Lead Healthcare Access Specialist

About Cooper University Health Care

Cooper University Health Care is a leading academic health system affiliated with Cooper Medical School of Rowan University. Cooper, headquartered in Camden, New Jersey, has revenues of more than $3 billion and an A+ credit rating from both S&P and Fitch Ratings.

Cooper has nearly 14,000 team members, including more than 2,200 nurses, more than 1,200 employed physicians representing 95 specialties and subspecialties, and more than 700 advanced practice providers.

Cooper operates MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper as well as three hospitals – its 663-bed flagship Cooper University Hospital in Camden, its 229-bed Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional in Cape May Court House, and Children’s Regional Hospital in Camden.

Cooper University Hospital in Camden is the only Level 1 trauma center in South Jersey and the busiest in the region. The hospital has been recognized as a top-performing regional hospital by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals annual survey for six years.

More than 2.54 million patients visit Cooper’s facilities annually. Cooper’s ambulatory network encompasses three outpatient surgery centers, seven urgent care centers, a wound care center, and more than 130 physician, physical therapy, and radiology offices extending from the Delaware River to the New Jersey shore.

Cooper was named one of America’s Best Large Employers for 2026 by Forbes, ranking among the top 200 in the nation.

Visit CooperHealth.org to learn more.

The Lead HCA Patient Access Specialist will be responsible for the duties and skills of an HCA Patient Access Specialist.

The Lead HCA Patient Access Specialist plays an essential role in ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for patients navigating the healthcare system. Under supervisory direction, the Lead will help to oversee the operations of the team responsible for Admissions and Insurance Verification. This individual ensures that patients receive timely and respectful service, from registration to insurance verification. Their leadership ensures that the team operates cohesively, maintaining a high standard of accuracy and confidentiality in handling patient information. Through their guidance, the HCA Patient Access Specialist Lead supports not only the operational efficiency of healthcare facilities but also enhances patient satisfaction, making the initial steps of healthcare access as seamless as possible.

The Lead will help with the training and development of the HCA Patient Access Specialist team ensuring new and existing staff are up to date with the latest policies and procedures. They will assist with problem solving and monitoring performance metrics. The Lead will assist in completing audits and quality monitoring of completed accounts.

Knowledgeable of state and federal government funding programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and requirements to satisfy timely notification of rights as it pertains to these programs. Additionally, securing and delivering proper correspondence needed to satisfy those requirements such as CMS IMM, CMS MOON, NJ Observation, and CMS NSA forms.

Uses all modes of electronic insurance verification, RTE, portals such as NaviNet, Availity, PEAR, Notivasphere, insurance verification websites as well as telephonic verification as needed. When appropriate, ensures the payer receives a Notice of Admission on all admissions, scheduled and non - scheduled, within 24 - hours or the next business day. Submits notice of admissions to all payors via electronic portal or fax transmittal as appropriate and timely.

The Lead HCA Patient Access Specialist communicates as appropriate with the physicians, NJ Medical Examiners, the Sharing Network, and Funeral Directors to ensure timely handling of deceased patients. Initiates electronic death record via NJ EDRS.

3-5 years of experience required.

Preferred Experience includes:

• Minimum three years of registration or billing experience working in a medical facility with special considerations.  
• Proficiency in patient registration, scheduling, medical insurance pre-certifications, authorizations, and referrals.
• Epic experience preferred. 

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate's degree preferred.

NAHAM Certified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA) certification preferred.

HFMA Certified Revenue Cycle certifications preferred.

• Excellent verbal and written communications skills required.
• Experienced in use of computers and software applications, i.e., Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, registration, and billing systems required.
• Exceptional customer service and interpersonal skills required
• Proficiency in working with payor on-line portals, i.e., NaviNet, Passport, Availity, and other third-party eligibility systems preferred.