10 Questions with Jennifer Crowell

After serving in the Navy, traveling extensively and working in healthcare roles in Colorado and Ohio, the patient access manager at Cape Cod Hospital has built a meaningful life and community here while helping shape the patient experience from the very first interaction.

Jennifer Crowell’s path to Cape Cod was anything but ordinary, and her journey into healthcare began in a way she never expected.

After her parents were involved in a serious motorcycle accident, she spent time at the hospital with them—an experience that changed her perspective. “I started paying attention to the people working there and the different roles they played,” she said. “That ended up being the start of my healthcare career.”

Before arriving on the Cape, she worked in Boulder, Colorado, and Cincinnati, Ohio, gaining experience in both financial counseling and patient access. Originally from a small town in Ohio, Crowell also served in the Navy as a young adult and traveled extensively before ultimately finding her way into hospital operations.

Jennifer Crowell, second from left, with patient access team members at Cape Cod Hospital.

Now, as patient access manager at Cape Cod Hospital, she brings a wide-ranging background and a deep appreciation for the human side of the work. When she relocated, she did so without family or friends nearby—just herself and her three lovable cats.

“It was scary, but it was fun,” said Crowell, adding she was looking for a good job and a beautiful place to live. “New job, new role, new team … a whole new part of the country that you’ve never been to, not knowing a soul. You figure it out.”

Since then, she has created both a meaningful life and a community here, with her son, his girlfriend and even her sister now living locally. That same sense of commitment and dedication shapes how she leads her team each day.

Crowell oversees a multifaceted operation, from the Emergency Center to outpatient registration and financial counseling. Her team plays a critical role in identifying high-priority patients and helping individuals understand their financial responsibilities before care begins.

Often the first point of contact, patient access teams help shape the entire care experience—something Crowell emphasizes during daily shift huddles. “We can set the tone for the patient’s entire visit,” she said. “It’s really important that we always practice empathy and respect and professionalism.”

Behind the scenes, her team also coordinates with funeral homes, supports families and manages logistics connected to the hospital’s morgue, which requires sensitivity and compassion.

“I think it’s something that often gets overlooked,” she said. “Everybody just thinks, ‘Oh, it’s just registration.’ But they carry a lot of responsibilities, too.”

Whether she’s exploring the Cape, traveling or spending time at home, Crowell looks for small moments of joy. “It’s just how you look at it,” she said. “I like to find the glimmers … even on a tough day.”

We recently caught up with Crowell at her office at Cape Cod Hospital, where she shared her experiences in the Navy, her path into healthcare and what it was like starting over in a brand-new part of the country.

1. You served in the Navy and traveled extensively when you were younger. How did those experiences shape you?

Joining the Navy was really my way of getting out into the world. I was stationed in places like Chicago, San Diego, Iceland and New Orleans, and I spent a lot of time at sea. It gave me confidence, independence and a real appreciation for new places and new experiences.

2. What was your first-ever job?

My first real job was scooping ice cream at Baskin-Robbins in Lima, Ohio, when I was in high school. Like a lot of people back then, I had also been babysitting for years, but Baskin-Robbins was my first official job. It was fun, fast-paced and definitely taught me how to work with people.

3. What has surprised you the most working in patient access?

Our team is involved in coordinating with the hospital morgue, working with funeral homes, supporting families with questions and helping manage that process behind the scenes. It is not something people typically associate with patient access, but it is an important and very human part of what we do.

4. What has it been like starting over in a brand-new place like Cape Cod?

It was definitely scary at first. I moved here without knowing anyone, which is a big leap. But it has also been exciting and rewarding. Over time, I have started to build a life here. Cape Cod has really started to feel like home. 

Taking in Colorado’s larger-than-life art, the Breckenridge Troll.

5. If you were not working in healthcare, what career would you have pursued?

I would love being a tour guide. I love telling people about places, finding the quirky details and exploring new things.

6. What is something people might be not know about you?

Probably that I've been in the Navy and that I have three disabled rescue cats—Clementine, Gemmie Carter and Ruby—all with their own unique personalities and special needs. Clementine came from a hoarding situation, Gemmie Carter has difficulty walking and Ruby has only one eye. They have lots of personality, keep life interesting and provide plenty of entertainment.

7. After a long day, what is your favorite way to recharge?

I like to drive to the beach and just sit quietly for a while. If it has been a really tough day, I will go somewhere a little farther out, like Herring Cove in Provincetown, where it is peaceful and I can just recenter. Sometimes a little time near the water is all I need.

8. What are you watching on TV lately? 

I love “Schitt’s Creek” and “Love on the Spectrum.” They are both shows I can put on when I want something kind, comforting and easy to enjoy. 

9. What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? 

Two things have always stuck with me: “What you allow will continue,” and “Is it kind? Is it true? Is it necessary?” And then if the answer is no, you don't need to say it. I think about both of these often.

10. What are you most excited about right now outside of work?

I am taking a solo birthday trip to Spain and Morocco this month. I love to travel, and this feels like a fun adventure. I also have a road trip to Nova Scotia coming up, so I have some great things to look forward to.