How to Become a Patient Access Representative:
The Definitive Guide

Call Me By My Name

Yes, you know and love the field by the name of Patient Access Representative.

Other names that can be called out.

Some say Access Representative, Case Manager, Admissions Coordinator, Patient Access Coordinator, Medicaid Service Coordinator (MSC), Patient Access Specialist, Patient Advocate, Patient Resource Worker, Patient Service Representative, and our favorite, Patient Navigator.

Whatever the name, it’s the same game: working as an ambassador of the medical facility and a liaison between patients and paperwork.

Duties

Salary

Let’s talk about remuneration.

A job well done is terrific, and so is the salary.

Patient access representative salaries typically range between $27,000 and $41,000 annually.

So a patient access representative in the US can expect to earn, on average, a salary of $33,603. (That three dollars at the end makes a difference.)

Hourly wages are as high as $23.32 and as low as $11.54; most patient access representatives currently earn between $15.87 to $20.19 an hour in the US.

The average pay range for a Patient Access Representative varies and is based on variables such as geographical location, skill level, years of experience, and certifications.

The field provides many opportunities for advancement and increased salary and responsibility.

Location, experience, education, and skills impact how much a patient access representative can expect to make.

Of course, the more expensive or competitive labor markets provide, as is appropriate, greater significant financial incentives to job candidates.

• Annually
• Monthly
• Hourly

How to Become

Step 1Gain Experience Through On-the-Job Training

It’s a classic problem: You can’t get a position without experience, and you can’t get experience without a job. Most patient access positions seek applicants with at least 1-2 years of work experience.

But wait–there’s a way for applicants to find a way out of the Catch-22 of entering a new profession, in this instance, as a patient access representative.

The enterprising job seeker, you, can gain experience through a part-time job or internship supporting real-world training.

At the same time, you pursue postsecondary education, certificate, training programs, or employment in a field that helps you gain essential skills, for example, in medical billing or customer service.

This type of hands-on experience is an essential part of the career learning process, and it can help applicants identify skills that need improvement or even find areas to focus on in the future.

Step 2Foster Relevant Skills and Qualities

There is more to being a patient access specialist than being an effective and efficient administrator.

Those who are successful in this position generally have the following characteristics:

• Compassion and empathy
• Strong attention to detail
• Dedication to learning
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively
• Flexibility

The best patient access specialists have a spectacular combination of formal education and innate interpersonal skills.

Step 3Consider Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

While a certificate may not, strictly speaking, be mandatory, there are often benefits to acquiring additional certifications and licenses.

For example, the Certified Healthcare Admissions Associate (CHAA) certification provides proof of experience and competencies.

In addition, learning and keeping up with medical advances and learning new skills or challenges make an individual an invaluable asset to the medical office.

Step 4Begin your Career as a Patient Access Specialist

So, the successful patient access specialist candidate successfully met the educational requirements of a high school diploma or GED, sought on-the-job training, perhaps taken a postsecondary education, and earned bonus points for attaining professional certification.

Congratulations on successfully climbing the steps to meeting the goal of gaining a position as a patient access specialist and utilizing education, knowledge, and experience to help those seeking medical attention.

Education

One of the things that makes a career in patient access attractive and attainable is that it demands minimal investment and offers excellent rewards.

Getting started in the field requires a high school diploma/GED, although additional education and experience pay off, as in any profession.

Discover certificate and diploma programs in health care services that are affordable and easily accessible through many vocational schools and community colleges.

Video About The Career

Licensing & Certification

Here are 5 of the most popular certificate programs for advancing in a career as a patient access representative.

Certified Professional Patient Access Representative (CPPAR): The CPPAR program requires at least three years of experience in patient access services and an exam comprising communication skills, customer service, medical terminology, and coding, and the application process is usually completed in six to eight weeks.

Certified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA): The CHAA certification is voluntary.

Applicants: have two years of healthcare industry experience, a high school diploma/GED, and successfully pass the CHAA exam.

Certified Revenue Cycle Representative (CRCR): CRCR certification is open to anyone with at least one year in healthcare or related industry experience.

In addition, applicants need to pass the exam covering medical terminology, reimbursement systems, compliance regulations, and anatomy and physiology.

Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM): Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) is a professional certification program.

Applicants need at least two years as a medical office manager or supervisor in a healthcare setting to complete a NAMOM-approved course on medical office management and pass the CMOM examination.

Certified Patient Account Technician (CPAT): The Certified Patient Account Technician certification requires applicants to have at least two years in patient accounting or have completed an AAPC-approved training program.

The exam covers medical terminology, coding systems, insurance regulations, reimbursement methods, anatomy and physiology, and healthcare compliance.

While relatively few formal degree programs exist, diploma and certificate programs can be found in many technical and junior colleges.

In addition, career training institutions frequently offer programs for patient access.

Coursework in a program usually includes the fundamentals of healthcare, medical terminology, and customer service.

Some programs also deliver preliminary courses in health information technology and healthcare and insurance law.

Consider looking for a program recognized by the major regulatory bodies in your area, and consider finding a program that offers a practicum or internship component, because real-world experience can help with those valuable contacts that can provide references or job leads after completing school.

Average Training Program Duration: 0-6 Months

Popular Programs

Job Outlook

There are many dividends to having a career in patient access.

One of those is job security.

In addition, it provides a solid salary and exceptional job growth for those in the industry.

Health care is a healthy and growing industry.

Be part of it and flourish personally and professionally.

As with most healthcare jobs in the US, the demand for patient access representatives and other careers in the medical field is continually growing faster than employers can fill them.

As a result, the job outlook for the profession is anticipated to grow by 9% between 2020 and 2030, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Employment Growth Projection: 9%

That's a higher than average projected growth of 12,300 jobs.

Patient Access Representative: Interest Over Time

Should You Become a Patient Access Representative

Overall Satisfaction: High

For those who possess the unique skill sets, traits, education, and experience to enter and advance as a patient access representative, it is a fast-paced profession that offers a chance to be part of the medical team while utilizing skills that aid patients in receiving medical care that fulfills their needs.

If you enjoy helping people, are organized, calm, and efficient, and derive personal satisfaction in a vocation that authentically helps individuals, you can put those skills to work as a patient access representative.

Job satisfaction is derived from helping individuals and their families during some of their most trying times.

There is satisfaction in earning a good salary for a job well done and working in the medical community in a critical position that humanizes a medical institution while guiding individuals to make informed medical choices by understanding and completing the necessary paperwork.

And there is satisfaction from mastering complex and interwoven skill sets in ways that make a tangible difference in the world.

Average Salary: Medium

Some might say that one can’t put a price on job satisfaction.

Oh, but you can.

For example, in the US, as of 2023, the salary that a patient access representative pulls down is $33,603 annually.

But, it should be noted that this fluctuates quite a bit based on where the position is located and the skills, experience, educational achievement, competency, and care the applicant brings.

Job Growth Outlook: High

As long as people need healthcare, people will need your skills of compassion, organization, and communication.

Here is a profession where it’s an asset to use a combo of hard and soft skills, skills that command a good salary, respect, and job satisfaction.

Education Duration: 0-6 Months

So, the question on everyone’s mind is, how long do you have to go to school to be cool?

Great query!

It can take only a couple of months for you to go through training.

Personal Skills Needed

• Experience working as a patient representative/customer relations/medical billing.
• Knowledge of medical terms and practices.
• Professional appearance and attitude.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Knowledge of office systems
• Popular programs such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and Access.

Patient Access Representative Information by State

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