate the financial aspects of cancer care while working alongside a dedicated Radiation Oncology team. This role supports professional growth through exposure to complex payor environments, advanced clinical services, and ongoing learning opportunities, while contributing to a culture that values collaboration, accountability, and compassionate service.
• Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
• Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
• Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.
Responsibilities
Financial Counseling & Patient Communication
• Coordinate financial arrangements with payors to ensure maximum reimbursement for services provided
• Communicate with patients, families, referral sources, payors, and treatment teams regarding financial and access issues
• Provide estimated costs for treatment based on treatment plans and review patient financial responsibility
• Deliver financial counseling including payment options, expected liability, collections, and financial assistance opportunities
• Ensure patients and responsible parties understand all aspects of their financial relationship with UT MD Anderson
• Maintain courteous, respectful, and empathetic interactions at all times
• Document all financial discussions and correspondence accurately and completely
Referral Management & Scheduling
• Manage the referral process for Radiation Oncology, satellite facilities, and the Proton Therapy Center
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary clinics, New Patient Referral, HAL satellites, and Proton Therapy to support timely triage and scheduling
• Ensure accurate collection and ongoing updates of patient demographic information
• Maintain clear communication among clinical teams, referring providers, and other stakeholders regarding appointments
Insurance Verification & Authorization
• Verify insurance eligibility, benefits, effective dates, and network status using institutional and payor systems
• Obtain and document pre-certifications and pre-authorizations within required timeframes
• Interpret contract summaries, provisions, and restrictions for diverse patient populations
• Manage worklists for authorization cases and seek online authorization tools when available
• Document authorization numbers, references, and payor contacts in Epic and radiation systems
• Address clinical trial coverage distinctions between sponsor and insurance responsibilities
Systems, Compliance & Collaboration
• Utilize Epic, MOSAIQ, and other institutional systems to complete duties efficiently and accurately
• Protect confidentiality and integrity of patient financial information in accordance with institutional guidelines
• Collaborate with Patient Access, Managed Care Office, third-party vendors, and internal partners
• Escalate financial clearance issues to appropriate leadership when needed
• Respond to emails, calls, and messages within one business day
Professional Standards & Development
• Promote a positive patient experience through reliable, accountable, and professional conduct
• Maintain positive working relationships with patients, physicians, payors, and vendors
• Participate in training, education, and mentoring opportunities to improve performance
• Perform all other duties as assigned
EDUCATION
- Required: High School Diploma or Equivalent
- Preferred: Associate's Degree Business, healthcare or related field.
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Required: 3 years Experience in healthcare, insurance or related field. or
- Required: 1 year Required experience with preferred degree.
- May substitute required education with additional years of equivalent experience on a one to one year basis.
Preferred: 5 years Business experience in healthcare, insurance, or a multi-specialty physician practice.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
- Preferred: CHAA - Cert Healthcare Access Assoc National Association of Healthcare Access Management. Upon Hire or
- Preferred: CHAM - Cert Healthcare Access Mgr National Association of Healthcare Access Management. Upon Hire
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Must pass pre-employment skills test as required and administered by Human Resources.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.
This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.
It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html
