How to Become a Patient Access Representative in Hawaii

Within the healthcare system, patient access representatives play a crucial role in providing essential support to patients undergoing treatment.

These dedicated professionals serve as a bridge between patients and medical staff, offering vital information and valuable emotional assistance throughout the healthcare journey.

The demand for patient access representatives in Hawaii has experienced a significant surge, making this career path both rewarding and financially promising.

Let us delve into the steps required to embark on the journey of becoming a patient access representative in the beautiful state of Hawaii.

1. Complete Your Education

First of all, you have to obtain your high school diploma or a GED.

This is the first major requirement for any job.

The next stop is obtaining an Associate’s Degree which will help you get a better job.

Getting a Bachelor’s Degree is another option for future patient access representatives.

Each degree course has another duration and cost, and each can prepare the candidate for a different career path.

2. Getting a Certification

Hawaii does not require certification for future patient access representatives.

But, you can still choose from one of the following certifications:

• Certified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA)
• Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM)
• Certified Healthcare Access Manager (CHAM)
• Certified Professional Biller (CPB)
• Certified Billing & Coding Specialist (CBCS)
• Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
• Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)
• Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
• Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist (CEHRS)

One certification that holds value is the CHAA certification offered by the National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM).

This certification covers essential topics such as customer service, patient access services, and regulatory standards.

The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) offers two certifications that can enhance your resume – CMAA and CEHRS.

To become certified, you need to enroll in a training program.

3. Professional Experience

Prior experience in areas such as record keeping, data entry, medical software utilization, and billing can provide a significant advantage in pursuing a career as a PAR.

These skills directly contribute to the efficient management of patient information and ensure seamless operations within healthcare settings.

To kickstart your journey toward gaining valuable experience, it is recommended to actively seek employment opportunities or consider volunteering at local hospitals and healthcare facilities.

Training Schools for Patient Access Representatives in Hawaii

Hawaii provides quite a few training programs for future patient access representatives.

I’ll detail these below!

University of Hawaii

This university offers a Health Information Management Program, which has a comprehensive curriculum for a skilled PAR.

The program is part of the university’s Bachelor of Applied Sciences degree.

Admission to the program requires a high school diploma or its equivalent, along with satisfactory performance on entrance exams.

With a focus on flexibility, the program accommodates both full-time and part-time students, allowing them to tailor their schedules to their individual needs.

Internships and practicums will take place both in traditional and non-traditional patient-care settings.

Hawaii Pacific University

While admission to the program requires a high school diploma, prior experience in a healthcare setting is highly appreciated.

This university offers a Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) and a Master of Public Health (MPH) program.

Both programs are accredited.

The Bachelor’s has 2 practicum courses of 120 hours of internship with direct supervision.

The MPH program is offered online though a hybrid option also exists.

The duration of this program is of up to 16 months, and the minimum duration is of 12 months.

Leeward Community College

Recognizing the financial challenges faced by recent high school graduates, Leeward Community College offers valuable student aid options.

Through various financial aid programs, students can access the support they need to pursue their educational goals, setting them on a path to success.

The program at Leeward Community College encompasses 100 instructional hours, providing students with a solid foundation in their chosen field.

With a commitment to convenience, classes are held in person on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm.

This allows students to balance their education and training with other responsibilities.

The course is designed to be completed within a minimum of seven weeks.

Throughout the program, students will acquire vital competencies, including effective communication techniques in a professional healthcare setting.

They will also gain proficiency in utilizing technology to their advantage while employing appropriate skills and tools.

Furthermore, students will develop a solid understanding of medical terminology, treatment procedures, and insurance processes, enabling them to perform entry-level work in their desired field.

Additionally, the course emphasizes the significance of complying with HIPAA regulations and understanding legal issues within the healthcare industry.

Salaries for Patient Access Representatives in Hawaii

If you are wondering how much you can earn as a patient access representative in Hawaii, this depends on various factors.

These factors include experience, education, as well as location.

Usually, the salary for this job is about $53,179 per year.

Have a look at the table below to see what areas offer higher compensation.

Regional Salary in Hawaii

Patient Access Representative by State